[Pocomoke River State Forest and Park Trail Guide]
Pocomoke River State Forest and Park
Trail Guide
Biking * Camping * Hiking * Paddling * Fishing
With over 15,000 wooded acres on Maryland's lower Eastern Shore, this State Forest and Park is well known for cypress swamps that border the Pocomoke River.The Pocomoke, a Native American word meaning "black water," offers flat water paddling and excellent fishing opportunities. The river originates in the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware and flows southwesterly 45 miles to the Chesapeake Bay. The park also features hiking and biking through towering loblolly pine forests with interpretive learning opportunities.

The Pocomoke's Heritage

The Pocomoke River Swamp is 30 miles long by one-half to two miles wide. The river has historically been a major influence on the inhabitants of the region. Native Americans used the river as a conduit for travel and trade as did early colonists moving inland from settlements on the Chesapeake Bay. They harvested fish and lumber and mined for iron ore in the soils of the cypress swamp. During the Civil War, the Pocomoke River was believed to be part of the Underground Railroad as escaped slaves hid deep in the swamp during the day and made their way north at night.

Wildlife and Nature Appreciation

Because of climate and drainage, a variety of plant life more prevalent further south, such as bald cypress, Atlantic white cedar and black gum trees are found in Pocomoke River State Forest and Park. Along the river, blooming cardinal flower, wild iris and water hibiscus abound. Further inland and upland, yellow poplar, sweet gum, loblolly pine and several species of oak dominate the landscape. This forest habitat supports whitetail deer, turkey, river otter and other species of small mammals. Bird watching is very popular as many species of warblers, including the bright yellow prothonitary warbler, frequent the area during their spring migration.

Camping

Shad Landing has 192 campsites, including the camp loops at Robins Nest and Water's Edge, which remain open for the winter. Milburn Landing has 32 campsites. All campsites are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Centrally located bathhouses have hot showers, flush toilets and a laundry tub. All types of camping units are welcome. Some campsites have electric hookups. Two dumping stations are available for sewage for potable water. There are eight camper cabins located at Shad Landing and four at Milburn Landing. Cabins are available for rental from April through mid-December. All sleep four comfortably and are equipped with heat and electric.

To make pavilion and camping reservations spring through fall, call Park Reservations year-round at 1-888-432-2267. Or, make your reservations on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us

Pets on a leash are permitted only in the Milburn Landing Area.

Land Trails

Please Play Safe!
Pocomoke's trails are mostly level and easy paths. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.

  • Pusey Branch Nature Trail .5 mile - easy (no blaze)
    Interpretive signs compliment this self-guided nature trail. This trail passes through pine plantations, mixed pine and hardwood forest and along bottomland hardwoods. The Pusey Branch is a tributary of the Pocomoke River.

  • Milburn Landing Trail 4.5 miles - easy
    This loop trail winds along narrow fire trails and wooded roads. Managed woodlands and a wide variety of plant and animal life may be observed. The trail follows the edge of the Pocomoke River Wildland and allows visitors to experience the solitude of the bald cypress swamp. No bicycles are permitted in the Wildlands portion of the trail, which is east of Nassawango Road.

  • Trail of Change .7 mile - easy (no blaze)
    Hence the name, this trail leads you through a mature forest, which was once farmland, and on to the cool temperatures of the cypress swamp. Learn how this forest through time has adapted to natural and manmade change. No bicycles permitted.

  • Bald Cypress Nature Trail 1 mile - easy (no blaze)
    Meandering through uplands and swamps, this hike offers a glimpse of three forest types, a grove of pines, mixed hardwoods and a bald cypress swamp. Interpretive waysides describe the natural plant communities. No bicycles allowed.

  • Tarr Tract Bicycles Trails 4.5 miles - easy (yellow 2 miles, green 1.8 miles, blue .7 mile)
    This wooded double-track trail takes you through various forest types, including managed woodlands. This trail is a beginner level off-road biking experience. Several loops exist to allow shorter outings, or follow the dirt road to the river and bring a picnic lunch.

  • Hudson Tract Trails no blaze
    Available for self-discovery, the Hudson Tract Trails are within the forest boundaries. These fire access roads are open to the public for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.

River Appreciation

Anglers and paddlers can enjoy the many opportunities for water recreation that Pocomoke has to offer. The Shad Landing Marina provides boat slips with potable water and electric access, a lighted dock area and fuel. Fishing is popular for largemouth bass, yellow perch, white perch, blue gill, chain pickerel and striped bass. For more information about fishing in Maryland visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries

There are a multitude of long and short paddling trips on the Pocomoke River. Suitable for canoes or kayaks, the flat, tidal river provides a unique, close-up view of the cypress swamp for paddlers of all abilities. Tidal range in the river sometimes exceeds three feet and the currents can run as fast as two knots. Rowboats and canoes are available for rental in the park or in nearby Snow Hill.

  • Corkers Creek - Blackwater Canoe Trail 2 miles (1-1.5 hours)
    This self-guided canoe trail along Corker's Creek and the Pocomoke River can be completed in under two hours. Paddlers are immersed in the sites and sounds of the cypress swamp. Following the edge of the designated Pocomoke River Wildland, the creek is an ideal area for viewing wildlife, such as the prothonitary warbler and the river otter. Flowering plants make the trip picturesque April through October. The tranquil flat water of the Pocomoke River is adventurous and educational for the novice or experienced paddler. A laminated version of the Corker's Creek Canoe Trail Guide is available for your use at the Pocomoke River State Park Office.

  • Shad Landing to Porter's Crossing 10.5 miles
    This upriver paddle on the Pocomoke meanders past the small town of Snow Hill and on to a more wild and remote stretch of the river. Large clusters of pilings are all that remain of a dock for large barges, reminding visitors of the river's past importance for water transportation. On the left side of the river is the mouth of Nassawango Creek, where more paddling opportunities are found. Above Snow Hill, the river continues to narrow, eventually making turning around difficult. Approximately 5.5 miles above Snow Hill, paddlers reach a bridge at Porter's Crossing, which provides the room needed for turning and also an opportunity for taking out. This trip can also be run in the opposite direction from Porter's Crossing to Shad Landing. Be sure to check the tide and wind conditions when planning your trip and have two cars or arrange for a shuttle. Travel time varies due to tide, wind and current conditions. For tide information, visit DNR's website at: www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries

  • Shad Landing to Milburn Landing 4.5 miles
    From the Shad Landing boat launch facility, paddlers can access more of the Pocomoke by going downriver to Milburn Landing. This particular paddle can be a birdwatcher's delight. A bald eagle may slip from its perch upon your arrival and guide you downriver. Cormorants and mallards frequent the river, as well as, the occasional kingfisher. Be sure to check the tide and wind conditions when planning your trip and have two cars or arrange for a shuttle. Travel time varies due to tide, wind and current conditions.

    For more information on paddling routes on the Pocomoke River contact the park or call Worcester County Tourism at 1-800-852-0335 for interpretive paddling guides.

Paddling Safety Tips

  • Always wear your lifejacket when on the river
  • Paddle with others if possible
  • When paddling in wind, stay close to shore
  • If air or water temperatures combined total less than 120 degrees, wear a wetsuit

The American Canoe Association advocates for paddler safety, clean water, the preservation of natural resources and paddler access to our waterways. For more information on paddling trip preparation and safety tips visit www.acanet.org or call 703-451-0141.

Guides and Outfitters

To obtain information about guides and outfitters in the region, contact the park office at 301-632-2566. For self-guided hiking and paddling itineraries at Pocomoke River State Forest and Park, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures

Leave No Trace

While you are enjoying the park, please help us protect its natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. Leave No Trace logo
  • Leave what you find. Allow others to discover the park's unique resources by leaving rocks, plants, cultural artifacts and other natural objects of interest as you find them.
  • Keep wildlife wild by not feeding them and keeping your distance.
  • Choose the right path by walking single file on designated trails. Shortcutting causes erosion, degrades natural beauty, replaces native plants with weeds and disturbs wildlife.
  • Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit: www.lnt.org

Directions

Pocomoke River State Forest and Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Please report any problems to a park employee or call Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275.

Directions to Shad Landing:

  • From Virginia or points south: Follow Route 13 north to Pocomoke City, Maryland. Take exit for Route 113 north and follow approximately nine miles. Turn left into Shad Landing.
  • From Salisbury: Follow Route 13 south from Salisbury to the Snow Hill exit (Route 12 south). Stay on Route 12 for 18 miles until you reach the traffic light in Snow Hill. Turn right onto Market Street. Market Street will merge into Route 113 south. Shad Landing is on the right.
Directions to Milburn Landing:
  • Take Route 13 south from Salisbury to traffic light at Dividing Creek Road (Route 364). Turn left and follow Route 364 to Milburn Landing entrance.

Pocomoke River State Forest and Park
3461 Worcester Highway
Snow Hill MD 21863
410-632-2566
E-mail: Park-Pocomoke@dnr.state.md.us
TTY users call via the MD Relay

This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale from Pocomoke River State Forest and Park headquarters by calling 410-632-2566.

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