Hiking Worcester County Trails Greenways serve as natural corridors that connect parks, forests and other natural areas for the benefit of people and nature. They provide habitat and passageways for wildlife, buffers for fragile waterways and outdoor recreation areas for people. Worcester County nature trails are part of a regional greenway system. These trails are easily accessible, not generally difficult nor exceptionally long. They are "hiker-friendly'' for all ages. Some common sense approaches to relaxed hiking will make your visit a 'happy trails" experience. Wear appropriate shoes. Sandals, bare feet or flimsy canvas shoes may not be suitable. Carry insect repellent in warm weather. Some trails traverse swampy areas where mosquitoes dwell. Ticks may be present as well. Bring back all litter for disposal. Protect the environment and wildlife. Some trails have a brochure available for you to use. Ask at trail headquarters. Take your time, look carefully - you may be surprised at what you see! Worcester County Highlights Worcester County invites you to share not only its natural heritage but also its culture and history... Assateague Island National Seashore - Barrier Island Visitor Center, crabbing, clamming, canoeing, cycling, camping, surf fishing, interpretive programs, birdwatching Berlin - Historic walking tour, Calvin B. Taylor Museum, antiquing Snow Hill - Historic walking tour, Julia E. Purnell Museum, Mt. Zion One Room Schoolhouse Museum, Tillie-the-Tug, canoeing Furnace Town Historic Site Nassawango Iron Furnace - Maryland's only bog ore furnace, museum, company store and picnic area Pocomoke River State Forest & Park Shad Landing - Camping, fishing, marina, pool, picnic areas, nature center and interpretive programs Milbourne Landing - Camping, fishing, boating, picnic areas and playground Pocomoke City Costen House Museum, Cypress Park, canoeing, and docking facilities. The Nature Conservancy's Paul Leifer Trail Furnace Town (410)632-2032 This 1 mile trail, accessible through Furnace Town historic site, winds along Nassawango Creek on boardwalks, through the Nassawango Cypress Swamp, and on the tow path of the Iron Furnace Canal. Site admission to furnace town from April through October. Corker's Creek Black Water Canoe Trail Pocomoke River State Forest & Park Shad Landing (410)632-2566 This 1 ½ mile self-guided canoe trail along Corker's Creek takes approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours to complete. A brochure describing the natural environment along the water route is available, making the adventure educational and informative for the novice or experienced canoeist. Trail of Change Pocomoke River State Forest & Park Shad Landing (410)632-2566 A self-guided trail approximately 1 mile long leads you through old growth forest, which was once farmland, to the cool temperatures of the cypress swamp learn how this forest through time and man's activities has adapted and changed. Brochure available. Pocomoke City Nature & Exercise Trail Cypress Park (410)957-1333 This trail, a total of 4 miles, begins at cypress park and winds around Stevenson's Pond to Winter Quarters Landing, a public boat ramp. The trail is enhanced by several sections of floating boardwalk, exercise stations, a 57 pedestrian bridge, 260 fishing pier, gazebo and canoe launch sites. From the trail, one can view a unique diversity of trees and birds that make this portion of the Pocomoke river so special. A shorter l ½ mile loop may also be hiked. The boardwalk and fishing pier are handicap accessible. Life of the Dunes Trail Assateague Island National Seashore (410)641-1441 This ½ mile trail through soft sand puts visitors in the mood to explore a harsh, desert-like environment. Animal tracks and a wide variety of plants characterize the interesting duneland habitat, trail side exhibits show how salt-laden winds off the ocean naturally prune several plants into unusual shapes. Life of the Forest Trail Assateague Island National Seashore (410)641 -1441 A hard path surface which makes this trail fully accessible, coursed its way past woodland ponds and through ½ mile of diverse shrubs and mature loblolly pines. Exhibits introduce visitors to many forest inhabitants. An observation deck at the edge of the woods offers a breathtaking view of several miles of forest which overlook Chincoteague Bay. Life of the Marsh Trail Assateague Island National Seashore (410) 641-1441 An elevated boardwalk, which makes this trail full accessible, courses it way through ½ mile of Assateague Salt Marshes. Exhibits interpret the importance of this habitat to Barrier Island ecology. Many wetland bird species are usually seen from this trail and an observation deck offers a panoramic view of Chincoteague Bay on Assateague's backside. Goat Island Nature Trail Snow Hill (410)632-2080 View Byrd Park and Snow Hill from one side of this uninhabited island and a typical cypress swamp on the other. This trail is accessible by boat or canoe on the northeast end of the island. As you hike this 1/4 mile trail, glimpse a variety of birds and plant life which change seasonally. Pusey Branch Nature Trail Pocomoke River State Forest & Park Nazareth Church Tract - Old Furnace Road (410)632-2566 This self-guided nature trail is ½ mile long and is complimented by informational signs and exhibits. The trail leads you through pine plantations, mixed pine/hardwood stands and along bottom land hardwoods. Milburn Landing Hiking Trail Pocomoke River State Forest & Park Milburn Landing Area (410)632-2566 This 4 mile trail winds along narrow fire trails and wooded roads through Pocomoke State Forest. Observe managed woodlands and a wide variety of plant and animal life, map available. Bald Cypress Nature Trail Pocomoke River State Forest & Park Milburn Landing Area (410)632-2566 This trail is 1 mile long self-guided glimpse of 3 forest types on the edge of the Pocomoke River: a pine grove, mixed hardwood and bald cypress swamp. Observe these distinct plant communities competing and changing under the influence of the natural environment. Brochure available. Nassawango Creek Canoe Trail Red House Road (410)546-8597 The lower part of Nassawango Creek from Red House Road to the Pocomoke River is an easy paddle for canoeists or kayakers. Over 3,000 acres along Nassawango Creek have been preserved by the Nature Conservancy, which makes this 2 ½ mile ride bordered by bald cypress forests a beautiful one. For a shorter trip - 1 ½ miles - take out at Nassawango Road. Pointers Crossing to Snow Hill Canoe Trail Pointers Crossing Road (410)632-3971 This 5 ½ mile canoe trail on the Pocomoke River is relatively narrow and easy to paddle. Cypress trees, reeds and other still water plants line the dark waters and decorated the scenery. Heron, egrets and turtles are often seen wading in the river's swampy beaches. The densely wooded banks provide a cool shade canopy overhead. Other trails in Worcester County: Viewtrail 100 A 100 mile bicycle trail through rural Worcester County Beach to Bay Indian Trail. A self-guided driving tour from the Atlantic Ocean to the Chesapeake Bay ties together people, parks, historic sites and natural areas. The trail has been designated as the only National Recreation Trail in the state of Maryland. Assateague Berlin Bicycle Trail A 9 mile trail interpreting the history and landscape of the area. Assateague Island National Seashore Route 611 7206 National Seashore Lane Berlin, Maryland 21811 (410) 641-1441 Pocomoke River State Forest & Park Milburn & Shad Landings U.S. Rt. 113 3461 Worcester Highway Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 (410) 632-2566 Worcester County Tourism 105 Pearl Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 (410) 632-2617 (800) 852-0335 For Canoe Rentals and Portage Service on the Pocomoke River, Call: Pocomoke River Canoe Company Snow Hill (410) 632-3971 Shad Landing Concessions Snow Hill (410) 632-2416 Cypress Park Canoe Company Pocomoke City (410) 957-0858