The Pocomoke River Maryland's First Wild & Scenic River Geography The Pocomoke originates in the Great Cypress Swamp on the Maryland-Delaware border and flows 55 miles through Maryland before it empties into the Pocomoke Sound at the Chesapeake Bay. Its total length is 73 miles. About 400 feet wide below Snow Hill, the depth of the Pocomoke ranges from 7 to 45 feet, averaging about 15 feet. Its tea color, characteristic of cypress swamps, comes from tannic acid in the roots and decaying leaves of trees and plants that line its banks. History History flows in the deep, amber waters of the Pocomoke River. Local tradition says that the word Pocomoke is an Indian word that means Black water. Modern scholars attribute the word to Algonquin-speaking tribes whose name for the river meant pierced or broken ground. Shipbuilding, brick manufacturing, the smelting of iron from bog ore found in the swamps along the Pocomoke, and the shipping of tobacco and lumber flourished throughout the late 1700s and early 1800s. Pocomoke City and the county seat, Snow Hill, were the principal developments along the river. Through the years, deserting Union and Confederate troops, underground railroaders, bootleggers and smugglers, all found refuge in the brackish streams and cuts beneath the tall cypress covered with trailing vines. Flora & Fauna More than 27 species of mammals, 29 of reptiles, 14 of amphibians and 172 of birds have been seen in the wetlands bordering the river. Some ornithologists describe this area as one of the best environments for bird life on the Atlantic coast. Pileated woodpeckers and prothonotary warblers frequent the swampy woodlands while bald eagles are often spotted over the open river. There are at least 72 families of plant life that have been identified in the Pocomoke River wetlands, part of the northernmost range of the bald cypress. Cypress are recognized by strange knees which protrude from the water. The knees are thought to deliver oxygen to the root system and are best developed in trees that are subject to periodic high water or permanent flooding. Family Activities The Pocomoke River region offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, camping, canoeing, hunting, as well as river cruises. Scenic roads crisscross the river. Swimming in the river, however, is not recommended because of strong currents and deep channels. The Pocomoke River State Forest and Park (including Milburn and Shad Landing Areas) and the Pocomoke River Wildlife Management Area are favorite haunts for nature studies and birdwatching. Nature lovers can follow the Paul Leifer boardwalk trail through the cypress swamp at Furnace Town, visit the Nassawango Creek Nature Preserve, walk the Pusey Branch Nature Trail, enjoy the floating boardwalk of the Pocomoke City Nature & Exercise Trail, or hike the marked trails at Shad and Milburn Landing Areas. Picnicking, fishing and boating are available year-round at Shad and Milburn Landing Areas.Campgrounds at both areas are open from April through November. Shad is the larger facility,with a marina, a commissary, a washhouse, a snack bar, and rowboat and canoe rentals, all open May through October. In addition, there is a public swimming pool at Shad and a Nature Center with summer programs and outdoor education activities. Fishing Amateur, novice and expert fishermen will find the tidal Pocomoke uniquely challenging. Yellow and white perch, eel, gar, sunfish, pickerel, catfish, crappie, bluegill, herring, spot croakers, bluefish and largemouth bass will tease and taunt the best of the rod'n'reelers. Certain areas of the river banks have been designated as Free Fishing Areas where no Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License is required. The free fishing areas include only the river banks where so marked. Fishing from a craft requires a license. Tides The Pocomoke is a tidal river, with up to a three-foot rise and fall. Visitors to the area can learn from local media what the tides are at Crisfield. High tides in Pocomoke City run two hours later than in Crisfield, and at Snow Hill 3« hours later. Tides are affected by weather conditions, so these estimates are subject to variation. Accurate, timely weather information is broadcast on NOAA VHF-FM weather station, KEC-92 at 162.475 MHZ. Celebrate The River! Annual Events Revolutionary War Encampment- Furnace Town, April. Living history, skimmishes, musters, history, food. Pear Tree Festival - Pocomoke City, early May. Ducks, carvers, crafts, food. Pocomoke River Canoe Challenge - Mid-May. ACA sanctioned endurance race. Cypress Festival - Pocomoke City, June. Entertainment, rides, games, tug-of-war, food. Pocomoke Arts & Crafts Festival - Pocomoke City, late July. Area artists and craftspersons, food. Worcester County Fair - Snow Hill, 2nd weekend in August. Exhibits, livestock show and auction, dancing, food, fun, demonstrations, talent. Pocomoke River Canoe Jousting - Snow Hill, 1st weekend in August. Heritage Weekend - Snow Hill, late September. Antiques, walking tours. Pocomoke City Christmas Parade - Pocomoke City, last Monday night in November. Largest nighttime parade on the Eastern Shore. 19th Century Christmas Service - Furnace Town, mid-December. Old-fashioned Christmas service by candlelight. Victorian Christmas - Snow Hill, mid-December. Victorian Christmas at the Julia A. Purnell Museum, displays, refreshments. Christmas at Costen House - Pocomoke City, 2nd Sunday in December. Christmas cheer in an elegant Victorian setting.