When imagining the walking trails of Maryland’s Coast, images of the Ocean City boardwalk or windswept marshes of Assateague probably come to mind. Or maybe the feeling of strolling the beach and feeling the sand between your toes. Maryland’s Coast certainly has some iconic places to go for a walk, but if you’re willing to venture inland just a tiny bit, you’ll soon discover some lesser-known walking trails, perfect to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature.
We’ve rounded up our top picks for short jaunts in the wilderness, all a mile or less in distance. For longer distance hiking trails, be sure to read about hiking in the state forest.
Cypress Park | Pocomoke City
Meander a half mile trail of boardwalks and unique footbridges through the bald cypress swamp adjacent to Pocomoke City’s historic downtown. The trail itself, known as the Pocomoke Nature & Exercise Trail, follows the riverfront town dock and turns into the forest as it passes under the Route 13 overpass. The trail ends near Winter Quarter Drive, where there’s fishing access and an ADA-accessible kayak launch. Be sure to combine your walk with a visit to the Delmarva Discovery Museum and a bite to eat at Dockside.
Trail of Change | Pocomoke River State Park
This little half mile loop at Pocomoke River State Park’s Shad Landing will quickly whisk you away into an immersive stroll through the bald cypress swamp. The wooden boardwalk provides easy and comfortable access into an ecosystem that is otherwise difficult to traverse - your feet will stay dry in the damp landscape! Be sure to listen for the calls of Ovenbirds, Prothonotary warblers, Red-bellied woodpeckers, and other migratory songbirds along the way. It’s also quite common to see a Northern water snake basking on a log nearby, but not to worry worry, these snakes are harmless and nonvenomous.
Nassawango Creek Preserve | Snow Hill
The Nature Conservancy oversees and manages almost 10,000 acres of what they refer to as “one of the last pieces of true wilderness left on the East Coast.” The Nassawango Creek Preserve consists of several tracts of land across Worcester and Wicomico Counties. It encompasses old growth forests and forms an important wildlife corridor for a variety of neotropical migrant bird species. Maryland’s Coast is home to three walking trails within the preserve: the Prothonotary Birding Trail, the Nassawango Joe Trail, and the Paul Leifer Trail.
Ilia Fehrer Nature Preserve | Berlin
Another short walk in nature is located just a short drive from downtown Berlin. The Ilia Fehrer Nature Preserve is located off Sinepuxant Road and is managed by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. This property currently has a short trail that leads through the maritime forest down to the surrounding wetlands of Ayers Creek. More trails will be constructed here in the future.
Rackliffe Trail | Assateague State Park
If you’re visiting Assateague Island, make sure you don’t miss the only trail on the mainland, the Rackliffe Trail. Beginning behind the visitor center, this trail starts out with a stunning tree tunnel amongst the bayberry and marsh elder shrubs, ultimately leading to the historic 18-century Rackliffe House. But the trail doesn’t end there, it picks up again across the lawn and continues into a forest of loblolly pines and ends at Assateague State Park’s aviary. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of their resident Red-tailed hawks.
Herring Creek Nature Park | West Ocean City
We might be spoiling a locals’ favorite by sharing this one, but Herring Creek Nature Park is a gem of a park located in West Ocean City. This park has a walking loop that is about 0.75 miles in length. It passes through loblolly pine forests, wraps around meadows full of pollinators, and even provides glimpses of the wetlands along Herring Creek.
Ocean Pines Trails | Ocean Pines
The community of Ocean Pines might feel like a sea of houses and a labyrinth of side roads, but unbeknownst to many visitors, it also has a few walking trails that will still make you feel surrounded by nature. While there are several trails in different parts of the neighborhood, the most scenic trail is located at White Horse Park. This trail begins near the community center, leads down to the boat ramp on Beauchamp Road, and then continues on through the woods to the waterfront.
Fiesta Park | Ocean City
If you’re staying in Ocean City and need a quick escape into nature without leaving town, head on over to Fiesta Park off of 131st Street. This little pocket of green space is dominated by tall pine trees, providing ample shade and the perfect spot for children to explore. It even has a picnic pavilion and restrooms available.
Grey’s Creek | Bishopville
The Grey’s Creek Nature Park is located so close to Delaware that you actually have to drive through a piece of Delaware to get to it! This park has a 1-mile loop through the maritime forest, but what’s unique about this spot is the views of the Ocean City skyline! You may need to stand on the bench to see it, but you can gaze out over the wetland grasses and shrubs, across the Assawoman Bay, and see the high rises of North Ocean City.
These lesser-known walking paths offer a refreshing perspective on Maryland’s Coast, providing a quiet escape for a morning stroll or a midday retreat from the summer heat. Beyond the famous sand and surf lies a world of shaded pine forests, ancient cypress swamps, and tranquil river views. Taking the time to explore inland reveals that the true spirit of the coast is often found just a few steps off the beaten path.
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