Maryland’s Coast should be on every paddler’s bucket list. The diversity of habitats, ecosystems, and waterways that exist in such a small region is sure to keep any paddler busy exploring all season long. From kayaking the Assawoman Bay with views of the Ocean City skyline, to the vast wilderness of Nassawango Creek and the surrounding Old-Growth Forest, Maryland’s Coast has a little bit of everything.
While this guide is by no means a complete comprehensive list of places to paddle, we’ve included our top picks, including the iconic scenery of Ocean City and Assateague Island, as well as quiet hidden gems that are off the beaten path.
Ocean City Skyline
The waterways surrounding the resort of Ocean City make for a boater’s paradise, dominated by powerboats and jetskis. Boat traffic is at its peak in the summer which can be intimidating for paddlers, but there are a few places to launch a kayak or paddleboard and still enjoy some tranquility on the water.
Northside Park is a great spot to paddle. During peak season, there are kayak rentals available near the crabbing pier and the water is shallow, so few boats will be in your way. If you bring your own paddlecraft, be sure to bring a cart, as the launch is about 0.2 miles from the closest parking area.
To really get a glimpse of Ocean City’s skyline, head to Isle of Wight Nature Park, located right off Route 90 between the Assawoman Bay and the St. Martins River. Stay close to the shorelines to avoid boat traffic, and then spend some time exploring the marshes on either side of the peninsula. There are several sandy beaches where you can stop for a picnic, or just take in the views.
Assateague Island
No paddling trip to Maryland’s Coast is complete without a stop at Assateague Island National Seashore. This wild barrier coastline has several places to launch on the bayside of the island that offer some world-class birding opportunities and the chance to see the world-famous wild horses.
Seeing horses peacefully grazing in the marsh from the seat of your kayak is a view the majority of island visitors don’t get to see. Most visitors spot the horses meandering alongside—and sometime in the middle of—BayBerry Drive. Other times they’ll be seen being a nuisance in the campground and on the beach, finding ways to get into a picnic basket or cooler.
But when you’re floating through the marsh creeks of the bay and, away from the crowds and traffic on land, seeing the horses unbothered by human visitors, it can feel as though you and the horses are the only living beings around for miles.
Kayak rentals are available through Assateague Outfitters, or launch your own from Old Ferry Landing.
Ocean Pines Water Trails
The community of Ocean Pines has five places to launch along Manklin Creek and the St. Martins River. All amenities within Ocean Pines are open to the public. In fact, they even have their own water trail map on their website, complete with points of interest, picnic areas, and suggested routes marked by difficulty level.
Pocomoke River & Nassawango Creek
If you need a break from the saltwater, traffic, and crowds of park visitors, it’s time to take a trip to the Pocomoke River, just a 30-min drive from the resort area. The Pocomoke River and its feeder tributary, Nassawango Creek, offer a distinctive contrast from the coast. Surrounded by mostly State Forest lands and a Nature Conservancy property, this river is an extremely important wildlife corridor along the Atlantic Flyway. The shorelines are dominated by giant bald cypress and black gum trees, some of which are within designated Old Growth Forests.
The Pocomoke River runs right through two historic towns: Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. Both towns have charming downtown historic districts, offering several dining and shopping options when you’re finished paddling. The Pocomoke Canoe Company, located in Snow Hill, offers kayak rentals and a shuttle service if you’re looking for a one-way adventure. Pocomoke City is home to the Delmarva Discovery Museum, a small museum with high-end exhibits and live animals, that tell the story of the river and the surrounding region’s history, culture, and natural resources. From the Indigenous Peoples exhibit to steamboats, working waterfronts, and river otter exhibit, the Delmarva Discovery Museum has something for everyone.
Marsh Creeks Off-the-Beaten-Path
If you’re itching to explore salt marsh creeks that are off the beaten path, head to either Mason Landing on Marshall Creek, or the water trails of the E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area.
Marshall Creek winds back and forth several times before opening up to Newport Bay. Bald eagles and Green herons are frequent sightings along the creek itself, and when you make it to the open Bay, keep your eyes open for American oystercatchers, Double-crested cormorants, Great egrets, and Osprey.
The E.A. Vaughn water trails can be accessed from either Taylor’s Landing or George’s Island Landing. The best time to explore these trails is at high tide; that way you’re able to navigate some very narrow creeks that are packed with wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Guided Paddling Excursions
While there are several places to rent kayaks and paddleboards throughout Maryland’s Coast, going out with an experienced guide can make all the difference in what you do, where you go, and what wildlife you get to see. Book a guided trip at Assateague through Assateague Outfitters. If you want a guided experience off the beaten path, W.H. Peters Outdoor Adventures will take small groups all over Maryland’s Coast.
Maryland’s Coast offers a world of exploration, from the salt marshes of the coastal bays to the cypress-lined Pocomoke. We hope you’ll use this paddler’s guide to Maryland’s coast to inspire your next adventure and experience the region's diverse ecosystems from the best vantage point possible: the water.
Modal title