I visit Garrett County more than anywhere else in Maryland. It’s probably evident from the amount of posts I have from there. Garrett County is 2.5 hours from my house, a drive I have memorized at this point. So one day, I decided to drive 2.5 hours in the other direction. Instead of being in the westernmost county, I went to Maryland’s easternmost county, Worcester County. I wanted a park similar to my favorite one out west, Savage River State Forest, in order to compare east vs west. So I chose Pocomoke River State Forest.
The two could not be more different. Savage is known for steep mountain sides, rocky cliffs, mountain laurel, and babbling brooks. Pocomoke is equally beautiful, but is characterized by dead flat terrain, sandy soil, and of course, it’s’ namesake slow, calm river.
I decided to hike a trail by the old iron furnace, and my first impression of the land was that I felt like I was back in Florida. Despite being far inland from the Bay or beach, the land was very sandy and the forest was made up of scrubby pines. The trail I was on was mapped out with markers every .1 miles, but later I realized that it’s easy to get lost. There are several criss-cross logging and transport roads that make for fun exploration, as long as you know how to get back. Don’t get lost in the swamp!
I went to Pocomoke in December, yet the leaves were still in peak fall color. That’s because Pocomoke, on the Lower Eastern Shore near the Virginia border, is typically the last place where the leaves change color. Colors tend to start out west in the mountains and make their way across the state, reaching the Lower Shore last. My day had bright bluebird skies, and the beautiful golds and browns made for a wonderful contrast.
The park was nearly empty on account of this being one of the least visited regions of Maryland. Ocean City, Maryland’s most visited tourist getaway, is also in Worcester County, but thousands drive right by Pocomoke. I had the trails all to myself.
Pocomoke State Forest is large, holding many uncommon ecosystems. The bald cypress’ northernmost range is around Pocomoke, adding to the southern Florida feel. My trail in particular started in a typical Chesapeake forest, with sandy soil, thin trees, and a few pines. The trail also took me through former tree farms, with their symmetrical rows of conifers, as well as many swamps. It’s safe to say that a hike in Pocomoke will bring you through many different environments.
I finished my hike along the namesake Pocomoke River. The mouth of the river into the Chesapeake forms the border with Virginia’s finger of the Eastern Shore. Inland, the river is still wide and flowing. It has a higher rate of flow than other rivers like the Choptank and Chester, fast enough that you can see the water calmly flowing by. The water is full of tannins, which leech from leaves and debris in the river, turning the water a sort of tea color. This also adds to the southern feel. Sitting on the bank, I watched carp slap the water surface while a migrating eagle dove for shad. The river is known for good largemouth bass fishing, and is home to a number of other rare species.
Pocomoke State Forest is one of the best examples of why I started Outdoors Maryland. It's places like these that I want people to understand and respect, especially people who would never know these areas exist otherwise. After all, it’s hardly advertised from Route 50. There’s more to our state that just what most people hear about, and I want Marylanders to appreciate that.
Read about Snow Hill, the Worcester County Seat just outside Pocomoke State Forest:
https://www.outdoorsmaryland.net/blog/small-town-history-snow-hill
Comments