Deep in the heart of rural Worcester County, just 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ocean City, lies one of Maryland’s Coast’s best kept secrets: Pocomoke River State Park. The towering bald cypress trees along the river’s shorelines, the vastness of the adjacent Pocomoke State Forest, and the rolling expanse of farmland surrounding the region can make you feel a world away from the beach—without traveling more than 30 minutes from the coast!
Pocomoke River State Park is located between Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. The park is divided into two main tracts of land known as Shad Landing and Milburn Landing. Although Shad and Milburn Landings are only about four miles down the river from each other, they sit on opposite sides of the river and driving from one spot to the other can take upwards of 35 minutes. Therefore, it’s important to understand what each landing has to offer, before you visit.
But don’t worry, we’ve broken it all down for you, organized by activities and amenities:
Hiking
Both Shad Landing and Milburn Landing have several opportunities for hiking, varying from a short stroll in the woods, to trails with miles to explore. Shad Landing is most likely known for its “Trail of Change.” This 0.5-mile loop has an extensive boardwalk that meanders through the bald cypress swamp, allowing you to get up close to a wetland habitat that would otherwise be inaccessible.
A comparable trail at Milburn Landing would be the Bald Cypress Nature Trail. This 0.75-mile loop does not have a fancy boardwalk like Shad Landing, but it does have a small dock that extends into the swamp, offering a gorgeous moment of tranquility along the trail.
Aside from short nature trails, both Shad and Milburn Landings are near sections of the Pocomoke State Forest that have many more miles of trails. Most of the state forest trails near Shad Landing are on the opposite side of Route 113, so you’ll need to drive a short distance to reach them. However, there is a pedestrian bridge being constructed across Corker’s Creek, which will provide an easy spot to access the state forest trails without the need to drive. At Milburn Landing, you’ll find a trailhead leading to the 3.7-mile Milburn Landing Loop, as well as a connection to the 12.5-mile Algonquin Cross Country Trail.
Paddling
Canoeing and kayaking on the Pocomoke River is always a must! Many spots are sheltered from the wind, and the undeveloped shorelines help you really connect with nature. While you can launch a kayak or canoe at either Shad or Milburn Landing, Shad Landing is always a favorite amongst the paddling community.
Shad Landing is located at the mouth of Corker’s Creek, a small tributary off the main river. Corker’s Creek is very narrow, minimizing boat traffic and maximizing your chances of spotting wildlife such as migratory birds, owls, otters, and turtles. The creek even creates a 2-mile loop with the river, conveniently marked with directional signage along the way. Shad Landing also offers canoe and kayak rentals during peak paddling season.
Milburn Landing is also a viable paddling option, but there are no narrow creeks nearby to explore, so be prepared to share the river with the occasional boater or gust of wind.
Picnicking
Shad Landing might get the prize for the best paddling, but Milburn Landing offers the best picnicking! Both landings have beautiful picnic shelters (complete with fireplaces!), but the pavilion at Milburn Landing provides the best river views. It is situated on a small hill up from the waterfront and offers an unobstructed vantage point to take in the river sights as you enjoy your potato salad.
Fishing & Boating
Many anglers rave about the fishing along the Pocomoke River. It’s fairly common to catch freshwater fish like largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and pickerel upstream, as well as anadromous fish like striped bass and perch further downstream.
Both Shad Landing and Milburn Landing have boat ramps, but Shad Landing has a small marina, offering daily and seasonal slip rentals. If you just plan to fish from the shoreline, you can do so from both parks, but Milburn Landing has a much larger fishing pier that stretches out into the main river. Shad Landing’s docks are located on Corker’s Creek.
Camping
Campers of all kinds will love staying at Pocomoke River State Park, from primitive tent camping and RV sites, to mini “camper cabins.”
Shad Landing serves as the main hub with 175 campsites, a camp store, electric hookups in select loops, and one- and two-room mini cabins set back in the woods. Pets are allowed in designated loops, and a few loops stay open year-round for winter camping.
Across the river, Milburn Landing offers a quieter, more intimate setting with just 32 campsites. Unlike Shad, the entire Milburn campground is pet-friendly, and its mini cabins sit within walking distance of the water with river views. Please note that Milburn Landing is only open from mid-April to late December.
For a true backcountry escape, the park also manages three primitive sites at Mattaponi Ponds in the surrounding state forest. These hike-in sites lack hookups, water, and restrooms, making them ideal for experienced campers looking to unplug.
Kid-Friendly Activities
When comparing Shad Landing and Milburn Landing through the eyes of a child, Shad Landing will win almost every time. Shad Landing has a modern playground, complete with slides, tunnels, and a bouncy bridge. The large campground offers ample opportunities to safely go for bike rides. Best of all, Shad Landing has a nature center, giving visitors the chance to see some of the wildlife that call the Pocomoke River home.
So next time you’re looking for a new outdoor adventure on Maryland’s Coast, head inland to trade the ocean surf for the quiet forest trails and the bald cypress swamp that’s teeming with wildlife. Pocomoke River State Park offers a peaceful world of outdoor adventure right in the backyard of the busy resort areas. Best of all, there’s no long drive required.
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