Mark’s Score 8.7
The cold wet weather that lingered into March and April had induced a strong case of cabin fever in me. On the first sunny spring day I jumped into my car and drove down to Pokomoke River Shad Landing State Park for a hike in the marshlands. I love this park. I think the Pokomoke River and its marshlands are mystical. The marshlands are what I imagine Fangorn Forest (from Lord of the Rings) would look like. In fact, local folklore claims that the forest is haunted. There are ghostly tales of strange lights, hooked handed men, beheaded boyfriends, and jilted murderous husbands. Hikers in the forest have reported “being touched,” hearing loud screams, and seeing flaming orbs in the sky. The gnarled twisted trunks and roots only adds to the otherworldly feel of the forest.
The Pokomoke River State Park offers many recreational features. There are camping sites, if you are brave enough to spend the night in a haunted forest. There are multiple hiking trails both along the river’s edge and in the forest. There is a marina where you can dock your boats, as well as a boat ramp. Or if you don’t have a boat you can rent a canoe or kayak at the general store. The nature center in the park has live animal exhibits, artwork, and a collection of flora fauna, and fossils. If you have forgotten provisions there is a general store in the park. There are also several playgrounds and a pool.
In my view, the best thing about the park is its relative obscurity. I have been to this park many times in all seasons, it has never been crowded. Perhaps it’s the ghosts, or maybe it is the fact it is tucked away in a far corner of the state, whatever the reason, I appreciate the bucolic unspoiled ambiance of this park.
On my last visit I decided to hike the Trail of Change nature trail. This is one of my favorite trails in the park as it winds through an especially mystical section of the marshlands, through a cypress forest on the water’s edge, offering some excellent river views. As it was early in the season, I had the park to myself, save for the work crews preparing the trails for the summer tourists. They were laying some new wooden walkways, requiring me to take several detours which made the experience all the more adventurous.
I have to say that I have never felt a ghostly presence when walking through this forest. But I have to admit that there are sections that look spooky. I can see why people might say it is haunted. Ghosts or no, I am certain of this, the natural beauty of this park makes it well worth a visit.
What else is there to do in Snow Hill?
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