Mark’s Score 8.8
I have been on a mission to visit less well-known and therefore, less frequented trails. I have even been willing to brave the reportedly haunted trails on the shores of the Pocomoke River. The Pocomoke Nature Trail, is reportedly one of these haunted trails.
There are a multiple number of nature trails along the Pocomoke River. The Pocomoke Nature Trail is maintained by Pocomoke City and begins in Cypress Park at the foot of the Market Street Bridge. The trail was built incrementally as part of the larger Cypress Park waterfront recreational area. The trail now extends from Cypress Park, following the river under the Rte 13 bridge, winding its way through a cypress swamp and ending at the Winter Quarters Landing. The entire trail is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers).
Pocomoke City would not be on anyone’s top tourist destination list. It is yet another rural American town in long-term decline. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing to see or do, and the Pocomoke Nature Trail is part of the story of Pocomoke City’s attempt at revival. The revival focuses on its main asset, the Pocomoke River.
I had been to Cypress Park many times but I had never walked this trail. To be honest, I had no idea the trail existed until recently. On this particular day, it was once again cold and wet, the Delmarva Discovery Museum was still closed, and Dockside had not yet opened. So, I had the park and trail all to myself. The trail follows the river’s edge for a good length, and given the gloomy weather and the fact that I was alone, I secretly hoped that the legend of the ghostly screaming woman and baby was just that, a legend.
In spite of my trepidation, the walk started pleasantly enough. The trailhead is at the foot of the bridge, which in my opinion is the prettiest bridge on the peninsula. The trail follows the river boat slip. On this day there were several pleasure craft docked on the slip. The trail takes you past a playground and then under the Rte 13 bridge. You then follow a wooden pathway through a cypress swamp. The trees and vegetation close in on you, and on both sides of the trail is black water and mud. It is all too easy to understand why people claim these forests are haunted. But the subtle beauty of the place soon lifted my spirits. Especially since the trail was dotted with wild flowers.
Eventually the trail brings you to another park on the west side of Rte 13. You can retrace your steps back to the parking lot, but I chose to cross Rte 13 and walk back to my car through a charming section of downtown.
This trail demonstrates why going off the beaten tourist path on the Delmarva is worth the effort. There is a subtle beauty to this place that can be easily missed. But if you take a little time to explore you will be richly rewarded.
What else is there to do in Pocomoke City?
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