If you are looking for hiking Eastern Shore hiking trails, you have many to choose from! The trails in this area have unique wildlife and are made for birding, hunting, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and lots of hiking.
Many visitors come to the Eastern Shore because of the beautiful and scenic marsh lands in the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area. This area covers over 13,500 acres in the western part of Somerset County and includes forested wetlands and a man-made pond. It is one of the best places in Maryland to hunt and watch waterfowl, including many varieties of geese and ducks.
However, Deal Island Wildlife Management Area is not the only place for fantastic hikes.
We met with Somerset Trail Mix, an excellent place for those who want all the details on hiking, biking, walking, golfing and paddling opportunities in Somerset County, Maryland. Anyone looking to get active in the area can easily find information about all the incredible trails and parks already in place here. Want more? Check out 6 Eastern Shore hiking trails that will get your heart pumping.
6 Eastern Shore Hiking Trails
1. Assateague Island Bike Path Distance: 4 miles State: MD
This multi-use paved trail is in the Assateague Island State Park, on the remote Assateague Island. The area is known for its natural beauty and sandy beaches. However, it’s the herds of wild ponies that can be found here that make this place almost otherworldly. Visitors using the trail can sometimes come across the ponies right on the path or on an adjacent road. Though it is tempting, it is illegal to touch them so visitors need to keep their hands to themselves. They should also watch out for manure piles left behind by the ponies. This is one of the Eastern Shore hiking trails that genuinely offer so much more than just a place to walk.
2. Point Lookout Distance:13.9 miles State: MD
Point Lookout is a peninsula that juts out between the rushing Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the few places where visitors can catch a view of both majestic bodies of water at once. This nearly 14-mile trail was cleared in the 1800s for a planned railroad line that never materialized. This is why this trail is also called the Point Lookout Railroad Trail. The Point Lookout State Park covers over 1000 acres. Visitors can camp, swim, boat, fish, and hike. There are also quaint cabins available for nightly rentals and a visitor center that includes a Civil War museum.
3. Easton Rails-to-Trails Distance: 2.5 miles State: MD
The Easton Rails to Trails path runs 2.5 miles starting in southern Easton on Dutchmans Lane to the vast sports complex at North Easton Park. Opened in 1998, this trail is a must-do for both visitors and locals. Running right through the historic downtown of beautiful Easton, this easy walking path offers convenient access to stores, restaurants, and other amenities in the town. Don’t miss the original railroad depot at the halfway point that has been converted to a visitors center and local museum.
4. Marshyhope Hike and Bike Trail Distance: 2.5 miles State: MD
The Marshyhope Hike and Bike Trail is a multi-use path that begins as a gravel path in Federalsburg, Maryland. It heads north through a beautiful natural area along the edge of Marshyhope Creek. This is one more of the Eastern Shore hiking trails where visitors can find a variety of wildlife and waterfowl. Hikers can also pay homage to fallen service members at the Federalsburg Hometown Veterans Memorial located on the greenway. The quaint wooden bridges, scenic views and easy access to downtown Federalsburg are three things that make this a trail to visit.
5. St. Mary's River State Park Distance: 7.5 miles State: MD
For those looking for a longer trail, head to the loop around St. Mary’s Lake in St. Mary’s River State Park. It is a great place to see a diverse mix of birds, wildlife and beautiful natural landscape. This narrow dirt trail is perfect for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. This destination has become popular for hunting and fishing in the freshwater St. Mary's Lake. Visitors will also find a playground, boat ramps, and a modern comfort station.
6. Somerset County, MD
The Somerset County Recreation and Parks Dept is excited to offer visitors the Somerset Trail Mix. The Somerset Trail Mix is a great way to explore Somerset County, with opportunities for hiking, biking, walking, golfing and paddling right in one place. Visit their website where you can find maps, facts, pictures, links and more to help you enjoy the beautiful Somerset County and all the Eastern Shore hiking trails.
These Maryland hiking trails are ones that anyone visiting Maryland and the Eastern Shore should see. They allow visitors to get out into nature and get as active as they want. Pop over and visit our good friends at Somerset Trail Mix for even more exciting hiking trails. The only question is, which one will you stroll down first?
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