It’s scenic. It’s wild. And it’s a Maryland state-designated Scenic & Wild River. We’re talking about the Pocomoke River. In fact, of the nine designated Scenic & Wild Rivers in Maryland, the Pocomoke is the only Scenic & Wild River on the entire Eastern Shore.
That’s far from its only claim to fame either. The Nature Conservancy refers to one of its tributaries, Nassawango Creek, as “one of the last pieces of true wilderness left on the East Coast.”
The Pocomoke River is dominated by ancient bald cypress trees and its waters originate in the Great Cypress Swamp in southern Delaware. Together, the river and the swamp make up the northernmost stand of bald cypress trees in the country, giving visitors a taste of the bayou right here on the Delmarva Peninsula.
And we’re not yet done listing why this river is famous. The Pocomoke is the deepest river compared to its width in the entire country - second in the world, only to the Nile!
It also sits right where northern hardwood forests and southern subtropical swamps overlap, so there’s tremendous biodiversity. The river’s forested corridor is an extremely important region along the Atlantic Flyway and is home to the highest density of nesting Prothonotary Warblers in the region.
If that’s not enough to impress you, come see it for yourself. Here’s how to get out on the Pocomoke’s waters with the help of local outfitters, knowledgeable guides, and state park rangers.
Pocomoke River Canoe Company
One of the quickest and easiest ways to get out on the river is by renting a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from Pocomoke River Canoe Company. Established in 1983, the canoe shop has been an anchor of the Town of Snow Hill for decades.
When renting a boat, you’ll have plenty of options. You can launch from their floating dock right in town and head upstream towards Porter’s Crossing, or downstream if the tide is low enough to fit underneath the drawbridge.
If you’re not interested in an out-and-back trip, their staff can also assist you in completing a one-way adventure. Pocomoke River Canoe Company provides a livery service where they will shuttle you and your boats to Porter’s Crossing upriver, or to the Red House Rd launch on Nassawango Creek. From there, you can paddle 5 miles downstream back to the shop. If you have your own boat, they’ll even shuttle you and your boat for a small fee.
If you’re nervous to venture out alone, guided trips can be scheduled in advance. And if you’re staying locally, their team will deliver boats to you for multi-day rentals.
The Pocomoke’s shorelines are largely undeveloped, and much of the surrounding land is protected by either the Pocomoke State Forest or Nassawango Creek Preserve, a Nature Conservancy property. The river is relatively narrow and surrounded by forest, making its waters protected on windy days.
Owner of the shop, Keith Donoway, reflects on the beauty of the river and says that paddling from Porters Crossing and Nassawango Creek “takes you to a different place in time.” What he loves most about the Pocomoke River is the “combination of scenery and the fact that it’s easy to paddle for everyone.”
Pocomoke River Canoe Company also offers occasional special pop-up events like floating sound baths and social paddles. For pop-up events, be sure to follow them on Facebook.
W. H. Peters Outdoor Adventures
Specializing in small group ecotours, W.H. Peters Outdoor Adventures is a local guiding service whose mission is to deepen paddlers’ experiences by offering informative and more intimate kayak trips. Although owner Paul Oliver offers ecotours across the county, the Pocomoke River is one of his favorites. It’s not uncommon for his guests to spot river otters, gar, or beavers during his trips, and capping his groups at 6 people really maximizes the chances of spotting wildlife.
“You can rent a kayak from wherever,” Oliver says, “but having a knowledgeable guide is key to having a fantastic and memorable experience.”
Tours can be booked directly on his website, or contact for a customized tour.
Pocomoke River State Park
Another great spot to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards is at Pocomoke River State Park. The park has two locations on the river - Shad Landing and Milburn Landing - but Shad Landing is where you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to get out on the river.
The most beginner-friendly option is to paddle the 2-mile Corkers Creek water trail. Most of the trail winds through a narrow creek, and a small portion follows the Pocomoke River, making it perfect for paddling novices. This section of the river is quite wide, so if it does get windy, paddlers also have the option of paddling up Corkers Creek to Route 13 and back, which is also a 2-mile excursion.
Park Manager Marc Heim shares that Corkers Creek is excellent fishing. In addition, he loves that the creek is always changing. Throughout the year he says there are “different blooms, different animals, different birds. It’s different every time you go out.”
Experienced paddlers can venture down the river from Shad Landing to Milburn Landing which is about 4 miles. Milburn Landing provides the opportunity to stretch your legs, eat a picnic lunch, and even go for a hike before paddling back. Paddlers can also pack camping gear and reserve a site for the night before paddling back to Shad.
About halfway between Shad Landing and Milburn Landing is the Mattaponi kayak launch which is part of the Pocomoke State Forest. There are also several primitive, backcountry campsites just up the road which can be reserved through the state park.
Captain Bruce Wooten
If paddling the Pocomoke River isn’t your style, hopping aboard a charter boat is another great option to get out on the water. Captain Bruce Wooten of Snow Hill can help you do just that. While he offers scenic boat cruises and fishing charters all around the region, he says the Pocomoke River is the most popular. From snakehead and large mouth bass fishing, to scenic cruises and birding trips, Wooten is willing to tailor his trips to meet guests’ wishes.
Photo credit: Captain Bruce Wooten
When asked why he thinks the Pocomoke is so popular, he says “it’s so peaceful, almost prehistoric, people just love it.”
To book a trip with Captain Bruce, visit his website or call 410-251-9677.
Tangier Sound Charters
Photo credit: Tangier Sound Charters
Another way to experience the Pocomoke River by boat is with Tangier Sound Charters, owned and operated by Captain CL Marshall.
Marshall calls Pocomoke City home, and offers fishing charters in the Chesapeake and trips to Tangier and Smith Islands. He also has the flexibility to tailor his Pocomoke trips to meet the needs of his guests. “I provide an intimate experience,” he says. “We try to immerse our customers in the local culture as much as they want.”
While Marshall does not offer fishing charters on the river, his scenic cruises on the river are still very popular. “Some people want to chill and have a couple drinks, some people want to count bald eagles, and some people just want to enjoy the river for its scenic beauty.”
Marshall explains that it’s about an hour-long cruise from the mouth of the river to the drawbridge in Snow Hill. Along the way, he frequently brings guests for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants in either Pocomoke City or Snow Hill.
When asked about the ecosystem of the Pocomoke River, Captain CL loves how the scenery and wildlife slowly change as you head downriver. “You start by looking through one of the northernmost stands of bald cypress trees. Move down the river and it starts to get more brackish. You see more marsh grasses, and then it’s salty by the mouth.”
To book a trip with Captain CL Marshall, call 410-251-7341.
From quiet paddleboard trips through cypress swamps to relaxed charter cruises downriver, there are many ways to get out on the water on the Pocomoke. The river’s deep, winding channels and rich biodiversity offer an unforgettable escape into one of Maryland's most remarkable natural landscapes. Reach out to one of these local outfitters today and start planning your Pocomoke River adventure.
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