Pocomoke River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pocomoke River State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Kayakers at Pocomoke River State Park, 2019
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 Pocomoke River State Park
Location in Maryland
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| Location | Worcester County, Maryland, United States |
| Nearest city | Pocomoke City, Maryland |
| Area | 916 acres (371 ha) |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Designation | Maryland state park |
| Established | 1939 |
| Administrator | Maryland Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Pocomoke River State Park |
Pocomoke River State Park is a fun public recreation area in Maryland. It sits on both sides of the Pocomoke River. You can find it between the towns of Snow Hill and Pocomoke City in Worcester County.
This state park is actually made of two parts. These parts are inside the larger Pocomoke State Forest. One part is called Shad Landing and it's on the south side of the river. The other part is Milburn Landing on the north side.
Contents
Park History: How it Started
The park's story began in the 1930s. A group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build many of the fun places here. The CCC was a program that put young men to work during tough economic times.
In 1939, the state of Maryland started managing Shad Landing and Milburn Landing. They had an agreement with the federal government. Later, in 1955, the state took full ownership of all the forest lands.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Pocomoke River State Park is a special place for nature. It has both freshwater swamp areas and higher, drier land. It's also located where northern and southern plant and animal zones meet. This mix means you can find a huge variety of living things here!
Trees and Flowers
In spring, you might see beautiful flowering dogwood trees. You can also spot mountain laurel with its pretty blooms. Other important trees include the tall bald cypress and tupelo trees. These often grow right in the water. Look for loblolly pine trees too. In the water, you might see bright yellow pond lily flowers floating.
Wildlife You Might See
The park is home to many cool animals. Keep an eye out for playful river otters. You might also spot muskrats near the water. For birdwatchers, there are colorful prothonotary warblers and large pileated woodpeckers. Majestic bald eagles also live here.
On the ground, you could see northern water snakes. There are also broad-headed skinks, which are a type of lizard. The river itself is full of life. Over 50 kinds of fish swim here, including popular ones like largemouth bass and chain pickerel.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Pocomoke River State Park offers lots of activities for visitors. You can go fishing in the river. There are places for camping if you want to stay overnight. You can even rent cozy cabins.
If you like being on the water, there's a boat launch. You can also go canoeing or kayaking. For those who love to explore, there are hiking and biking trails. The park also has nice picnic areas and pavilions for outdoor meals. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds too.
The Shad Landing area has even more to offer. It features a marina for boats and a camp store. There's also a swimming pool to cool off in. Don't miss the nature center, where you can learn about local animals. They often have live examples of native species!
