Maryland’s eastern shore is the quintessential place to find boardwalk trails. Much of the eastern shore is flat and filled with wetlands and salt marshes, and the easiest way to explore those delicate ecosystems is on official trails with raised boardwalks. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the best boardwalk trails of Maryland’s eastern shore.
Eastern Neck NWR
It may seem like it’s far away from everything, but the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is worth the drive. There are several trails to explore and some beautiful, elevated views of the Chesapeake Bay. The best boardwalk trail is at Tubby Cove, located on your right just after you enter the refuge.
Cross Island Trail & Ferry Beach Park
If you’ve ever driven Route 50 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, you likely passed through Kent Island and you may have even spotted a trail that runs along much of the island, not far from the highway in many spots. This is the Cross Island Trail, a walking and biking trail that is over 6 miles long and has several different boardwalks to cross. It’s also worth taking a quick detour behind the visitor center to explore Ferry Point Park - a lovely boardwalk will show you the way!
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
Some people may consider the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center to be one of the best trail systems on the eastern shore! This 3+ mile trail system has beautiful views of the woods, the marsh, a beach, and the Chesapeake Bay and the trails are very well marked. There are several boardwalks on the property with one leading to an elevated observation tower.
Easton Village Trail
One of the newer boardwalk trails on Maryland’s eastern shore is the trail at Easton Point Park, known by some as the Easton Village Trail. Most of the 1-mile trail is paved and perfect for bikes and strollers, but there is an awesome boardwalk/bridge that crosses the creek that you can’t miss.
Federalsburg Greenway
A lesser-known trail on Maryland’s eastern shore is the Federalsburg Greenway. This trail, also known as the Marshyhope Greenway, runs mostly along Marshyhope Creek, even crossing the creek in a few spots. There are several boardwalks along this 2-mile trail that have boardwalks so be sure to explore the whole length while you’re there.
Pemberton Park
Tucked away outside of the City of Salisbury is the Pemberton Historical Park. Not only does the park have a historic site, but it also has over 4 miles of trails. Through the woods, by the pond, up to the river, and over wetlands, there is a variety of scenery here with a few boardwalks sprinkled around.
Assateague National Seashore
Probably the most well-known and most visited boardwalk trails on Maryland’s eastern shore are located at Assateague Island National Seashore. The Life of the Dunes trail and the Life of the Marsh trail both sport extensive boardwalks that are ADA-accessible. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some wild horses, sika deer, or waterfowl when you’re there.
Pocomoke Nature & Exercise Trail
Maryland’s eastern shore trail system wouldn’t be complete without something in the bald cypress swamp. Located right off the Pocomoke River in Pocomoke City, is the Exercise & Nature Trail. This trail has long boardwalks that meander through the trees and over the swamp. It has fishing access on one end and a park and playground on the other!
Crisfield Park Pier
The Crisfield Park Pier is, well, a pier. It’s not really a boardwalk trail, but it is super long and traverses over an expansive wetland, so we had to include it in this list. And while you’re in Crisfield, be sure to swing by Janes Island State Park to hike the White Tail Trail.
Find more boardwalk trails on Delmarva in Delaware and Virginia's eastern shore: