Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located primarily in Worcester County, Maryland, with portions extending into southern Accomack County, Virginia, the Pocomoke River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses over 16,000 acres of forested wetlands, floodplain swamps, and bottomland hardwoods. The area follows the course of the Pocomoke River, a blackwater tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, providing critical habitat for a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, waterfowl, and the rare Delmarva fox squirrel. Its unique mix of habitats supports amphibians, reptiles, and numerous bird species, making it a favored destination for hunters, anglers, bird watchers, and paddlers. The WMA was established to conserve the area’s natural resources while providing public opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The Pocomoke River itself is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, winding through swampy forests and shallow pools. Visitors can explore several trails, boat launches, and primitive camping opportunities, enjoying the quiet solitude of this largely undeveloped landscape. The area also has a rich human history linked to early Native American settlements and colonial-era uses of the river. Seasonal activities such as waterfowl hunting and fall foliage viewing are popular. The WMA’s proximity to Pocomoke City and other communities offers convenient access while preserving an important ecological corridor along the river. Wildlife enthusiasts come for the chance to see rare species and healthy wetland ecosystems, making it a key piece of Maryland’s protected lands.
