Best Nature Walks & Hikes on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Explore Talbot, Caroline & Dorchester Counties on Foot

Looking to reconnect with nature on Maryland’s Eastern Shore? From forested trails and tidal marshes to wide-open skies and riverside boardwalks, Chesapeake Country offers some of the most peaceful and picturesque nature walks in the Mid-Atlantic. Whether you're an avid birder, a weekend hiker, or simply in search of serenity, these three trails—spanning Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester Counties—are perfect for your next outdoor adventure.

Pickering Creek Audubon Center (Talbot County)

Location: Easton, MD
Trail Type: Easy | Loop Trails | ~4 miles total
Best For: Birdwatching, families, peaceful woodland walks

Tucked just outside Easton, Pickering Creek Audubon Center is a hidden gem offering scenic trails that meander through forests, fields, and marshes along the banks of Pickering Creek. This 400-acre preserve is perfect for a slow-paced walk where you’re more likely to hear birdsong than passing cars.

The trails are well-marked and accessible year-round, making them ideal for all ages. You might spot bald eagles, herons, or even a fox darting through the tall grasses. Interpretive signs along the way help visitors connect with the landscape’s ecology and history.

Don’t Miss: The Waterfront Pier Trail offers a quiet spot to sit and watch the sun dance on the water.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County)

Location: South of Cambridge, MD
Trail Type: Easy | Boardwalks, gravel paths | ~4 miles of trails
Best For: Birding, photography, accessible walks, scenic views

One of the most iconic outdoor destinations on the Eastern Shore, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is known for its sweeping tidal marshes, dramatic skies, and abundant wildlife. This is a must-visit for birders and photographers.

Walk the Marsh Edge Trail, a short gravel path that winds through the marsh and forest edge, or the Woods Trail, shaded and serene with benches along the way. You can also take the Wildlife Drive if you prefer a scenic car route with walking pull-offs.

Each season offers something new: bald eagles and tundra swans in winter, osprey and herons in spring, and blazing marsh colors in fall.

Bring your binoculars! You’ll be amazed at what you can spot with just a little patience.

Tips for Exploring the Eastern Shore’s Trails

  • Pack bug spray and water, especially in warmer months
  • Check hours and closures before you go, especially during hunting seasons or special events
  • Leave no trace—respect the land, stay on marked trails, and take only memories

Map Your Adventure

Start in one county or string all three together for a nature-filled weekend road trip. With these accessible trails across Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester Counties, you don’t have to go far to find your wild.