Hiking and Outoors in Eastern Shore Maryland (Salisbury, Centreville: appointed, how much)

[fsm]

I'd like to ask you outdoors types about walking and the eastern shore...I'm living in the Southwest right now and taking advantage of all the places to spend time outdoors here, but I'm from southeast PA, grew up in a small town there and thinking maybe I should be back closer to my family again. I like the eastern shore, there are some very nice small towns in rural environments, most all the things I like (I know about the lack of jobs already), EXCEPT I don't know if there is any way to get out and hike anywhere. I'm not a gonzo outdoors extreme type or anything but I do like to do at least a nice 2-3 hour hike every week or two and I don't mean a macadam path through the park or a half-mile boardwalk but rather somewhere a little wild with deer, fox, etc. within 15 to 30 minutes from home. Where do you folks go for your outdoors fix without having to make an expedition of it? I can't see myself being cooped up in my yard or a little neighborhood park for the rest of my life. I'm hoping you can help or let me know if there is no help to be had.

[CelticViking]

I live on the Eastern Shore, and I know of some people who ride bikes on a trail around kent island. Not exactly sure where, but I think you can see it from rt. 50, and it is right around where the kent island bridge is. Plus you have Assateauge to go exploring.

[kjg1963]

I've been on the path on Kent Island. It made for a nice bike ride. It goes through woods, fields, wetlands, parks, a shopping center. Its not a roughing it kinda path for hiking but its was more than 5 miles I believe.

[fsm]

Thanks for your answers, it's kinda what I was afraid of. There really isn't much, is there? I guess I just don't understand .... does everyone just not go outdoors or do they all go out on the Bay to get outside? Does anyone ever get permission to walk private land holdings?

[CelticViking]

I surf so i spend a lot of times doing that...

but you should really look into assategue/chincoteague, etc...lots of space to go exploring...

[kjg1963]

The Eastern Shore is mostly flat land and the wooded areas are mostly comprised of Pine trees and under brush. There isn't really a lot of "hiking" areas. Bike riding seems to be popular because of the lack of hilly areas. And yes, most activities revolve around water -- fishing, boating, swimming, and crabbing.

[mdswines]

I live in Salisbury and the lack of good hiking & trails is astonishing to me. Well, maybe its not really that astonishing when you consider the topography of the land.

I LOVE to hike when I go out west to visit family. I have not found a single trail or park that holds my interest, so to speak, around here. If you really cherish hiking and outdoor activity that doesn't involve water sports and hunting, I'd avoid the Eastern Shore. You will be disappointed.

Best of luck with your decision.

[PHIL 4 SHORE]

Might want to check out Wye Island in Queen Annes County which is located just south of Queenstown and about 20 minutes from the Bay Bridge. It is state owned and pertected totals about 2450 acres of woods, fields and marshes. Over 30 miles of shoreline lots of wildlife went camping there with my son when he was in the Boy Scouts. Also in Kent County you have Eastern Neck Island which is also large, with a lot owned by the state with great beaches, views & wildlife.
Worth a Visit?

[fsm]

Yes, Assategue/Chincoteague is a real treasure... I've known people who camped there over the years. I really should try to get there myself. Wye and Eastern Neck sound good too. Thanks for your input.

[PHIL 4 SHORE]

Yes I Agree that Assategue/Chincoteague are great places to visit, camp and hike. For me it's travel time from Centreville limites how much I can visit and enjoy them. Whereas I live very close to Wye Island and can be there in under 20 minutes. Thanks for your coment