I saw some social media posts about the new John Walter Smith Park Nature Trail in Snow Hill and decided to check it out in late July when I picked up the marriage license for my fiance’s and my upcoming wedding.
Picking up the marriage license was exciting, but it was also quick, and I had the day off ahead of a trip out of town, so I’d worn running clothes (actually the running shirt I got engaged in) and decided to check out the trail during my trip to Snow Hill.
I’d seen that it was 1.2 miles. Somehow I forgot about the USSSA Eastern National Championship that was happening at the time, even though I worked for Wicomico County Recreation & Parks for several years and this was always a big event. While the fields were busy, the trail was relatively quiet; I saw a few others walking.
I started near the Worcester County Recreation Center and didn’t make the connection I guess that the trail itself was not a continuous loop. I ended up going the opposite way that I needed to at first on the road heading into the park, which was fine, since I wanted to complete a 5K distance and would need some extra mileage. Going counter-clockwise around the park, if you want to make a continuous loop from the recreation center area, you should turn right onto John Walter Smith Park Road, then turn left. There’s a sign there. Then, you can follow the crushed-stone trail around the perimeter of the park.
You can see the baseball/softball fields from some of the trail, but it actually felt pretty separated and nature-like at times. I started my first loop a little late, then did the full loop the second time and added a little bit on the road at the end to finish out my distance.
Without traffic (you would have to cross a road once if you make it a complete loop), it could be a good place for a run to test your speed or do fast intervals. I could also see parents getting in a walk or run here if they drop their kids off for activities (if they don’t need to stay).
This link provides more info about the Worcester County park; the trail map is a super small file, but as long as you know ahead of time that it’s not a continuous loop, you should be good! The address for the park is 6030 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
She Runs by the Seashore 