Best Nature Trails and Bike Paths in Ocean City

Ocean City, Maryland, isn’t just about sunbathing and boardwalk thrills. Venture a few blocks inland or head north to discover serene nature trails and scenic bike routes that showcase the region’s salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal wildlife. Whether you’re hiking at dawn or cycling at sunset, this guide covers the top spots, trail details, and insider tips for exploring Ocean City’s great outdoors.

Table of Contents

1. Northside Park Trail Loop

2. Bayside Nature Trail (Bayberry Drive)

3. Assateague National Seashore Bike Path

4. Assawoman Canal Trail

5. Coastal Highway & West Ocean City Loop

6. James Farm Ecological Preserve Trails

1. Northside Park Trail Loop

Northside Park offers a 1.5‑mile paved loop around its freshwater lake, perfect for walking, running, or casual cycling (Ocean City Maryland). The park features:

• Playgrounds & Picnic Areas: Ideal for families to rest between trail laps (Ocean City Maryland)

• Fishing Piers & Observation Decks: Wildlife‑watching spots for herons, ducks, and occasional osprey (Ocean City Maryland)

• Annual Events: Hosts outdoor movies and summer concerts adjacent to the trailhead (Ocean City Maryland)

2. Bayside Nature Trail (Bayberry Drive)

Stretching 4 miles between 15th Street and 102nd Street, this mixed‑use trail follows Bayberry Drive and the Oceanside Campground Road (Ocean City Maryland). Highlights include:

1. Scenic Marsh Views: Spot wild ponies and deer along the route (Ocean City Maryland)

2. Trail Surface: Mostly asphalt, with some gravel segments near the campground entrance (Ocean City Maryland)

3. Access Points: Parking at 15th, 34th, 59th, and 102nd Street lot entrances

3. Assateague National Seashore Bike Path

The 9.4‑mile out‑and‑back bike path on Assateague Island offers year‑round access and free use (AllTrails.com). Features include:

• Protected Roadway: Separate from vehicle traffic for safety

• Scenic Overlooks: Benches and pull‑off areas for birdwatching and pony sightings (Wikipedia)

• Trailhead Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and water stations at both ends

4. Assawoman Canal Trail

Located just north of Ocean City in Fenwick Island, DE, the Assawoman Canal Trail is a 3‑mile gravel path alongside the historic canal (Two Crown Home Team).

• Wildlife Habitat: Home to turtles, herons, and muskrats (Two Crown Home Team)

• Surface & Accessibility: Flat, compact gravel—suitable for hybrids and mountain bikes

• Connectivity: Links to local parks and fishing piers for multi‑activity outings

5. Coastal Highway & West Ocean City Loop

For road cyclists, the Coastal Highway (MD 528) to West Ocean City loop covers approximately 8 miles round‑trip (Two Crown Home Team). Key points:

• Flat Terrain: Ideal for road bikes and beginners (Two Crown Home Team)

• Scenic Canals: Views of brackish waterways and luxury homes (Two Crown Home Team)

• Amenities: Frequent stores, cafes, and bike rental shops along the route

6. James Farm Ecological Preserve Trails

A short drive north leads to James Farm Preserve’s network of 4 miles of unpaved nature trails (Reddit). The preserve offers:

• Forest & Field Habitats: Watch for deer, foxes, and migratory birds (Reddit)

• Boardwalk Sections: Accessible trailheads and signage for educational outings

• Trail Map & Brochure: Available online and at the Berlin Visitor Center

Don’t miss your chance to explore Ocean City’s scenic outdoor gems—start planning your nature trails and bike path adventure today!