The trail passes through historic Princess Anne

The free guide for the Beach to Bay American Indian Trail includes a map and information on attractions. "People loved to take the shortcut between Crisfield and Ocean City through the Pocomoke State Forest, but they kept getting lost," remembers Kathy Fisher, executive director of Furnace Town, a historic site near Snow Hill and one of the attractions along the trail. "The guide was done in an effort to help them find their way."

Some of the natural areas along the 70-mile-long route still seem almost as pristine as they must have looked to Indians of the Algonquin tribes who first traveled the trail centuries ago. "The Algonquins would stay in the interior during the winter, and in the spring move out toward the ocean and the bay," says Kathy.

The guide includes information on hiking trails and parks such as Assateague Island National Seashore and the Nature Conservancy's Nassawango Cypress Swamp at Furnace Town. It also lists historical sites such as the Governor J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum in Crisfield, where exhibits include the workshop of famed Eastern Shore decoy carvers Lem and Steve Ward.

Along with the guide, there is new signage in place this year to help travelers find their way.

Would you like us to send you a Beach to Bay Guide? Just e-mail us. Remember to give us your name and address!

A free copy of the Beach to Bay American Indian Trail guide is also available through the following tourism offices: Ocean City, 1-800-626-2326, www.ocean-city.com; Somerset County, 1-800-521-9189; or Worcester County, 1-800-852-0335, visitworcester.org