The fifth hiking trail in Assateague Island National Seashore is located in Virginia. From dawn until 3:00 PM each day the three mile long Wildlife Loop Road is closed to traffic. The road loops around Snow Goose Pool in the Chincoteague Wildlife National Refuge and is an excellent place to see a variety of birds and animals. After 3:00 PM the road is opened up to traffic for those who wish to auto tour the park.
If you have a four wheel drive vehicle driving on the beach is allowed with the purchase of a permit on the Maryland side of the park. The 19 mile vehicle path skirts the Atlantic shoreline and offers easy access to the backcountry. If you don't have experience driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle, taking the Chevy Blazer you rented from Avis down the beach might not be a great idea. The owner is responsible if they get their vehicle stuck and recovery can be very expensive. Be sure if you are driving to watch for wildlife and hikers.
There aren't any improved campsites located within Assateague Island National Seashore. Visitors looking for camping facilities can stay at one of 300 sites in Assateague State Park, Maryland or at a number of commercial campgrounds located around Ocean City.
Of course a visit to the beach wouldn't be complete without swimming or beachcombing. The waters of the Mid-Atlantic can be downright cold at the start of the summer season. By August ocean temperatures can hover around 70 degrees while the air temperature can get close to 100. Because of the remote location and a lack of roads Assateague Island National Seashore is a beachcombers paradise. Driftwood, shells and beach glass can be found easily along the shore once you get to more remote areas of the beach. The best time to go is about an hour before low tide or after a storm.
If the name Assateague seems somewhat familiar to you it should be. Assateague Island National Seashore is world famous for wild horses. Referred to as ponies, the horses were probably driven onto the island by English settlers in the 17th century. A barrier fence along the state line of Maryland and Virginia has been set up to keep the two herds separated. During the summer months they can be spotted along the shores of Chincoteague Bay and exploring the backcountry campsites.
Every spring people come from around the world to Chincoteague, Virginia to witness the wild horses being rounded up and swimming across Chincoteague Bay. The captured horses are then sold at auction with the proceeds benefiting the town of Chincoteague.
Although Assateague is an island paradise it does harbor one dark secret. The dark secret isn't Richard from the CBS TV series Survivor walking naked down the beach it's insects. During most days the hot sun and stiff breeze off of the Atlantic keeps the winged masses in line. When the wind dies down and the sun starts to set, visitors can be besieged by greenhead flies, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes. If your plans are in the improved areas of the park and during the day, it really isn't all that bad but if you plan to head into the backcountry be sure to use plenty of insect repellant.
Seeming almost misplaced by the development of Ocean City Maryland, Assateague Island National Seashore is an outstanding destination for a one day getaway or a relaxing vacation. The park offers miles of unspoiled shoreline to explore and Ocean City to the north provides more conventional creature comforts for your Maryland coast getaway.
Just The Plain Facts
Name: Assateague Island National Seashore
Location: Southeastern Maryland, Ocean City
Nearest Major Air Service: Washington D. C., Baltimore, Maryland
Fees & Permits: $5 per vehicle to visit to park. $60 for permit to drive on the Maryland side of the beach, permit is good for 13 months. $5 for backcountry camping permit. Hunting is allowed from September to January and appropriate Maryland and/or Virginia hunting permits are required..
Why Visit: One of the only unspoiled barrier islands on the east coast. Thirty-seven miles of shoreline offers excellent hiking and four-wheel-drive access, world famous wild horses, canoeing and kayaking in the relatively calm waters of Chincoteague Bay, outstanding bird watching opportunities.
When To Visit: April to October
Essential Gear: Depends on a wide variety of activity, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellant, wind breaker, sandals, blanket, camera, binoculars, drinking water. Other equipment strongly recommended.
You Should Know: Hiking on the beach can be very difficult. Five miles of walking on the sand is equal to twelve miles of a forest trail. There is no drinking water available outside of the improved areas. Sunburn is very common, be sure to wear sunscreen, lip balm, and protect all exposed skin, including your feet. Clouds of mosquitoes are legendary, be sure to bring insect repellant.
More Information: Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811, (410) 641-1441
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