There is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. The south entrance (Virginia) is at the end of Route 175, two miles from Chincoteague. Getting to Assateague Island: There are two entrances to the island: The north entrance (Maryland) is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City. Hotel accommodations are located nearby in Ocean City and Berlin, MD and Chincoteague, VA. Camping is available in the Maryland portion of the island. Fish and Wildlife Service and Assateague State Park, managed by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. Assateague Island consists of three public areas: Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. It is a unique vacation destination with breathtaking scenery and plenty of recreational opportunities including fishing, crabbing, clamming, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and swimming.

Keep in mind, wet shoes filled with sand can cause serious abrasions.įor backcountry camping enthusiasts, two oceanside and four bayside sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors who wish to backpack or paddle the island.Assateague Island, a 37-mile long barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, is most known for the more than 300 wild ponies who wander the beaches. Hiking at high tide usually means hiking higher on the beach in soft sand which is extremely fatiguing.įootwear: Sturdy walking or hiking shoes offer the best support for long hikes in the sand. Hiking at low tide offers a somewhat flatter, harder sand surface. Tides: Knowing the tide cycles may help you. Please take this into account when planning your hike. There are few landmarks and it is easy to underestimate mileage. Visual distances over sand are deceiving.

The hiking terrain is flat, but the sand is soft and uneven. Terrain: Beach hiking is much more strenuous than hiking on a hard surface. Visitors interested in hiking on the beach should also consider: Have a positive impact on your park - visit the Leave-No-Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics website. You will increase your odds of a safe hike, decrease your disturbance to park wildlife, and lessen damage to resources. Before setting out on your hike, stop by a park visitor center or ranger station to obtain needed warnings and recommendations. Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. Do not lie down or put your hands on the ground.įind out what time the sun sets to avoid getting caught after dark in an unfamiliar and possibly very buggy area.Īreas of the island may be closed seasonally due to nesting birds, resource protection, overwash or dangerous conditions. If you are caught in an open area during a thunderstorm, crouch on the balls of your feet and lean forward with your hands on your knees. Know the weather forecast before beginning long hikes or overnight backcountry camping trips. In summer, a lightweight longsleeve shirt and insect repellent are recommended. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water are highly recommended for long walks any time of year. Be prepared for the challenges of heat, humidity, biting insects, fast approaching storms and changing tides. Hiking on a barrier island is a very unique experience. There are also 37 miles of beach to wander. Life of the Marsh trail in the MD districtĮxperience life on a barrier island! Assateague Island has a variety of paved and unpaved trails open for hiking.

Assateague island national seashore