![]() There are also lots of horse ranches on Chincoteague and boat tours that depart from Chincoteague to see the horses on Assateague.Īssateague Island is uninhabited unless you are camping there! There are 3 main areas of Assateague Island to see the wild horses. The wild horses are actually all on the Assateague Island but many people stay in the town of Chincoteague while they visit. The most probable theory is that they survived a shipwreck of a Spanish ship, the La Galga in 1750.Ĭhincoteague Island is smaller at 7 miles wide with a town, hotels, and restaurants. The wild horses (also called wild ponies) are technically “feral” as they are the descendants of domesticated horses that arrived on the islands. Chincoteague or Assateague?Ĭhincoteague and Assateague are barrier islands in the Atlantic Ocean protecting Maryland and Virginia. This means that if you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My daughter read the Newberry-winning book Misty of Chincoteague before our trip and was thrilled to see them up close! (TIP: Watch the 1961 movie is on Amazon Prime Video before your trip.) This website uses affiliate links for Amazon Associates and. BirdingĪssateague is a natural habitat for countless songbirds and waterfowl – both resident and migratory species.Below are our experiences with some tips from our trip. The back bays of Assateague have two main routes that offer outstanding views of the bay environment and wildlife. The Bayside areas provide free access to favorite clamming and crabbing spots. The 37-mile-long island affords many opportunities for surf fishing. You can also bike the paved paths and main road (about 3-1/2 miles) or you could bike the 10 miles from Ocean City to Assateague (and back…) Surf Fishing, Clamming, and Crabbing Walkers can easily explore the beaches, woodlands, and marshes. The trails are focused on the marsh, forest, and dunes. The island has three self-guided hiking trails and a scenic bike route. The beautiful, shaggy animals thrive on the bounty of their environment. The horses are actually descendants of domestic horses pastured on the island in the 17th century. Visitors are urged to respect the horses as wild animals. The wild horses on Maryland’s side of the island are free to roam the island: including the roads, beaches, trails, and campgrounds. ![]() The Atlantic Ocean and Sinepuxent Bay beaches afford expanses of sand and surf for beach-goers who wish to experience the Island’s natural environment. The Barrier Island Visitor Center and the parks’ websites (see above) provide detailed information on each of the following features of Assateague Island. To reach this area of the Island, you must travel to the southern portion of the island through Virginia. The National Park Service also manages the herd of wild horses on the Maryland portion of the barrier island.? Assateague Island National Wildlife RefugeĪssateague Island also includes a third area, The National Wildlife Refuge in Chincoteague, Virginia. ![]() This national park has a variety of naturalist and beach recreation activities, including camping, birding, surf fishing, canoeing, bicycling, and hiking. Assateague Island National SeashoreĪssateague Island National Seashore (a right turn on Bayberry Drive after you cross the bridge on 611) is managed by the National Park Service. It also has a campground, recreation areas, bathhouses and a concession area (in season). This state park has areas for swimming, surf fishing, and surf boarding. Assateague State ParkĪssateague State Park (straight ahead after you cross the bridge on 611) is managed by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. (A beautiful new Center is scheduled to open this year!) Previewing ItĪssateague Island has two parks in Maryland. Plan to stop there for maps, brochures, displays, information, conversations with rangers, and activity planning. Just before you reach the Island, you will see the Barrier Island Visitor Center on your right. You find it by driving West on Route 50 about 2 miles, where you make a left onto Route 611 and proceed to the Island by following the signs on 611. Just a short drive from Ocean City you can see bays that have remained untouched Assateague IslandĪssateague Island is a barrier island located south of Ocean City, just across the inlet. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |