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Assateague Island National Seashore |
Description:
Three agencies administer Assateague, a windswept barrier island that offers many opportunities for seashore recreation and nature study along its thirty-seven miles. Ocean swimming, camping, bayside canoeing, crabbing, clamming, hunting, surf fishing, and off-road vehicle use are all popular.
The famous wild horses roam throughout and share beach to bay habitats with a host of other animals, including over 300 species of birds.
Assateague Island became part of the National Park System in 1965. The park's land and water boundaries encompass over 48,000 acres in the states of Maryland and Virginia.
Designations:
National Seashore (September 21, 1965)
Accessibility:
All visitor centers, most nature trails, bathhouses and wayside exhibits are accessible. The seashore has established two accessible campsites which may be reserved. Beach wheelchairs with balloon tires are available for use on the oceanside beaches in Maryland and Virginia.
Getting Around:
In Maryland, four miles of paved roads include an adjacent bike path. 'Life of Assateague' self-guided trails interpret three different barrier island habitats. In Virginia, five miles of paved roads include a bike path and fifteen miles of trails wind through refuge marshes and forests, including a path to the Assateague lighthouse.
Hikers can enjoy miles of beaches on both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the island.
Activites:
Biking | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Hunting | Swimming | Wildlife Viewing | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Kayaking | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Endangered Animals | Wildflowers | And more.
Directions to Assateague Island National Seashore
Plane:
The closest airports are Ocean City Municipal Airport (410-213-2471) and Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport (410-548-4827).
Car:
There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. Assateague's north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles from Chincoteague, VA. There is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. Vehicles must return to the mainland to access either the north or south entrance.
Public Transportation
No public transportation available.
Attractions:
Assateague State Park
Phone:(410) 641-2120 ext. 22
NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Phone:(757) 336-6122
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