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Motherly Love:
An Assateague mare with her new born foal. |
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Assateague
Island is most famous for its wild ponies, publicized by the novel "Misty
of Chincoteague". There are two herds of ponies, one on the Maryland side
of the island, the other residing in Virginia. The ponies can often be
seen by the road, on the trails, in the marsh, and on the beach. The horses
have lived on the island for at least two centuries, living in the wild,
and they have adapted well to their environment.
Every
year the Volunteer Fireman of Chincoteague assist in the annual pony swim.
The entire Virginia herd, including colts and foals, swims across the
shallow bay at low tide to Chincoteague Island. From there they are driven
to the Firemen's Carnival Grounds to rest, and the next day, many of the
ponies will be sold at auction to interested buyers. This helps keep the
number of ponies manageable and prevents various problems associated with
overcrowding. The remaining ponies swim back to Virginia's Assateague.
Wildlife
is plentiful on Assateague, to the delight of many nature lovers. You
may find Sika deer, otter, muskrat, raccoon, piping plover, pelican, herons,
egrets, bitterns, and various other varieties of birds and mammals.
Visitors
are implored not to feed the ponies or any other animals on Assateague.
Doing so can endanger the animals as well as people, as some animals may
bite or kick. Fines may also be levied against those who violate this
rule.
Nature
trails are abundant on Assateague and a great way to relax. There are
short trails on the Life of the Marsh, Life of the Forest, and Life of
the Dunes. Longer hikes can be taken on the off-road vehicle zone or on
the beach.
Guided
walks and children's activities are available through the Barrier Island
Visitor's Center. The visitor's center is located on Route 611, just before
crossing the Verrazano Bridge. Inside, there is a museum that features
a small aquarium, a touch-tank, and a beachcombing exhibit. The museum
also offers telescopes, films, and a bookstore the further explain the
role Assateague Island plays to Ocean City. For more information, please
call the visitor center at 410-641-1441.
Another
wonderful activity in Assateague is fishing. Surf fishing is permitted
anywhere on the beach except beach patrol guarded beaches, and designated
surfing beaches. There are fishing areas on the southernmost point of
the island, however, an ORV permit is required to drive a 4WD drive vehicle
to those areas. Clamming and crabbing is also permitted on Assateague's
bayside. The best methods are raking while wading for clams, and crab
net with baited line for crabbing. Please be cautious of drop offs.
Canoes
may be rented at the Bayside Picnic Area daily during the summer, and
on the weekends in spring and fall. Car-top boats may be launched from
the Old Ferry Landing or the Bayside Picnic Area, as the bay waters are
perfect for sailing and canoeing. Larger boats must use public boat ramps
in West Ocean City, at the end of South Point Road. There are shallow
areas, so any boats with motors should exercise extreme caution.
Bicyclists
will also enjoy Assateague, as there is a new bridge exclusively for bicycles
and pedestrians near the Visitor's Center. The bridge leads to a 3.5 mile
bike trail on the island. Lock-ups for bikes can be found near the camping
and nature trails, as well as at the entrances to both parks.
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King of the Hill:
An Assateague stallion guards his harem of mares. |
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Camping
is the only way to stay overnight on Assateague Island. A variety of state
and national campgrounds are available. For more information please call
the national seashore at 410-641-3030 or the state park at 410-641-2120.
Camping reservations can be made up to eight weeks in advance, call 1-800-365-2267.
In
the summer season, there is a snack bar and camp store that rents canoes,
bikes, and clam rakes. All visitor's centers, bathhouses, exhibits, and
most nature trails are accessible to people with disabilities. There are
also two accessible campsites that may be reserved.
To
retain visitor safety and protect Assateague's natural state, guests to
Assateague are reminded to abide by the rules and regulations. Do not
feed the wild animals, including the ponies. It is damaging to their health
and also encourages them to loiter near the highways where motorists may
collide with them. Do not litter. Trash is often deadly to animals who
become entangled in it.
Drive
slowly, as there are many animals, cyclists, children, hikers and even
other drivers who may not be paying attention on Assateague.
Pets
are prohibited in the State Park, on the nature trails and all of the
back country campsites. Pets are permitted in other areas of the island
provided they remain on a leash shorter than six feet.
Hunting
on Assateague is highly restricted. Only specific game species and waterfowl
may be taken, and hunters must abide by state and federal regulations.
For more information, contact the National Seashore Headquarters at 410-641-1441.
There
are several off-road vehicle trails on Assateague Island, and vehicles
who meet certain requirements may obtain a permit and drive on the 13
mile oversand beach route. Vehicles must remain clear of vegetation and
sand dunes. Permits can be obtained from a ranger station at a cost of
$60 per year. For more information, call the ranger station at 410-641-3030.
Visitors
should have protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and poison ivy, since all
are in abundance on Assateague. Visitors are urged to swim near a lifeguard.
Tubes and mats are not permitted in guarded beach areas, and surfing is
also not permitted.
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