Can You Drive To See The Horses On Assateague Island?

Horses are wild and may be found roaming the entire area of the Maryland district of Assateague Island National Seashore. Horses are visible year-round. Horses are able to be seen at all times of day, and are best to view in the daylight. If visiting after dark, slow down while driving.

What is the best way to see the horses on Assateague Island?

The horses can often be found in the marsh areas, on the beach, or further down the island in the National Park’s OSV (Over Sand Vehicle) area. When visiting the island to see the horses, be sure to follow all regulations including not stopping or parking along roadways or getting closer than 40 feet to any wildlife.

Can you just drive through Assateague Island?

By Vehicle
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.

Can you drive the length of Assateague Island?

Note: Cars can’t drive the length of Assateague Island; they must head back to the mainland to reach the other end. Which isn’t a bad thing; the mainland of Maryland and Virginia is full of fun activities!

Can you see horses at Assateague State Park?

Visitors can enjoy the world famous “wild horses” at Assateague. The “wildlife tour” or kayaking is a great way to see much of the refuge and its wildlife by boat or kayak.

Do you have to pay to go to Assateague Island?

Vehicle: $45.00 – Refuge Annual Pass, valid 1 year from purchase. Beach Parking fee upgrade: $20.00 – For visitors using the USFWS Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp as an entrance pass, valid July 1 – June 30 annually.

Can you touch the horses at Assateague Island?

Petting or feeding the wild horses may seem like a harmless and fun thing to do, but the consequences can be terrible. For your safety and the safety of the horses, please obey park regulations and do not approach, touch or feed the Assateague horses.

How much does it cost to drive Assateague?

The permit fee ranges from $110 to $200, depending upon the type of access desired. All vehicles using the OSV zone must display a valid OSV Permit.

Is it better to go to Assateague or Chincoteague?

Go to the Beach
Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long and renowned for its wild horses and sandy beaches while Chincoteague is only 7 miles long and better known for its marshes, dunes, forests, and more.

How do you get around Assateague Island?

There Are Several Ways To Get Around Assateague Island
You can get around on foot or by kayak, Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV), and horseback (allowed on beaches). Kayak touring is a popular way to see the wildlife, especially on the bay side of the island. Hikers have three options, each less than a mile long.

When can you see the ponies at Assateague?

The best time to see the ponies is actually the last Thursday in July on the southern end of Assateague island. The Chincoteague volunteer fire company owns around 150 ponies that live on the southern end of the island, separated from the Maryland half by a fence.

Is Assateague Island open to public?

March – November: Open 7 days/week. December – February: Open Friday – Monday. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Location: The Toms Cove Visitor Center is located on the south side of Beach Road, prior to the beach parking areas.

What is the best time of year to visit Assateague Island?

The ocean temperatures at Assateague Island are similar to Ocean City, Maryland, with the best times of year to swim in just a bathing suit being the end of June to early September. The air temperatures are warm to hot during these months, with the ocean offering a refreshing cool off from the sun.

Where is the best place to see wild horses?

• Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Witness the untamed beauty of the wild horses of Pilot Butte against a stunning, wide-open backdrop.
• Waipi’o Valley, Hawaii.
• Outer Banks, North Carolina.
• Steens Mountain Wilderness Area, Oregon.
• Tonto National Forest, Arizona.

Where is the best place to see wild horses Chincoteague?

Reaching the north herd ponies requires hiking up the “Service Road” (or a combination of biking and hiking). The Service Road is a 7.5 mile (one-way) gravel foot path located off of the Wildlife Loop Trail. Park in the Wildlife Loop parking lot.

How much do Assateague horses cost?

2021— $416,950. Average cost $16,295 (buybacks). This year holds the record for the low bid: $2,400 (increase of $600 from 2020). The auction was online-only due to COVID-19.

Do you need a reservation for Assateague Island?

Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. Campsite reservations are available six months in advance. Be aware that nearly all reservations for weekends are filled the first day that they become available.

Can you walk around Assateague Island?

Assateague Island has a variety of paved and unpaved trails open for hiking. There are also 37 miles of beach to wander.

Does Assateague have a public beach?

This is a public swimming beach located within the Assateague Island National Seashore, a remote beautiful barrier island off Maryland and Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This beach has parking and limited ADA access by boardwalk.

What time of year is best to see wild horses?

While it is possible to do a self-guided journey, the best bet for seeing the wild horses of Corolla is to book a tour with one of the reputable companies in the OBX. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourism season in June and July.

Are there sharks in Assateague Island?

Sharks, and sandbar sharks in particular, which Moore says are the most common off Assateague, can be crushed by their own weight when out of the water.