For anyone visiting Maryland’s Coast, a stop at Assateague Island National Seashore to view the wild horses grazing in the dunes or strolling along the edge of the surf is a must. Visitors come to Assateague from all over the country—and the world—to observe these famous horses. It’s one of the most quintessential experiences along Maryland’s Coast.
But once you’ve strolled the beaches and snapped some photos of the horses, it’s time to experience Assateague like a local—and on a much deeper level.
Experience the Bayside
The bayside of the island is a locals’ favorite and there are several locations where you can access it. These areas are typically less crowded than the beach, and offer a completely different experience than sitting by the surf. Hike the “Life of the Marsh” and the “Life of the Forest” trails, try your hand at crabbing at Old Ferry Landing, or rent a kayak or paddleboard from a local outfitter to see a side of Assateague most visitors don’t get to see.
Seeing the wild horses from a kayak or paddleboard is how many locals prefer to enjoy observing them—away from the crowds and in a more natural setting.
Cruise the OSV Zone
Many locals prefer to escape the crowds and drive down the OSV zone. If you have a 4WD vehicle, consider purchasing an OSV (Over Sand Vehicle) pass and head off road to a quieter part of the island. It’s important to air down your tires and follow all safety regulations to have the best experience. Typically, you can drive all the way down to the Virginia state border. The park does limit the number of vehicles in the zone to 140 cars, so be aware that this area can fill up quickly during peak summer season.
Explore the Backcountry
For those willing to rough it, camping in the backcountry will really get you off the beaten path and enable you to immerse yourself in all that Assateague’s natural beauty has to offer. The park has several backcountry campsites that you can hike to, as well as several paddle-in campsites. Backcountry permits must be purchased at the Ranger Station. Learn more about how to experience the backcountry here.
Pedal the Bike Path
If roughing it in the backcountry is not your style, consider exploring the park on a bike. Bike rentals are available from Assateague Outfitters and the bike path stretches from the visitor center on the mainland, over the Verrazanno Bridge, and all the way down to the entrance of the OSV zone. Visiting the island on a bike can be the best way to get around during the summer—no traffic, no parking stress, and no waiting in a long line at the fee booth!
Stay After Dark
When the sun dips below the horizon, Assateague offers a completely different vibe. What was a bustling park during the day, quiets down as the stars begin to appear in the sky. Stargazing at the park is top notch, as light pollution is low. Evening is also a great time for sitting around a fire on the beach. In the summer, bring a flashlight and spot the nocturnal ghost crabs as they emerge from the sand in search of their evening meal. And if you truly want to experience the park at night, be sure to book a campsite in either the beachfront or bayside campgrounds.
Show Your Support
As you begin to experience Assateague like a local, you’ll inevitably develop a deeper connection with the landscape, the ecosystem, and even the island’s rich history. When you find yourself connecting with the island on a deeper level, it’s only natural to want to become a steward of the island and its surrounding waters.
Stewardship of Assateague’s natural and cultural resources is a team effort. We, of course, think of the National Park Service as the frontline stewards of the island, but with 48,000 acres of barrier island habitat and an intricate ecosystem, it’s a lot to manage. It’s a delicate balancing act to preserve Assateague’s natural and cultural heritage while also supporting and embracing public visitation and recreation.
That’s where the Assateague Island Alliance (AIA) comes in. A 501c3 nonprofit Friends group organization, AIA supports Assateague Island National Seashore by promoting education and awareness of respectful visitation, as well as through financial gifts and volunteer events.
Throughout the year, AIA puts on events, workshops, and volunteering opportunities that all support the National Seashore. Proceeds from events and workshops help to raise funds for the park. Through AIA’s efforts, they’ve been able to fund seasonal staff positions and purchase vital equipment for the park such as pony patrol golf carts and campground dumpsters. From beach yoga to wildlife photography and plein air painting workshops, all of AIA’s programs support the overall goal of educating, spreading awareness, and supporting the entire island. Check out their full lineup of events and workshops here.
In addition to raising funds to support the park, AIA also holds volunteering events. Island cleanup days provide a way for visitors to make a hands-on difference in supporting and promoting stewardship of the park.
The most popular AIA volunteering event would have to be their horseshoe crab tagging programs. From May to July, scheduled around the tides, locals and visitors have the opportunity to lend a hand and tag hundreds—sometimes thousands—of horseshoe crabs each season. Tagging these “living fossils” is a classic citizen science project and helps to provide critical data for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in their efforts to understand and manage the horseshoe crab population across 13 states. AIA’s volunteer horseshoe crab tagging events are so popular that families are now planning their vacations around tagging dates!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a true local or just someone that experiences Assateague on the deeper, “local” level, anyone can be a steward of Assateague through the Assateague Island Alliance. If you’re feeling the urge to level up your stewardship of the island, consider becoming a member of AIA, fostering a horse, or donating your time as a volunteer.
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