Coastal Point | The Daytripper

The Daytripper

By Paul W. Ross
Special to the Coastal Point



	Coastal Point • PAUL W. ROSS An egret enjoys the solitude of Chincoteague.

This week, we are going to explore the southern end of Assateague Island. In an earlier article, we went to Assateague State Park (Maryland) and the Assateague Island National Seashore. This trip to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is about 66 miles, and will take you about 1 1/2 hours of driving time. Get an early start, plan on lunch in the town of Chincoteague, and you can be back in time for dinner. Assateague Island is what is known as a “barrier island,” built by sand that persistent waves have raised from the ocean floor. The constant reshaping of the dunes mirrors a restless origin, as stead winds continue to move the sand. Occasional storms drive waves and sands so forcefully that beach and shoreline change dramatically over time.

Follow the directions in “How Do We Get There?” to get to the Wildlife Refuge. Along the way out to the island, you will pass the Wallops Flight Facility of NASA. It is well worth some of your time to stop by their museum to see the excellent exhibits of atmospheric sounding rockets and early research vehicles used in the space program. The visitor’s center for the NASA facility is on your right as you proceed to Chincoteague.

Chincoteague’s traditional claim to fame is the annual Pony Swim Penning and Auction, where the extra ponies from the wild herd are sold off to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. The auction is held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. Believe it or not, the Fire Department owns the herd in Virginia (there is another herd in the Maryland half of the island). By permit, they are allowed to graze on the island in the refuge. If you haven’t read it, “Misty of Chincoteague” is a book for you to share with your children.

If you are in time for lunch, there are a number of excellent restaurants in the town of Chincoteague. There are a number of shops specializing in local crafts, as well.

To get to the Wildlife center, turn north (left) on Main Street, and right on Maddox Road. Follow the signs to the entrance to the Wildlife Center. Make it a point to stop by the Chincoteague Wildlife Visitor Center (Fish and Wildlife Service) or proceed on the Tom’s Cove Visitor Center (National Park Service). We picked up an excellent trail map and bird listing at the Wildlife Visitor Center. The list includes 324 species of birds, with their relative abundance. In the Bethany Beach area, we have identified well over 30 different species, and are still counting. If you plan on “birding,” a good field guide is a worthwhile investment. A pair of binoculars as well as a camera with a telephoto capability would be good. The scenery is magnificent, and the birds are abundant.

As you come across the Assateague Channel, turn right and stop at the lighthouse. Proceed on along Beach Road, and take the Woodland trail, if you want a nice short hike — about a mile. Continue out the Beach Road to the Toms Cove Visitor Center, and further along for parking, and access to the beach, if you wish. There are bathhouses there, for your convenience.

If you have brought your bicycle, there are lots of paved bike paths in the refuge. Hiking is also an excellent option, as there are more than 15 miles of trails in the park. As usual, a sturdy pair of boots or sneakers is in order, along with plenty of water and sunscreen. A good bug repellent is not out of order at some times of year, especially in the marshy areas. With any luck, you will see the wild ponies, either in herds, or frequently find them along the road. Don’t feed the ponies, or try to pet them. People have gotten some nasty bites from them. Don’t let a pony put their head into your car! Just view them from a distance.

Pets are prohibited in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, even in your vehicle. This time, you will have to leave Fluffy or Rover at home.

How do we get there?

Let’s avoid the heavier shore traffic on this trip, and not go down Route 1 through Ocean City. We’ll go the “back way” and see some of the countryside. Proceed west on Route 26 from Bethany Beach through Dagsboro to Route 113. Turn south on Route 113 past Selbyville, and past Berlin. Just to the south of Snow Hill, in Maryland, swing southeast (left) on Route 12. Proceed on Route 12 until it becomes Route 679 at the Maryland-Virginia line. In a few miles, you will turn east on to Route 175, past the Wallops Island Flight Facility of NASA. Route 175 leads us through the town of Chincoteague, and to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Preserve.
Driving time is about 1 1/2 hours to the Preserve. The distance is about 66 miles from Bethany Beach.

For more details, you can visit their web site at www.nps.gov/asis. They may also be reached by telephone at (410) 641-1441 or (410) 641-3030.