It’s pretty simple to get off the beaten path in this video about Biscayne National Park because there is no path. Biscayne’s park features are 95% underwater. Listen as Park Ranger Rebecca Haynes takes you through the unique attributes of Mangroves.
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President Harry S Truman formally dedicated Everglades National Park on December 6, 1947 in a ceremony held at Everglades City, to protect its magnificent biological resources. Protection of wading birds and their rookeries from commercial exploitation and encroachments was the prime reason for setting the park aside. Although habitat changes have reduced historic numbers, tens of thousands of birds feed and nest within the Everglades, providing visitors with opportunities of a lifetime of bird watching. It encompasses 1,508,538 acres and attracts approximately 1,181,000 visitors a year, with visitation being highest from December through April and lowest May through November.
This is almost exclusively a biological park dedicated to the preservation of a complex and precisely ordered living mechanism. It lays at the interface between temperate and sub-tropical America, giving a rich diversity of species, many at the limit of their ranges. The topography is so subdued that a broad sheet of water slowly flows over and through the porous limestone bedrock on its way to the sea, rather than following well-defined valleys. Most of the park is actually covered with water during normal wet seasons, while dry winters cause fresh water to dwindle to a few open areas crowded with wildlife.
The great floral variety of the Everglades is one of the key resources of the park. Among its more prominent and colorful plants are Bromeliads and epiphytic orchids. As many as 25 varieties of orchids are known to occur in the park, in addition to over 1000 other kinds of seed-bearing plants and 120 species of trees. The park is so much more then what you see portrayed on TV shows and movies.
Visitor centers are located at the main entrance (west of Homestead), Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast (south of Everglades City). They are all open year round. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Shark Valley Visitor Center, and Gulf Coast Visitor Center all have varying hours for winter and summer, but are mostly open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Ernest Coe Visitor Center at the park entrance near Homestead is fully accessible to wheelchairs. There are audio programs available, as well as a captioned film “Everglades: River of Life.” The Coe Visitor Center is a good place to get oriented to all the park has to offer. The Royal Palm Visitor Center is also fully accessible and has a wheelchair available for loan on a first come, first served basis. This is an excellent place to view alligators on nearby boardwalks. The Flamingo Visitor Center is accessible by a steep ramp from the parking area. It contains a museum exhibit with both print and audio displays. A free wheelchair is available for loan on a first come, first served basis. The Eco Pond Trail is nearby and accessible to wheelchairs. The Shark Valley Visitor Center is fully accessible and has a wheelchair available for loan on a first come, first served basis. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is accessible by elevator from the parking area. It contains a museum exhibit with print and captioned video displays.
Throughout the winter numerous activities from slide shows to canoe trips are offered by rangers in various areas of the park. At least half of these are accessible by wheelchair. Check the list of current ranger-led activities at a visitor center for information on programs and accessibility. The best way to experience the Everglades is on one of the many trails, many of which are paved or wooden boardwalks. All of the following are wheelchair accessible and less than 3/4 mile long: Anhinga Trail, Gumbo-Limbo Trail, Pinelands Trail, Pahayokee Overlook, Mahogany Hammock Trail, West Lake Trail, and Bobcat Hammock, so don’t miss out on any adventure.
Chickees, used for camping, are located along interior rivers and bays where no dry land exists. Miccosukee Indians describe a chickee as an open-air structure which allows wind to blow through for comfort on hot days and to keep insects away. Everglades Wilderness chickees serve a similar purpose. Some ground sites are old Indian mounds. Coastal aboriginals, who lived here well before the Seminoles, constructed mounds of shell or soil as dry dwelling sites amidst the mangroves. Others, such as the Lopez River campsite and the Watson Place, were cleared by early settlers. Beach sites are located on coastal shell beaches. Most of south Florida’s natural beach is built up from the shells of multitudes of marine organisms. While some shells are fragmented, many can be discovered completely intact. Some beaches, such as Highland Beach and Cape Sable, serve as essential nesting sites for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).
Sandfly Island, on the Gulf Coast, has a long human history. The island itself is a shell mound created by Calusa Indians, who arrived in this area over 2,000 years ago. In the early 1900s, settlers had a home, tomato farm, and even a store on the island. Today nature has reclaimed the island and few signs of human settlement remain. You can canoe to it and then if you walk quietly on the island, you may see raccoons, turtles, mangrove crabs or birds. Sandfly Island has a dock and a one mile (1600 m) loop walking trail. To go onto the island it is best to land on the shore and walk to the trail, rather than attempting to get out on the dock. After your walk you may want to continue exploring south of the island along Sandfly Pass.
Everglades National Park has many miles of biking and hiking trails. Bicycling is permitted along the main park roads, on the Shark Valley tram road, on the Old Ingraham Highway, on Long Pine Key Nature Trail, and on the Snake Bight and Rowdy Bend trails at Flamingo. Both hiking and biking make excellent adventure travel in this park.
Once, water flowed freely from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, a “river of grass” 120 miles long and 50 miles wide, but less than a foot deep. In this flat landscape, even a few inches of elevation meant the difference between wet marsh and dry ground. Today, the Everglades are an ecosystem in danger. Canals and levees capture and divert its water for human needs, including drinking water, irrigation, and flood control. Often, too much water is withheld from the Everglades during the wet season, or too much is diverted into it during the winter drought, disrupting the natural cycles of feeding and nesting which depend on these patterns. Sometimes the water is contaminated by pollutants. Faced with loss of habitat, disruption of water flow, and the invasion of non-native species, many animals have declined dramatically in number. Some have virtually disappeared. Fortunately, in recent years the park has grown more aware of these threats, and of the importance of resolving them. Major efforts are under way to restore the natural flow of water through the river of grass. Research projects help to better understand the Everglades, and what it will take to protect it.
The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April, though rare cold fronts may create near freezing conditions. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90 degrees (32°C) and humidity over 90%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. The Atlantic Hurricane Season is June-November. Tropical storms or hurricanes may affect the area. The rainy season is June through October (mosquito season coincides with the rainy season).
Mosquitoes are very prevalent June through October! Be prepared, so you can enjoy this unique park, with repellent, sunscreen, and loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants in summer or try the new insect repellent clothing now available. In winter, wear comfortable sportswear. Information on mosquito levels during the summer is available at (305) 242-7700 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST).
Visitors are advised to bring drinking water and snacks since these items are sparsely located. Do not leave food unattended. Store food in a secure compartment aboard a vessel or in a hard-sided cooler (not foam). Raccoons are aggressive and may chew through plastic jugs containing fresh water. Raccoons will also tear into a tent to obtain food.
Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping, except in auto campgrounds or when sleeping aboard boats. There is a fee for processing of the permit. They may be obtained in person up to 24 hours before the day your trip begins. Please display your permit on your tent. Upon completion of your trip, turn your permit in to a Ranger Station or Visitor Center. Insect conditions are so severe during summer months that wilderness use is minimal and permit writing desks may not be staffed. Permits are still required – follow self-registration instruction at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers, or the Key Largo Ranger Station (usually May to November). Winter wilderness users originating from the Florida Keys will be able to obtain permits by phone by calling 239-695-2945, no more than 24 hours prior to the start of their trip, for the following locations only: North Nest Key, Little Rabbit Key, Carl Ross Key, and the Cape Sable Beaches.
Practice Leave-No-Trace principles. Wilderness ethics dictate that visitors to the area try to leave no trace of their passage. Bring all trash out of the backcountry with you. Do not bury it or dispose of it in toilets. Use toilets where provided, for human waste only. Bring a small plastic trowel for use at other times. Where there is no toilet, dig a hole at least six inches deep and cover it after use or, better yet, pack human waste and toilet paper to the nearest toilet. At beach and coastal ground sites, urinate directly in the water. To avoid soap pollution in local waters, wash dishes (and yourself) away from waterways and sprinkle the gray water over the ground to soak in. International laws prohibit dumping trash at sea. Pets are not permitted at backcountry campsites, beaches, or ashore anywhere in the backcountry. Pets can disrupt feeding, nesting, and mating activities of wildlife.
Campers and boaters, carry fresh water (1 gallon / 4 liters per person per day), food, compass, nautical charts, topographical maps, anchor, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain gear, insect repellent, and tent (with insect netting). Safely exploring a wilderness by water requires careful preparation and planning. Plan at least two routes before arriving at the park in case your first choice is already filled. Leave a float plan with family or friends. If you require assistance planning your trip, call or stop by the Gulf Coast (Everglades City) or Flamingo Visitor Centers. The Flamingo Visitor Center is staffed intermittently during the summer. Flamingo Marina, open year-round, can accommodate more than 50 boats with electric and water hookups. The channel will accept a four foot maximum draft. Boat fuel is available for sale. Boat ramps are located at Flamingo, West Lake, and Little Blackwater Sound on Key Largo. All motors are prohibited on all freshwater lakes; however, water craft with engines of 6 horsepower or less are permitted on West Lake. Power boaters should reduce speed in narrow channels. They should idle past canoeists and avoid approaching canoeists too closely. Vessels within 100 yards (90 m) of any backcountry campsite need to approach sites at idle speed to avoid prop dredging and excessive wave action. Watch for manatees! Please check with the park for full boating regulations. All vessels must conform to Coast Guard regulations. Obey all posted signs regarding closures, no wake zones, etc.
Canoeing is an excellent way to explore the Everglades, because more than one third of the park is made up of marine areas and shallow estuaries. Check at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers for maps and directions. Canoes may be rented at Flamingo and Gulf Coast. Don’t overestimate your abilities. Suggested equipment includes flotation devices (required by law), paddles, a bailer, bow and stern lines, waterproof bags for gear, a tide chart, water (1 gallon / 4 liters per person), long shirt and pants for sun and insect protection, a wide-brimmed hat, shoes that can get wet, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Boats more than 18 feet (5.5 m) long or with high cabins or windshields should not attempt the trip because of narrow channels and overhanging vegetation. Nautical charts are necessary for finding your way in the coastal zone, and are useful in planning your trip.
Here are a few boating safety tips while traveling in the Everglades. Beware of swift currents and tides when securing vessels overnight; tidal ranges can exceed 4 feet (1.2 m) in some locations. Beach canoes above the high tide line or anchor from three points at landings/docks. Tides can also be used to your advantage in travel. Tide tables are available at the Flamingo and Gulf Coast Visitor Centers. Numerous canoes and boats have been swamped by rough seas on windy days. Prepare for sudden wind and weather changes at any time. Anchor or tie your boat securely. Tides and winds can make canoeing difficult. Most canoeists plan to travel between 10 and 12 miles (16-19 km) per day, so keep track of your miles. If you are in trouble, stay with your vessel near a navigational marker or campsite. Set anchor immediately. Try to attract the attention of other boaters. The Gulf Coast Ranger Station and the Flamingo Ranger Station both monitor radio Channel 16 during daylight hours. Please use this channel for emergencies. The U.S. Coast Guard monitors the radio 24 hours per day.
This lists just a few of the fishing rules and recommendations. Anglers may have four (4) fillets per person for immediate consumption at designated campsites or on board vessels equipped with cooking facilities. All other fish must remain whole while on park waters. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required to fish in freshwater or to possess fresh water species. Live or dead fish (including minnows and shiners) or amphibians, and non-preserved fish eggs or roe, are prohibited. Digging for bait inside the park is not permitted. No fishing is allowed at the Ernest F. Coe (Main) Visitor Center lakes, Royal Palm Visitor Center area and trails, Chekika Lake, along the first 3 miles of the Main Park Road, including Taylor Slough, or along the Shark Valley Tram Road. High levels of mercury have been found in Everglades’s bass and in some fish species in northern Florida Bay. Do not eat bass caught north of the Main Park Road. Do not eat bass caught south of the Main Park Road more than once a week. Children and pregnant women should not eat any bass.
The following saltwater species caught in northern Florida Bay should not be consumed more than once per week by adults or once per month by women of child-bearing age and children: spotted seatrout, gafftopsail, catfish, bluefish, crevalle jack, or ladyfish. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish in saltwater or to possess saltwater species. Bait, except for mullet and shrimp, is not included in bag limits. Saltwater bait can be shrimp, minnows, pilchards, pinfish, mullet, mojarras (shad), or ballyhoo. Bait may be taken with hook and line, dip net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m), and cast net. No fishing is allowed in Eco, Mrazek or Coot Bay Ponds at any time. No fishing is allowed from the boardwalk at West Lake, or at the Flamingo Marina during daylight hours.
Remember that collecting plants and animals in Everglades National Park is prohibited. This includes such things as orchids, airplants, seahorses, starfish, conch, tropical fish, coral, sponges, and driftwood (except for fuel). One quart of non-occupied sea shells may be collected per person. The taking and possession of lobster and queen conch is prohibited.
The towing of persons by vessels utilizing water skis, hydra slides, knee boards or other similar types of equipment is prohibited so that manatees, crocodiles, and nesting birds will not be disturbed. The operation of “personal watercraft” also known as “wet bikes®”, “jet skis®”, and other trade names, is prohibited.
Do not approach or harass alligators and crocodiles, as they can be dangerous. It is illegal to feed wildlife. Backcountry sites are shared with alligators, marine turtles, nesting birds and other wildlife. Please observe, but do not disturb.
Areas frequented by manatees have been posted. Keep an eye out for manatees. Slow to an idle if observed, but do not approach or molest. These gentle creatures are becoming rare and need to be protected.
Entrance fees: Vehicle – $10, at main entrance and Shark Valley that is valid for 7 days, for single, private, non-commercial vehicles. An entrance fee is not charged at the Gulf Coast. Individuals – $5, at main entrance and at Shark Valley, that is a per-person fee for individuals 17 years of age or older when entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, buses carrying passengers not on a pre-packaged tour. An Everglades Annual Pass is $25, good for one year and covers the purchaser and family in a vehicle, on foot or bikes.
Camping fees: $14/day, regular sites with a maximum of 8 persons, Group Sites – $28, maximum of 15 persons. A backcountry permit is required for all wilderness campsites of $10 with an additional fee of $2/person per night. If you have a Golden Age Pass (U.S. citizen 62 or older) or Golden Access Pass (permanently disabled), camping is half price. This does not apply toward group sites.
A boat launch fee is charged to all vehicles entering the park with boats, including canoes, kayaks, and power boats. It is a per boat charge: 7 day boat launch fee – $5.00, 7 day non-motorized boat fee – $3.00, or an Annual boat launch pass – $60.00.
There are three camping areas: Flamingo Campground, Long Pine Key Campground and Wilderness Camping or Backcountry Camping. All three have accessible campsites. Each has wheelchair accessible restrooms. They are all open year-round allowing for winter camping. During the winter season (November 1 – April 30), camping is limited to 14 days. Camping may not exceed 30 days in one year. Only one primary camping unit (motor home, pop-up, camping, camper van, etc.) and one secondary unit (tent) may occupy a campsite at a time. Check-out is by 12:00 p.m. Chickees are located along interior rivers and bays where no dry land exists. They are elevated 10′ x 12′ (3 m x 3.7 m) wooden platforms with roofs, usually constructed on open water, well away from mangrove trees. A narrow walkway leads to a self-contained toilet. You’ll need a free-standing tent, since stakes or nails are not allowed. Ground sites are mounds of earth a few feet higher than the surrounding mangroves, located along interior bays and rivers. They tend to have more insects than chickees or beach sites.
Family/individual sites at the Flamingo campground are now only accepting reservation; Long Pine Key is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations can be made through, The National Park Reservation Service at 877-444-6777 (domestic) or 518-885-3639 (international) or www.recreation.gov. Reservations are accepted up to five months in advance. Camping from May through October is by self-registration at all campgrounds. Fees are not charged from June to August.
Flamingo Campground is located at the end of the main park road in Flamingo. It has 234 drive-in sites (55 with a view of the water), 3 walk-up group sites (on the water’s edge), and 40 walk-up sites (9 on the water’s edge). It also provides cold water showers, two dump stations, picnic tables and grill for winter programs. There are no hookups for the RV campsites. Limited groceries and camping supplies are available at the Flamingo Marina store. Ground fires are not permitted at ground sites and chickees. Ground fires are only allowed at beach sites (except islands in Florida Bay), where they must be below the average high tide line. Use dead and down wood only! Backpacking stoves are recommended, as wood is often wet. Clean up after fires. Please be advised that it was heavily impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005.
Long Pine Key Campground is located seven miles (11 km) from the main entrance, just off the main road. It has 108 drive-up sites for tents and RVs, including one group site. There are rest rooms, water, and a sewer dump station with fresh water fill, but no showers or hookups. A picnic area is nearby, with fire grates and rest rooms. There is also a pond for fishing, an amphitheater for winter programs, and several hiking trails in the area.
Wilderness camping has 47 designated campsites. The majority of the sites are accessible only by canoe, kayak, and motorboat. A few sites are accessible by foot. None are accessible by car. There is one backcountry site that is accessible to people with mobility impairments. It is the Pearl Bay Chickee, which is about a four hour canoe trip from the main road. It features handrails, a canoe dock, and an accessible chemical toilet. Wilderness permits are only issued the day before or the day of the start of your camping trip. Permits are not issued over the phone, but are written from the Ernest Coe Visitor Center only for two land sites in the Long Pine Key area: Ernest Coe and Ingraham Highway. There are 156 miles (251 km) of canoe and walking trails in the wilderness. Ground fires are only allowed at beach sites (except islands in Florida Bay), where they must be below the average high tide line. Use dead and down wood only! Backpacking stoves are recommended, as wood is often wet. Clean up after fires. If you sleep aboard a vessel in the wilderness, anchor out of sight of chickees and 1/4 mile from other occupied sites. Quiet hours are in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Please show mutual respect to other wilderness visitors.
Biscayne National Park is 22 miles away. Big Cypress National Preserve is 5 miles away. Dry Tortugas National Park is 210 miles away. De Soto National Memorial is 132 miles away. Canaveral National Seashore is 230 miles away. Castillo De San Marcos National Monument, Fort Frederica National Monument, Fort Caroline National Memorial, Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Rookery Bay National Estuarine RR, Collier-Seminole State Park, Mud Bay, Chokoloskee Bay, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are nearby.
Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers are serviced by international airports, buses, and numerous car rental agencies. Miami has an Amtrak station. The park may be explored by personal vehicle, commercial tour bus, bicycle, motor boat, or canoe/kayak. There is no public transportation in the park.
Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north may take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.
To Shark Valley, take the Florida Turnpike to the exit for SW 8th Street (also known as U.S. 41 and Tamiami Trail). Travel 25 miles west on U.S. 41 to signs marked Shark Valley. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to signs marked Shark Valley.
To the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, take U.S. 41 west from the Miami area to the intersection of U.S. 29, then take U.S. 29 south three miles into Everglades City and follow the signs to the park visitor center. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 east and turn south on U.S. 29.
Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Everglades National Park:
By Car:
Miami, FL – 43.49 miles
Fort Lauderdale, FL – 72.22 miles
Fort Myers, FL – 185.30 miles
Florida City, FL – 8.92 miles
Key Largo, FL – 37.83 miles
South Miami Heights, FL – 23.76 miles
Everglades National Park, 4000l State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034-6733
Visitors Information (305) 242-7700
Fax (305) 242-7711
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The park is open year round, 24 hours a day on the Maryland side. Virginia District hours are- January-March: 6 am – 6 pm. April: 6 am – 8 pm. May-September: 5 am – 10 pm. October: 6 am – 8 pm. November-December: 6 am – 6 pm. Visitors are encouraged to stop and enjoy the exhibits and aquariums at one of the visitor centers to become acquainted with the barrier island environment. During the summer months lifeguard protected beaches are in operation and rangers lead walks, talks, demonstrations and evening programs.
Barrier Island Visitor Center is open all year from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. It is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island on the southern side of Route 611, before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. Features include beachcombing exhibits, educational brochures, nature films, marine aquarium and touch tank. A cooperating association bookstore, lost and found, emergency services and restrooms are also available. Regularly scheduled park activities are available seasonally. Education programs for schools are given throughout the year. Information is available upon request.
Sinepuxent District Ranger Station/Campground Office is open all year and is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island on east side of Bayberry Drive, after the entrance station. It offers campground information and registration, backcountry camping permits, hunting information and off-road vehicle permits.
The Virginia district of Assateague Island is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is open year round 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, closed on New Year’s and Christmas days. It features educational exhibits, brochures, and nature films.
The National Park Service operates the Toms Cove Visitor Center within the refuge year round. It is open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm in winter, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm in summer, and 9:00 am – 5:00 pm in fall and spring, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Located on the south side of Beach Road, prior to the beach parking areas, it features beachcombing exhibits, educational brochures, marine aquarium and touch tank. A bookstore, lost and found, emergency services and permits (overnight fishing, off-road vehicle, and campfire) are available. Ranger-led programs are conducted daily in the summer.
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 seasonally for use on the oceanside beaches in Maryland and Virginia.
Assateague owes its very creation as a National Seashore to the weather. In the 1950’s, some 5,000 private lots comprising what is now National Park Service land were zoned and sold for resort development. The infamous “Ash Wednesday” nor’easter in 1962 disrupted construction plans, however, ripping roads apart and destroying the few existing structures on the island. In 1965 Assateague became a National Seashore.
Human activities also exert a strong influence over Assateague’s natural environment. Beginning in the 1600’s, colonists used the Island for grazing horses and other livestock. The bands of wild horses living on Assateague today are descendents of those domesticated animals and remain a powerful force acting on the island’s natural systems. Despite the often told tale of the horses swimming to Assateague from a shipwrecked Spanish galleon, the most plausible explanation is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.
Today’s horses are actually the size of ponies (average 12- 13 hands) probably due to their poor diet and harsh environment. Almost 80% of their diet is coarse salt marsh cord grass and American beach grass. Various grass species, greenbrier stems, bayberry twigs, rose hips, seaweeds and poison ivy make up the rest of their diet. The high concentration of salt in their diets causes the horses to drink twice as much fresh water as domestic horses. Because of this, the horses have a “fat” or “bloated” appearance.
The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side and one on the Maryland side of Assateague. The herds are separated by a fence at the Virginia/Maryland State line and the population size of each herd is kept around 150 animals to lessen their impact on island ecology. These herds have divided themselves into bands of two to twelve animals and each band occupies a home range.
The National Park Service manages the Maryland herd. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia Herd, which is allowed to graze on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, through a special use permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The permit restricts the size of the herd to approximately 150 adult animals in order to protect the other natural resources of the wildlife refuge. It is the Virginia herd which is often referred to as the “Chincoteague” ponies.
The herds are managed differently. In Virginia, the internationally famous “Pony Penning” event is responsible for meeting the limit of 150 adult animals. This event began in some form during the late 17th century when unclaimed horses were captured and marked by colonists in the presence of neighbors on a day of fellowship and festivity. The modern Pony Penning began in 1924 as an effort to raise money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and is still held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. The Virginia herd, rounded up by local “saltwater cowboys”, swims across the channel (at slack tide) to Chincoteague on Wednesday in front of thousands of cheering spectators. The swim takes about 5 – 10 minutes. Most of the foals are auctioned off on Thursday and the remaining horses swim back to Assateague on Friday. New owners must be able to provide safe, humane transportation for their purchases. Most foals are easily tamed and adapt well to domestic life.
The Virginia herd undergoes a veterinary check twice a year. In the spring (April) they are vaccinated against encephalitis (both eastern and western strain), rabies and tetanus and tested for EIA (Equine Infectious Anemia or swamp fever). They are also de-wormed (using ivermectin) and some horses have their hooves trimmed. In the fall they are de-wormed again and all horses have their hooves trimmed. The horses on the Virginia side of the island are also fenced off from road areas to stop people from feeding them and attracting them to cars and roadways.
At various times in its history, fishing villages, industrial sites, and even a network of lifesaving stations for stranded mariners have all left their marks on the Seashore. Then as now, the dynamic nature of the island continues to manifest itself in both subtle and dramatic ways, giving Assateague its unique and special character.
More than half of Assateague Island National Seashore’s 48,000 acres is comprised of near-shore and estuarine waters, and the interplay between these waters and the barrier island affects nearly every aspect of life in this dynamic coastal environment.
The geography of the island itself is in a state of constant flux, continuously being reshaped by the elemental forces of wind and water. Powerful storms can dramatically alter the shoreline in a matter of hours, as waves wash over the beach and reshape the island from ocean to bay. Other forces sculpt the landscape in less obvious ways. Exposures to salt spray, lack of fresh water, and isolation from the mainland are subtle, but powerful influences on the Island’s species composition. Over time, these conditions have produced a community of plants and animals uniquely suited to the extremes found at the edge of the sea.
Large storms and hurricanes have continued to reshape the island to the present day, periodically forcing birds and humans alike to find shelter in inland areas. One of the last major storms to hit Assateague occurred in early February 1998. During this northeaster, tidal surge washed over large parts of the island, eroding away dunes and scouring away vegetation down to bare sand. The storm redistributed tremendous amounts of sand, building new areas of land along the bay side of the island and very nearly creating a new inlet near the northern end of Assateague.
Despite its relatively small size, less than 18,000 acres, a surprising array of habitats and natural features can be found on Assateague Island. Assateague stretches for 37 miles along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Sinepuxent and Chincoteague Bays to the west. Along the seaward side, sandy beaches extend the length of the island. Beyond the beach, natural and human-made dunes protect inland habitats from salt spray and ocean waves, allowing shrub thickets and pine forests to thrive. During periods of rain, many freshwater pools form in depressions in these areas. Some are small and temporary, losing their water to the coarse, sandy soil or evaporation during the spring months. Other, larger ponds provide water for wildlife well into the dry summer months.
Assateague Island is part of a vast chain of barrier islands extending from Maine to Texas. Changing sea level and migration of offshore sediments play vital roles in forming and maintaining these important coastal features. Barrier islands can form when offshore sand deposits accumulate sufficiently to break the water surface or when sea level rise causes inland dunes to become separated from the mainland. Others form when “spits” deposited across the mouth of a bay eventually break from the mainland.
Barrier islands like Assateague are highly dynamic places, as currents and storms work to continuously reshape the land form. Though changing course periodically throughout the year, long shore currents continuously transport sand south along the coast. On a seasonal basis, harsh winter weather pulls sand from dunes and upper beaches, depositing it into offshore sand bars and reducing beach width. This process is reversed during milder summer weather, as gentler wave action acts to restore the shoreline.
Assateague is also moving westward as a result of sea-level rise and the force of the surf through a process called “island rollover.” During severe storm events, sand is eroded from the ocean beaches and carried across the island by flood waters and re-deposited in marshes along the western shore, steadily narrowing the bay that separates the island from the mainland. The island is over a quarter of a mile farther inland than it was in 1866. These events can break through dunes, spilling sand in fanlike deposits or even carving inlets, such as the one that has separated Assateague and Ocean City since 1933. Long shore currents will eventually deposit sediments and close these gaps unless, like the Ocean City inlet, it is maintained with jetties and dredging.
The Atlantic Ocean lies along the eastern side of Assateague Island, with the park’s boundary extending half-a-mile into its waters. The ocean acts to constantly sculpt the shore by transporting sand to and from offshore areas and along the coastline itself, and by occasionally washing sediments over the island and depositing them in the bay to the west.
From sandy beaches along the island’s seaward side to salt marshes on the western bay, Assateague hosts a wide variety of vegetative communities. A diverse array of environmental conditions – elevation, the availability of fresh water, distance from the ocean, the movement of sand, storm-driven winds and seas – all work to shape these communities, as each species has developed adaptations to the unique challenges of the zone in which it lives.
Plants living on the beach and dunes must withstand some of the harshest conditions. Continuous exposure to strong, salt-laden winds, constantly shifting sands, low substrate moisture, and intense summer heat all contribute to a landscape that is less than 1% vegetated. Plants like sea rockets (Cakile edentula) have fleshy, thick-skinned leaves to store water and withstand the salty environment of the beach and lower dunes. Higher up the dunes, American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) adapts to shifting sands by growing additional stems when buried, thus helping to bind the substrate and reduce erosion. Prickly pear cactus is native to dry, sandy areas on Assateague Island. American Indians applied peeled pads to wounds and drank pad tea for lung ailments. Fruits were eaten fresh or dried for winter use.
In the sheltered zone beyond the dunes where fresh water is more plentiful, vegetative cover jumps to 80% and is predominantly characterized by less salt-tolerant shrubs and thickets. Here, taller plants undergo a natural pruning process, as salt winds blowing over the dunes limit their height. Common species in these areas include wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), which provide food and cover for songbirds, small rodents, and rabbits. Other species commonly found among the shrub thickets include Blackberry (Rubus argutus) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans).
Where the island is wide enough to allow sufficient protection from the ocean’s salt spray and over-wash, trees are able to establish a foothold. The forests of Assateague are predominantly pine woodlands, with Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) being the most prevalent tree species. Scrub pine (Pinus virginiana), Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), and Muscadine grape (Vitis rotunifolia) are also common in the forest understory.
On the mainland side of the island adjacent to the bay, one can find large areas of salt marsh dominated by Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), a plant that has adapted to periodic flooding by seawater by releasing salt through its leaves. Within the waters of the bay itself, beds of eel grass (Zostera marina) and other submerged aquatic vegetation provide shelter and spawning areas for aquatic animals, while microscopic phytoplankton produces vast amounts of oxygen.
The plant life of Assateague and its surrounding waters mirrors the rich diversity of its habitats, playing a variety of vital roles in the island ecosystem.
The more than two dozen species of grasses found on Assateague are vital members of the island’s plant communities, acting as sediment stabilizers in both dunes and marshes. Some species are conspicuous, such as sugarcane plumegrass (Erianthus giganteus), which can grow in moist fields to a height of 12 feet. The invasive common reed (Phragmites australis), which can also reach heights of 12 feet, is an easily recognizable inhabitant of fresh water and brackish habitats, where it can out-compete many other native species. Sandburs (Cenchrus tribuloides) disperse seeds by sticking onto animal fur or clothing, and occasionally attack campers’ inflatable sleeping pads. Other, less obtrusive grasses include ticklegrasses (Agrostis sp.) – short, tufted grasses which live in woods, fields, bogs, and marshes.
One of the most important grasses on the island is American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata), which stabilizes sand dunes and reduces erosion from wind. It continues to grow as sands blow over its stems, sometimes creating up to 40 feet of buried plant above the roots. Because of this trait, it is often planted during beach restoration projects.
Specific habitats on the island where grasses are the dominant plants include: brackish tidal marshes characterized by cattail (Typha angustifolia); marshes dominated by common reed or needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) marshes; interdunal sand bogs characterized by pathrush (Juncus dichotomus) and sundew (Drosera intermedia); and other dune, interdune, and bayside plant communities.
On barrier islands such as Assateague that are subjected to strong, salt-laden winds, tree and shrub growth is restricted both in size and location. Sheltered areas behind dunes allow tree and shrub communities to grow, but where the island is narrow or lacks protective dunes; few or no species may exist.
Shrub communities on Assateague establish themselves on or behind dunes, in protected depressions, and along the edges of marshes, with characteristic species growing in each location depending on the levels of salinity and moisture present. One of the most distinctive shrubs of Assateague is beach heath (Hudsonia tomentosa), a dense, low shrub common to dunes and sandy areas along the eastern seaboard. It sometimes acts as a pioneer plant, providing cover that allows other species to become established. Beach heath blooms in May and June, producing numerous small, yellow flowers.
Taller shrub communities behind dunes are limited in height by salt winds blowing above the plants, which exert a natural pruning force. Wax-myrtle (Myrica cerifera), an evergreen whose berries are still used in making candles, is the most common shrub in these protected areas. Marsh elder (Iva frutescens), which is capable of tolerating brackish or saltwater areas, dominates the shrub thickets surrounding salt marshes on the bay side of the island and marks the transition between upland and marsh.
In central portions of the island where shelter from over-wash and salt winds allow, tree communities occur. The majority of large trees in these forests are evergreen, with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) being the dominant. Interspersed among the pines are deciduous species such as red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and several species of oak (Quercus sp.). Other evergreen species present in the forests include American holly (Ilex opaca) and red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).
Wildflowers play an important role in the coastal ecosystem of Assateague Island. They serve as food sources for many animals, and their roots aid in the stabilization of sand, securing substrates that might otherwise be eroded by wind. Wildflowers flourish in every habitat on Assateague. Because of continuously changing habitat conditions, plants that can rapidly adjust tend to survive well on the island.
Beach habitats tend to be sparsely vegetated, with a scattering of the few species that are specialized for survival on exposed sands. Beach-dwelling wildflowers tend to grow low to the ground and have tough, fleshy leaves to avoid water loss and withstand salt and sand blown by strong winds. One such species is the federally threatened seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus), which grows in mats of over 1 foot in diameter on the beaches of Atlantic coast barrier islands. Assateague Island is the only place in Maryland where seabeach amaranth is found, and an active monitoring and management program for the species is currently underway at the park.
Other rare plants, including two species of orchids, can be found in Assateague’s damp forests and wetlands. The crested fringed orchid (Platanthera cristata) lives in damp pine forests and has bright orange flowers that appear in late summer. Rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides) plants display a single pink flower in late spring and can be found in a variety of moist areas, including sphagnum bogs, swamps, meadows, and forests.
Many of Assateague’s wildflowers species flourish in disturbed areas such as roadsides. In summer, hundreds of rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) lines the entrance road with large white blooms. These are joined by collections of yellow, white, purple, or pink flowers produced by various members of the aster family (Asteraceae).
Assateague’s wildflowers are as varied as the changing conditions of the island. They constitute important components of the island’s natural systems, while also providing beauty and enjoyment to the Seashore’s many visitors.
First-time visitors should stop at the visitor centers to see exhibits and obtain information about the many recreational activities and natural features in the seashore. Seasonally, a wide variety of guided programs can be enjoyed to enhance your visit. Recreational opportunities such as swimming, surf fishing, crabbing, clamming, and canoeing are popular summer activities.
In Maryland, four miles of paved roads include an adjacent bike path. Cyclists may travel to Assateague over a bicycle-pedestrian bridge and follow a paved bike path along Bayberry Drive through 4 miles of island habitat. ‘Life of Assateague’ self-guided trails interpret three different barrier island habitats. Life of the Forest Trail, Life of the Marsh Trail, and Bicycle Bridge are all ½ mile long. There are also 37 miles of beach to wander!
In Virginia, five miles of paved roads include a bike path and fifteen miles of trails that wind through refuge marshes and forests, including a path to the Assateague lighthouse. A paved path leads bicycles from Chincoteague to Assateague. Black Duck Marsh Trail is 1 mile long and accessible. The Wildlife Loop is 3.2 miles long. The Woodland Trail is a 1.6 mile loop. Hikers can enjoy miles of beaches on both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the island. Wildlife Loop, Woodland Trail, Swan Cove Trail, and Black Duck Marsh Trail can also be biked.
There are lots of boating options available. Canoeing and kayaking around the Island is a popular sport. In Maryland, canoe rentals are available on the island from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Canoes and kayaks may be launched from designated areas on Assateague. Careful consideration should be given to weather conditions and tidal currents.
During the summer, lifeguard protected beaches are provided in both Maryland and Virginia districts for swimming and sunbathing. Surfing, surf fishing, mats and floats are allowed outside the life-guarded areas. Sea shell collecting is limited to a gallon or less of unoccupied shells to ensure a supply for beach dwelling organisms.
Surf fishing has been a popular recreational activity for generations. With a few basic tips on seasons, conditions, equipment, species and regulations, anglers can have an enjoyable experience and create a few memories. Crabbing and clamming are great ways to discover the bays behind Assateague and sample some local seafood.
There are 12 miles of beach in Maryland and a small section of beach in Virginia open to over-sand vehicles. An annual OSV permit may be purchased for $70 to $150 depending upon the type of access desired. Specific equipment is required.
Day use horseback riding is permitted each year from October 9 through May 14. In the summer and early fall, horseback riding is not permitted in the Maryland portion of Assateague Island National Seashore due to the presence of biting insects known to spread disease, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), and West Nile Virus (WNV). The risk of infection is considered very small during the October through May season. Visitors must decide for themselves whether the level of risk is acceptable.
Feral horses are usually seen during visits to either end of the island, but weather and seasonal factors can increase or decrease the odds. They display many interesting social characteristics which are detailed in several books and a free brochure prepared by the National Park Service. The managing agencies are trying hard to keep the wild in these unique creatures: please do not feed or pet horses! They are very unpredictable and each year a number of visitors receive severe bite or kick injuries. Feeding the horses causes them to hang around roads and several are hit and killed every year.
Public hunting within the boundaries of Assateague Island National Seashore is recognized as a recreational activity and is required in the legislation that established the National Seashore (Public Law 89-195). The regulations for hunting within Assateague Island National Seashore are designed to provide a meaningful and safe experience for hunters. State laws governing the public areas of Maryland and Federal Regulations (Title 36 CFR) apply to both the lands and the waters within the boundaries of the National Seashore. Hunting is legal only in specifically designated areas of the National Seashore. Please contact the Seashore for regulations.
Assateague Island offers a variety of kids programs during the summer months. Check at the Barrier Island or Toms Cove visitor centers for program descriptions and schedules. A Junior Ranger Program is available for kids ages 6-14. They can learn more about the seashore and earn a Junior Ranger patch. A Mini-Ranger Program is available for kids ages 4-5. Both the Junior Ranger and the Mini-Ranger programs are available year-round.
Like all National Park System areas, Assateague Island National Seashore was established with the goal of balancing human use and recreation with the preservation of natural resources. As a barrier island adjacent to a densely populated resort community, Assateague is affected by of a wide range of natural and human forces. The weather, biota, and human visitors of the island all exert their influences on the physical and biological character of this unique and dynamic park.
Ocean currents, storm events, and seasonal weather patterns are constantly reshaping the island landscape. Long shore currents cause sand to migrate along the coast from north to south, while over-wash events push the island toward the mainland by transporting sediments from the seaward beaches to the marshes along the western shore. Manmade structures such as jetties built to the north of the island, in turn, alter these natural processes by inhibiting sediment transport.
Because of the growing population density in neighboring areas, human land use and development influence water quality and aquatic resources in the surrounding bay and ocean. Park staff continually monitor water quality in these areas, to identify changing conditions and help protect the health of both human and non-human life. Submerged aquatic vegetation within the bay provides vital habitat for many marine organisms, but faces threats from commercial clam fisheries and recreational boating. Recently enacted protections are allowing these important habitats to thrive, ultimately leading to healthier fishing and shell-fishing grounds.
A more recent issue facing the Island is the threat of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus. Relocation through human activities increase the spread of diseases that were once limited to smaller ranges significantly further south of the Island. Despite the many environmental challenges facing Assateague, the Island continues to be a place of habitat richness and recreational opportunities.
A variety of factors influence water quality in the ocean and bays surrounding Assateague Island. Perhaps most significantly, the adjacent mainland is undergoing rapid population growth, resulting in a variety of stresses to local aquatic environments. Ocean City, Maryland, lying directly north of the island, is a large, extensively developed resort area accommodating millions of visitors during the summer months. Maryland’s eastern shore contains extensive farmlands, and certain agricultural practices areas can produce run-off containing nitrates, phosphorous, or other environmentally harmful substances. Other land and water uses, such as shoreline stabilization, construction activities and channel dredging both in the immediate area and within the watershed, also impact the natural environment through habitat modification and loss of water clarity through increased sedimentation.
In response to these threats, the National Park Service, as well as other local environmental agencies and organizations, monitor water quality throughout the area on a routine basis. Using these and other data, a State of the Bays report was recently released providing a “snapshot” of conditions in the Maryland coastal bay system. The results indicate a wide range of problems in the system, and that considerable effort will be needed to maintain and, in some cases, restore water quality and aquatic resources to healthy conditions.
Even Assateague Island’s famous wild horses exert strong impacts on the park’s natural systems. These non-native horses heavily graze the lush marsh grasses that many animals, such as clapper rails (Rallus longirostris) and ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa), depend on for food and shelter. While an ongoing contraceptive program is controlling horse population growth, achieving an appropriate balance between protecting the horses and their island home may ultimately require a smaller herd size.
In Maryland, the number of feral horses has grown from approximately 28 in 1968 to more than 165 at present, exceeding the desired herd size of 120 to 150 animals. With this growth has come increasing evidence that the horses are having a significant negative impact on the dune and salt marsh habitats due to over grazing. By establishing a population limit of 120 to 150 animals, the National Park Service is attempting to balance the health and well being of the horses with the need to protect the island’s other sensitive natural resources and values. Visitors now have the opportunity to “actively” support Assateague’s wild horse management in Maryland by becoming a Foster Parent.
To manage population growth on a long term basis, a unique contraceptive has been developed for use in the Maryland herd. Administered by a dart gun, the non-hormonal contraceptive vaccine stimulates the mare’s immune system to produce antibodies. At sufficiently high levels these antibodies block fertilization and thereby prevent pregnancy. The contraceptive effect is temporary, lasting about one year, but can be extended with an annual booster shot. During seven years of experimental field trials, the technique has proven better than 95% effective and has exhibited no harmful side effects. Use of the contraceptive as part of a long term horse population management program began in 1994.
Dynamic and challenging weather conditions are the norm on barrier islands like Assateague, as seasonal weather patterns and occasional large storm events continuously reshape the landscape. Spring is often windy and cool with lows in the 40′s and highs in the 60′s. Summers are generally hot and humid with lows in the 60′s and highs in the 80′s. Fall is generally warm with lows in the 50′s and highs in the 70′s. Winter is damp, cold, and often windy with lows in the 20′s, highs in the 40′s.
Mosquitoes and ticks are abundant from spring through autumn. Insect repellent and/or protective clothing is recommended. It rarely snows in the winter but is often a damp cold. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for long walks in the sand and hard sole water shoes for wading in bay waters.
Your visit to Assateague will be a pleasant one if you plan ahead! The barrier island habitat can be harsh if you are not prepared. Campers are reminded to bring firewood, sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.
Backcountry regulations are as follows. Pets are prohibited. Transportation of campers and their equipment by vehicle (including those with an Over Sand Vehicle permit) or motorized boat is prohibited. Campers must have the proper equipment, including raingear. You are required to camp at the site/s listed on your permit. Once your permit is issued, you may not change the itinerary. No exceptions. Bayside campsites – camp within 50 feet of the fire rings. Oceanside campsites – camp within the designated and posted boundary. Camping is not allowed on the beach or dunes. Only dead wood on the ground may be collected for firewood. Driftwood is scarce; do not count on its availability. Do not burn trash. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings at the bayside sites. At the oceanside sites, fires are allowed on the beach below the high tide line. Fires should not be left unattended and should be extinguished with water. Do not cover them with sand. In Maryland, all vehicles must be parked at the North Beach Ranger Station (for hikers), Old Ferry Landing Parking Area or Bayside Picnic Area (for paddlers). In Virginia, ask the Toms Cove Visitor Center staff for parking information. Protect wildlife by securing your food and keeping a clean campsite. Please pack out all trash. Do not throw trash into toilets; it causes damage to pumping equipment. Trash bags are available upon request. Do not enter or approach any buildings or closed areas. Hunting camps are not permitted. The National Park Service strongly encourages the practice of Leave-No-Trace camping techniques while enjoying Assateague and other natural areas.
Adverse weather conditions are common during the spring and fall. They advise against paddling during small craft advisories. Bayside campsites are known for high concentrations of biting insects anytime from April through October. Camping on the bayside during the summer months is not recommended. No fresh water is available at any backcountry site so bring your own. One gallon per person per day is the recommended minimum.
When hiking on the beach or camping at the oceanside sites, expect to encounter vehicles in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone, especially during the summer months. An OSV permit is required to drive in the 13.5 mile OSV zone, which allows a maximum of 145 vehicles. Transportation of campers and/or equipment by vehicle is prohibited.
Do not pet, feed, or approach the wildlife, including horses. Be sure to maintain a safe distance. Food storage in campgrounds is strictly enforced! The wild horses bite and kick, observe them from a distance. Feeding wildlife encourages destructive behavior along roadsides and in campgrounds while adversely affecting their digestive systems.
Pets are prohibited (even in your vehicle) in the Virginia district of Assateague Island! Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times in the Maryland portion of the National Seashore. Please manage your pets! The hot sand and sun can be harder on them than it is on you. Unattended and unrestrained animals can disturb and harm island wildlife and impact fellow park visitors. Pets are completely prohibited in the following areas: all backcountry campsites, nature trails, lifeguard-protected beach, the State Park, and north of the State Park to the Ocean City inlet.
An entrance pass is required to enter the park while on horseback for the Maryland side. No permits are required for individual day use riders, however horseback riders are asked to check in at the North Beach Ranger Station. Horse camping is permitted October 9 through April 14. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance of the date you want to camp within that time period. For reservations or more information about horse camping call 410-641-3030.
All day use riders must park in the North Ocean Beach parking area and check in at the ranger station. Riders should lead their horses from the North Ocean Beach parking area through the ranger station staff parking area following the sand road dune crossing to the top of the dune. At the top of the dune riders may then mount and ride south on the beach. It is your responsibility to clean the parking lot and riding area of any manure, hay or feed before leaving the park. Please bring a bucket and shovel to aid in cleaning the area.
Horseback riding is limited to the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone located 1 ½ miles south of the ranger station. The stretch of beach between the ranger station and the beginning of the OSV zone is to be used only as a corridor for entrance and exit by day use riders. In the OSV Zone, riding is allowed in all areas authorized for public OSV travel. Riders must stay on the ocean side of the white posts. Please take care to avoid visitors engaged in other recreational activities such as hiking, fishing or sunbathing. The only dune crossing riders may use is the sand road access leading to and from the ranger station. Riders may not access areas posted for authorized vehicles, backcountry campsites, the back trail behind the dunes, paved roads, public boardwalks or any other unauthorized areas.
In Virginia, an entrance pass is required for any vehicle entering the park. Other than entrance fees, no other permits are required for individual day use riders. For more information about horseback riding call the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge at 757-336-6122 or Toms Cove Visitor Center at 757-336-6577.
Parking with horses is authorized in parking lot #4. It is your responsibility to clean the parking lot and riding area of any manure, hay or feed before leaving the park. Please bring a bucket and shovel to aid in cleaning the area. Please bring adequate water for your horse’s needs.
Horseback riding is permitted in the Over Sand Vehicle Zone in the Virginia district of Assateague Island. This area is subject to intermittent closures due to migratory bird nesting. Please refer to the Virginia District Horseback Riding map for details, obtainable from the Wildlife Refuge or Toms Cove Visitor Center. In the OSV zone, riding is permitted in all areas authorized for public OSV travel. Riders must stay on the ocean side of the black & white posts. Please take care to avoid visitors engaged in other recreational activities such as hiking, fishing or sunbathing. Riders may not access areas posted for authorized vehicles, trails, public boardwalks or any other unauthorized area. Bird nesting activities may require more restrictive, interim closures. For closure updates, please call the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge at 757-336-6122 or Toms Cove Visitor Center at 757-336-6577.
Despite the often harsh conditions that occur in a coastal environment, a wide variety of animal species have managed to find a niche on Assateague Island. Each of the island’s different ecological zones provides habitat for a multitude of animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. While Assateague’s wild horses are perhaps the island’s best-known inhabitants, other large mammals also roam the park, grazing and browsing on low-lying vegetation. These include the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the non-native sika deer (Cervus japonica), a diminutive species of Asian elk introduced to Assateague during the 1920’s.
The mammals of Assateague occupy a wide array of habitats and range in size from small rodents to large marine mammals – the latter including the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and several species of whale that feed in the island’s offshore waters.
The horses spend most of their days grazing, sleeping, or moving slowly in small bands from one feeding area to another. They feed primarily on saltmarsh cord grass, but will also eat beachgrass, greenbrier, bayberry, poison ivy, and many other types of vegetation. These feral horses roam freely over the Maryland portion of the island and within fenced areas of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge located on the Virginia end of the island.
Rodents such as the meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius) and meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) live in grasses bordering salt and freshwater wetlands and feed on seeds, wetland plants, and, in the case of the jumping mouse, insects. Though seldom seen, river otters (Lutra canadensis) and muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) also make their home in the island’s marshy areas and adjacent waterways.
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) build dens in sand dunes and roam the island hunting for mice, birds, insects, and berries. Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) provide the important environmental service of waste removal, feeding primarily on the island’s carrion. The only marsupial found in North America, they give birth to premature young which complete development in a pouch on the outside of the mother’s body.
Two species of deer take advantage of the island’s interior forests and shrub habitats, the native white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the non-native sika deer (Cervus nippon), actually a diminutive species of oriental elk. Ongoing research is evaluating the ecological effects of sika deer on both native vegetation communities and other wildlife such as the white-tailed deer.
Other inhabitants are less conspicuous than the large mammals. Seven species of frogs and toads depend on fresh water ponds in the center of the island for breeding, and a variety of snakes, such as the black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta); can be found across the forests, dunes, and marshes preying on rodents, small birds, or toads. Numerous invertebrates such as fiddler crabs (Uca sp.) and mud snails (Nassarius sp.) play key roles in maintaining the health of the island’s salt marshes. Even the seemingly barren beaches provide habitat for nocturnal ghost crabs (Ocypode quadrata), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and raccoons (Procyon lotor), who scavenge the crustaceans, fish, and other organic matter washed in by the tides.
Several species of reptiles possess morphological adaptations necessary to survive the varying and sometimes harsh conditions of barrier island life. Many of these animals, for instance, have tough skins that exclude salt and retain moisture. Still others exhibit behavioral adaptations that limit their exposure to severe temperature or salinity.
The box turtle (Terrapene carolina), one of the island’s terrestrial reptiles, has the ability to retreat completely within its shell and will burrow under vegetation to escape extreme weather. Assateague also hosts five species of aquatic freshwater turtles and three species of sea turtles, including the official Maryland State reptile, the Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin). One of the island’s more charismatic species, Diamondbacks are unusual in that they are one of the very few species of turtle that prefer estuarine habitats. They reside in all of the waters surrounding the Island, but are most common in the salt marshes that border the bay. These turtles are a common sight to visitors paddling through these areas during the warmer months.
Though not common, lizards can occasionally be seen on Assateague. Both five-lined skinks (Eumeces fasciatus) and northern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) live in forested and shrub thicket areas on the island. They feed on small terrestrial invertebrates and will sun themselves on rocks, tree stumps, and other exposed areas within reach of a close hiding place.
Of the 19 species of snake living on the neighboring mainland of the Delmarva Peninsula, only six are found on Assateague, and all are non-venomous. Some wide-ranging species like the black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) can be found in most of the island’s habitats. The eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) – which is often mistaken for the copperhead – prefers beaches, dunes, and grassy areas, while the northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) prefers salt marshes and freshwater or brackish ponds.
Several factors are thought to account for the discrepancy in the species present on the island and those of the mainland. Geographic isolation and the difficulty posed for most reptiles in crossing the salt waters of the bay are some obvious causes. It is suspected that humans have also played a role by intentionally introducing some species to the island. Harsh conditions, as well as limited range size and habitat types, may also restrict the species that can successfully survive on Assateague.
Many bird species make their home on Assateague on a seasonal basis. Shorebirds by the tens of thousands depend upon the island’s protected foraging and resting areas during their twice-yearly transcontinental migrations. Each fall, large flocks of waterfowl such as snow geese (Chen caerulescens) begin arriving at Assateague where they will spend the winter traveling between the sheltered bay and salt marshes and fallow farm fields on the mainland.
Located along the Atlantic migratory flyway, Assateague Island plays host to a wide variety of both migratory and resident bird species. Because its mid-latitude location is within the migratory routes of both northern and southern species, the island provides a unique opportunity for birders. The island’s rich mosaic of forest, dune, and marsh habitats offers feeding and nesting opportunities for a wide array of shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and waders.
In early spring, piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) arrive at Assateague and begin to perform their elaborate territorial and courtship displays. These threatened birds are attracted to the island’s sandy, storm washed beaches which they use to both nest and feed. After spending the summer months hatching and fledging their chicks, the plovers will depart in late August for their wintering grounds in the Bahamas and southeastern United States.
Assateague’s salt marshes display an amazing diversity of bird life and activities. During the summer months, wading birds like great egrets (Casmerodius albus) and clapper rails (Rallus longirostris) can be seen hunting in the shallow waters along the marsh edge. Meanwhile, red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) call ceaselessly as they patrol their summer breeding territories among the taller reeds and rushes. In the winter, northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) use these areas as hunting grounds, flying low over the marsh grasses as they scan for small mammals and birds.
A number of species also find shelter and feeding opportunities in Assateague’s forests. During daylight hours, ruby-crowned kinglets (Regulus calendula), downy woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens), and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus) can be found feasting on the abundant insect life. After sunset, several species of owls become active, preying on small mammals, snakes, and birds. They include the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), one of North America’s largest species of owl, as well as the northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus). This diminutive owl (only one-third the size of the great horned owl) over-winters at Assateague. Little is known about the species, and the island serves as the site of several scientific studies on its migratory habits.
Assateague’s coastal waters act as an insulator, raising air temperatures in cold weather and keeping the air milder during warm summer months. The waters of the bay rarely freeze over, providing feeding grounds when northern areas may be barren. This milder environment attracts many temporary visitors to the Seashore to feed and rest during migration or bouts of harsher inland weather. During the winter months, flocks containing hundreds of brant (Branta bernicla), a small sea goose that summers in Northern Canada, make their appearance in the waters offshore of Assateague. Summer visitors include the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), a relative newcomer to the island still recovering from massive population drops caused by DDT. Regardless of the time of year, an abundance of bird life thrives in Assateague’s diverse habitats.
Finally, the coastal waters that surround Assateague Island teem with animal life. The sheltered, nutrient rich waters of the estuary formed by the island provide ideal breeding and spawning habitat for many aquatic species, some of which, like the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), are commercially important to the local area. Each spring a variety of fish, including spot (Leiostomus xanthrurus), Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) migrate into the estuary to breed. Later, the juvenile fish provide an abundant food source for birds, marine mammals, and larger fish.
Spring on Assateague Island is greeted by a natural chorus, as frogs and toads awaken from hibernation and begin to call in search of mates. Scientists use these vocalizations each year as a tool to help inventory and monitor the amphibian populations inhabiting the island. Seven species of amphibians have been identified on Assateague, significantly less than the 29 species found on the neighboring mainland. Of these seven, Fowler’s toads (Bufo woodhousii fowleri), green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea), gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) and southern leopard frogs (Rana sphenocephala) occur throughout the entire island. The other resident species, New Jersey chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata kalmi), bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), and green frogs (Rana clamitans melanota), are more common at the southern end of Assateague, where large freshwater impoundments offer substantial breeding habitat.
Several factors are thought to limit amphibian diversity of Assateague, the most obvious being the barrier posed by the salty waters of the bay separating the island from the mainland. Due to their highly permeable skins, most amphibians cannot tolerate the infusion of salt that occurs when submersed in seawater. A second major limiting factor is the relative scarcity of fresh water habitats available on the island. Most such areas are found only in the central portion of the island, well removed from the waters of the surrounding ocean and bay. All of Assateague’s amphibian species require fresh water to reproduce, but vary in the amount of moisture they require for day-to-day survival. Fowler’s toads can actually tolerate low levels of salinity and are able to absorb moisture from their environment directly through their skin. This decreased dependence on fresh water explains their larger range and ability to survive in most of the island’s habitats. Despite the limited number of species present on Assateague Island, amphibians play a key role in the ecosystem, preying on a wide variety of insects and helping to maintain balance in those populations.
Many animals living on Assateague depend on the ocean as a source of food. Gulls feed on the abundant fish and shellfish, as evidenced by debris from shells dropped onto rocks, roads, and boardwalks hard surfaces. Dolphins, too, hunt among the off-shore schools of fish, as do many commercial and recreational fishermen.
The oceans around Assateague contain vast amounts of plankton. Phytoplankton produces as much as 80% of the Earth’s oxygen and serves as the first level in marine food webs. Along with zooplankton, it provides a food source for organisms ranging in size from small fish and invertebrates up to huge, filter-feeding whales.
Water temperature in the surrounding ocean fluctuates throughout the year. In winter temperatures dip to near 40 °F, while during a warm summer the water can reach into the middle to upper 70’s. As the temperature and weather conditions change, so do the animals inhabiting the offshore waters. Many species of fish, birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles migrate up and down the coast, following the most favorable conditions.
Please do not feed or attempt to pet the wild animals. The wild horses bite and kick, observe them from a distance. Feeding wildlife encourages destructive behavior along roadsides and in campgrounds while adversely affecting their digestive systems.
Fees for the Maryland end of the Seashore are as follows: $3.00 for 7 days for those on foot or bicycle; $ 10.00 for motorcycles for 7 days; $15.00 for 7 days for vehicles; and $30.00 for an Annual pass good from January to December. The Beach parking fee upgrade for USFWS Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp, valid July 1 – June 30 annually is $15.00.
Fees for the Virginia end of the Seashore vehicles are $5.00 for 1 day, $15.00 for 7 days. No fee for foot or bike traffic. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Annual Pass is $30.00, good for 1 year after purchase. A $30.00 fee is charged for the USFWS Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp ($15.00) plus beach parking fee ($15.00).
A separate $3 per person ($4 for out of state residents) daily pass is required for Assateague State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Visitors to the Maryland district of Assateague Island may enjoy a variety of camping opportunities. The National Park Service provides year round camping in Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds. These campgrounds are first-come, first-served from October 16 through April 14 ($16.00/night). Reservations are recommended April 15 through October 15 ($20.00/night). The campgrounds are on the National Reservation System. By calling 1-800-365-CAMP (2267), the National Reservation System contractor, SPHERIX, will take reservations up to 5 months in advance of the date you want to camp. Reservations may also be made via the Internet at the National Reservation Service web address, http://reservations.nps.gov. There is a 50% discount for visitors with Golden Age or Golden Access passes.
Both campgrounds offer drive-in pads suitable for tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). The Oceanside campground also provides walk-in, tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Any interested tent, trailer or RV campers may reserve a drive-in site in the “Generator-Free Zone” available in Bayside campground. All campsites provide a picnic table and a grill. All Oceanside sites have upright grills. All Bayside sites have ground fire rings. All fires must be in grills provided at the campsites. Ground fires are prohibited at Oceanside campsites. Centrally located facilities include chemical toilets, cold water showers and drinking water.
For backcountry camping enthusiasts, two oceanside and four bayside sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors who wish to backpack or paddle the island. All backcountry sites are located in Maryland; no camping is permitted in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The distance traveled to backcountry sites from the Ranger Station in Maryland range from 2 ½ to 13 miles. If traveling from the Toms Cove Visitor Center in Virginia the nearest campsites are State Line and Pope Bay, each at 12.5 miles. A $5 backcountry permit is required and is only issued during business hours. National Seashore camping information may be mailed upon request. Obtain a detailed brochure by calling (410) 641-3030. Group campsites are available for reservations year round at $30 per night per site. For further information regarding campground regulations, call the Sinepuxent District Ranger Station at (410) 641-3030.
Oceanside sites: camping is allowed within the posted boundaries only, designated by red boundary posts. Sites share a picnic table and a chemical toilet. Little Levels accommodates up to 30 people and State Line accommodates up to 25 people.
Bayside sites: campers must be within a 50 ft. radius of the fire rings in forested areas (except Pope Bay, where shade is limited). Individual campsites are designated by a picnic table and a fire ring and share a chemical toilet. Group and/or person limitations (whichever comes first) are as follows: Tingles Island and Pine Tree up to 5 groups or 25 people; Green Run up to 3 groups or 15 people; and Pope Bay up to 2 groups or 10 people.
On rare occasions the park and/or backcountry campsites will be closed due to severe weather. Otherwise, oceanside sites are usually open year-round. During the spring and summer, however, one or both oceanside sites may be closed due to bird nesting. Bayside sites are open year-round with the exception of a brief period during the hunting season. This period traditionally includes one week in mid- to late-October and a two-week period starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving and ending in mid-December. Please check with the Ranger Station at (410) 641-3030 for designated hunting dates.
There is no camping available in the Virginia district of Assateague Island. Commercial campgrounds are available on the neighboring island of Chincoteague, Virginia. For more information contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at (757) 336-6161.
Assateague State Park is also located in Maryland on Assateague Island. The State Park provides 350 campsites that are open from April through October. The State Park is open from April 4 through October 31. For reservations, call 1-888-432-2267. Campsites are $30 per night. Electrical hookups are available in a limited number of sites for $40 per night. The campgrounds feature hot water bathhouse facilities available only to State Park campers. Pets are prohibited. For more information call (410) 641-2120.
Assateague State Park is 22 miles away. NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility is 55 miles away. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is 60 miles away. Pocomoke River State Park and Forest, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Spruce Knob National Recreation Area, Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Lost River State Park, Shenandoah National Park, Canaan Valley State Park are all within driving distance located in Virginia and West Virginia. Washington DC and several other big cities are also within driving distance and offer many options for entertainment.
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.
Assateague Island National Seashore
7206 National Seashore Lane
Berlin, MD 21811 OR
P.O. Box 38
8586 Beach Rd
Chincoteague, VA 23336
Virginia District Visitor Information
(757) 336-6577
Maryland District Visitor Information
410-641-1441
National Seashore Camping
410-641-3030
Click here for page 1 of this 2 page post.
Shenandoah National Park
The park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Luray, VA
Shenandoah National Park, with its 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, offers boundless outdoor adventure for your next family vacation. With over 500 miles of backpacking and hiking trails, you will find plenty of outstanding opportunities for solitude. Scenic drives take you to spectacular mountain views and allow you to travel through tree tunnels. The Blue Ridge Mountains are truly a place of beauty and wonder. Continue reading for further great Shenandoah National Park information.
Uniqueness
Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Shenandoah River flows through the valley to the west, with Massanutten Mountain, 40 miles long, standing between the river’s north and south forks. The rolling Piedmont country lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. Drivers will pass rock cliffs, and vistas, and probably deer and other wildlife; they will drive through tunnels of trees, past wildflowers and ferns, and (in late spring) by banks of mountain laurel in bloom. 75 overlooks offer a place to stop and absorb the view and the peace. The 35-miles-per-hour speed limit allows drivers the opportunity to truly enjoy the ride and helps to ensure the safety of wildlife along the road.
The park’s wilderness areas offer outstanding opportunities for solitude and recreation. Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Many trails are accessed from Skyline Drive. Some short trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint; longer and more difficult trails penetrate deep into the forest and wilderness giving visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy this unique resource. Camp, hike, fish, bird watch, horse back ride the 150 miles of horse trails or take photographs of nature’s wonders.
Most of Shenandoah’s landscape is forested. In the process of photosynthesis, converting light, water, and minerals into foods, green plants give off water. From a distance this air-born water creates a faint haze giving the Blue Ridge its name. Many animals, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest. In season, bushes and wildflowers bloom along the Drive and trails and fill the open spaces. Apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries are reminders of the families who once called this place home.
Authorized May 22, 1926 and fully established December 26, 1935, the park’s total acreage is 197,411.60, including 79,579 acres of congressionally designated Wilderness. In 1964, the Congress of the United States passed a law known as the Wilderness Act, which created a National Wilderness Preservation System to provide an “enduring resource of wilderness” for future generations. Wilderness, according to the Wilderness Act, “…in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” The Wilderness Act goes on to describe wilderness as a place “retaining its primeval character and influence” where there are “outstanding opportunities for solitude”. When the Wilderness Act established the National Wilderness Preservation System, most of the wilderness areas created under the Act were located in the west. Areas in the east, such as Shenandoah National Park, did not meet the definition of wilderness. In 1975, Congress passed the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act which aimed to include eastern wild areas, which showed signs of human use, but were now returning to a natural state, in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Eastern Wilderness Areas Act set the stage for wilderness designation in Shenandoah National Park. At the park’s establishment, the land showed signs of human use. As time went on, nature began to reclaim the park and a wilder Shenandoah emerged.
Shenandoah National Park includes 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. Two peaks exceed 4,000 feet. The range of elevation, slopes and aspects, rocks and soils, precipitation, and latitude create a mix of habitats.
Shenandoah serves as a refuge for many species of animals. There are over 200 resident and transient bird species, over 50 species of mammals, 51 reptile and amphibian species, and 30 fish species found in the park.
Those who explored the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains in the early 1700s reported an abundance and variety of animals. As European settlers cleared the land, introduced domestic animals, and hunted native animals, the abundance and variety in species diminished. An unknown number of native species disappeared from the area, while populations of many other species dwindled. American bison were eliminated around 1798 and elk followed in 1855. Beaver and river otter disappeared in the late 1800s. Other species, including the eastern timber wolf, the eastern cougar, the white-tailed deer, turkey, black bear, and bobcats were either extirpated or declined drastically. Fortunately, most of these species have now returned to park either through re-introduction on lands elsewhere in Virginia or through natural population recovery. Today, Shenandoah National Park is a great place to observe wildlife. Countless visitors spend hours watching deer snip and tear plants. Other people look for tracks and scat of bobcats, listen for the rustling of raccoons in the brush, and occasionally smell striped skunks. The opossum, groundhog, gray fox, and eastern cottontail are more commonly seen mammals in the park.
Shenandoah is home to ten species of toads and frogs and fourteen species of salamanders or newts. The Shenandoah Salamander is the only federally endangered animal species found in the park. It is endemic to high elevation talus slopes located in three scattered areas of the central section of the park. This salamander is closely related to the ubiquitous red-backed salamander. There are twenty-seven species of reptiles found at Shenandoah including eighteen snakes, five turtles, three skinks, and one lizard. The park is currently supporting a number of reptile-related research efforts that are attempting to describe species associations, habitat preferences, distributions, and relative abundance of these animals.
Hardwood forests dominate the park. The forests are the result of many disturbances, some measured in geologic time, others in minutes. Remnants of boreal forests remind us that continental glaciers came near. Strands of barbed wire embedded in trunks mark the edges of former pastures. Uprooted trees show the path Tropical Storm Fran made in 1996. The park’s 70 mile length and 3500 foot elevation range create numerous habitats able to support a variety of forest cover types. Chestnut and red oak forest are common in the park, but other forest types such tulip poplar, cove hardwood, and even small areas of spruce-fir forest, may also be found when exploring the park’s peaks, steep hillsides, and sheltered stream valleys. The forests would be incomplete without the seemingly countless herb, fern, and shrub species found beneath the trees. Trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, interrupted fern, blueberries, azaleas, and lady slipper orchids are just a few examples of the numerous smaller species that enrich the under story. Explorations into the forests of Shenandoah National Park provide tremendous opportunities for discovery to both the casual and serious botanical enthusiast.
Shenandoah National Park supports over 400 species of fungi. Edible mushrooms constitute only a small fraction of the fungus species within the park. Morels (Morchella spp.) are a popular spring edible in Shenandoah. Mushroom hunters look for them when the oak leaves are “the size of a mouse’s ear”. However, even these relatively easy to identify species need to be carefully differentiated from false morels (Gyromitria spp.) which are harmful if eaten. One of the largest of all fungi, the giant puffball (Calvatia maxima), is also found in the park. This edible fungus can grow up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter.
The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice, and summer showers may be sudden. Layered clothing is always suggested.
The park itself is always open, but some portions of the Skyline Drive, the only road through Shenandoah National Park, are closed from dusk to early morning during hunting season. This road also closes in inclement weather for safety reasons. Visitor facilities and services begin operating between early April and Memorial Day and close down by late November.
For camping you’ll need all the usual: tents, sleeping bags, camp stove, lantern, compass, hiking boots, rain gear, and food supplies.
Do not feed or interfere with the animals. They may seem even tame at times, but even a deer will defend their young and their hooves are sharp.
Entrance fees:
March through November: $8.00/ 7 days per person 16 years of age or older when entering by means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. $15.00/ 7 days per vehicle, to $30.00 for the annual pass that covers a vehicle and family.
Camping fees run from free for backcountry camping to $16-19/ single campsites and $32/ group campsites.
There are five campgrounds that include one group campground. They are Mathews Arm Campground, Big Meadows Campground, Lewis Mountain Campground, Loft Mountain Campground, and Dundo Group Campground. Most are open spring through October, with Big Meadows open until November. Reservations are required at Bib Meadows and the Dundo Group Campgrounds.
Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering the park from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. Big Meadows (mile 51.2), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies directly across the Drive. Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry. Yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. Dundo is a primitive campground open to groups with a minimum of 8 campers and maximum of 20. Facilities include seven large group sites, pit toilets, and water. One site has a wheelchair accessible picnic table and a raised fire grate.
Backcountry camping requires a free permit. Permits are available by mail from Park Headquarters. Write: Superintendent, Attn: Backcountry Camping Permit, US Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835. Or call, (540) 999-3500, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST. Permits are also available in the park at visitor centers, entrance stations, and headquarters. Prepare well. Bring a backcountry stove or no-cook food. Campfires are not permitted except at a limited number of pre-constructed fireplaces at backcountry huts and day-use shelters. Bring enough rope to hang food, toothpaste, soap, and other items that smell, at least ten feet up and four feet out from the trunk of a tree. Maximum group size is ten people. Plan to camp out of sight of the trail, other camping parties, and day-use shelters. Pets are permitted, but must be leashed at all times. Shenandoah National Park is home to large populations of black bears and other animals that can be attracted by poor camping habits. Use the “Leave no Trace” rule.
Note: Shenandoah anticipates closing the Dundo Campground sometime in July and spreading out the group campsites between Mathews Arm, Big Meadows and Loft Mountain Campground.
The closest airports are in Washington, DC, Weyers Cave, VA, and Charlottesville, VA. The four entrances to the park are at I-66 and Route 340 to the north entrance at Front Royal, Route 211 to the central entrance at Thornton Gap, Route 33 to Swift Run Gap, and I-64 to the Rockfish Gap entrance at the southern end of the park and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit for the Skyline Drive is 35mph. Bicycles are permitted in the park on paved roads only.
Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Shenandoah National Park:
By Car:
Harrisonburg, VA – 65.73 miles
Charlottesville, VA – 74.75 miles
Washington, VA – 18.20 miles
Morgantown, OH – 266.56 miles
Baltimore Corner, VA – 174.32 miles
Pittsburg Junction, OH – 271.17 miles
By Plane
Washington Dulles International Airport – 55.98 miles
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – 70.68 miles
Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport – 79.62 miles
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport – 66.42 miles
Shenandoah National Park, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835-9036
Visitor Information: 540-999-3500
Richmond National Park
The park is located in Richmond, VA
Richmond National Battlefield Park preserves the history of some of the most contentious fighting of the Civil War.So, for the Civil War buff this is a “must-see”.The area saw 16,000 casualties and the visitor center now stands where the most famous of institutions — the “hospital on the hill,” Chimborazo, stood. Your family will also enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and fishing. Continue reading for further Richmond National Battlefield Park information.
Uniqueness
Richmond National Battlefield Park was established in March of 1936 to preserve the history of some of the most contentious fighting of the Civil War. So, for the Civil War buff this is a “must-see”. Today, you can tour historic places throughout the area, Cold Harbor, Drewry’s Bluff, Chimborazo and Chaffin’s Farm.
Richmond National Battlefield Park provides refuge for both animals and people seeking asylum from the busy city atmosphere. There is an auto tour, biking, picnicking, and park sponsored programs to choose from. The park contains approximately seven miles of maintained walking trails along which visitors can meander through this variety of natural community types and visual landscapes. Many of Virginia’s native animal species can be found within the park’s various habitats. Visitors may glimpse deer, groundhogs, raccoons and many other creatures not commonly seen outside of protected lands.
The park encompasses 2,517 acres and serves 85,000 visitors a year. The acreage is divided among eleven separate park units within the City of Richmond, and three surrounding counties ( Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield). These units fall within the coastal plain of Virginia and are bounded by the James and Chickahominy River watersheds. Although the park is primarily known for its cultural resources, visitors are encouraged to recognize the importance of natural resources as well. The park strives to enhance the overall experience of the visitors, and protection of the flora and fauna is an integral part of this effort.
Park battlefields are open sunrise-sunset. Visitor centers at Tredegar Iron Works, Chimborazo and Cold Harbor are open daily 9am to 5 pm. Visitor centers at Glendale and Fort Harrison are open daily June through August, 9am to 5pm. The park is closed on the following days: Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
Richmond National Battlefield Park was established in March of 1936 to preserve the history of some of the most contentious fighting of the Civil War. So, for the Civil War buff this is a “must-see”. Richmond, Virginia was the capitol of the Confederate States of America. Both sides of the war knew that to take Richmond would be a sure victory for the Union. It wouldn’t be until the end of the four years that Richmond was defeated. On April 4 and 5, 1865, President Lincoln made a remarkable visit to Richmond as he pressed to conclude the war that had cost over 620,000 lives “with malice toward none, with charity for all…” His assassination days later portended a less charitable course for the aftermath.
Today, you can tour historic places throughout the area. Ulysses S. Grant’s army experienced unprecedented futility on the bloody fields of Cold Harbor where 12,000 Union and 4,000 Confederate soldiers ended up as casualties. Drewry’s Bluff, named for local landowner Captain Augustus H. Drewry, rose 90 feet above the water and commanded a sharp bend in the James River. Several futile battles were fought to take it over. The National Park Service Visitor Center now stands on the site of the most famous of institutions — the “hospital on the hill,” Chimborazo. It was here that a shortage of medical staff in 1862 marked one of the earliest full-scale entries by women into a profession they soon dominated — nursing. Chaffin’s Farm, a large open bluff named for a local resident, was the scene of another strategic war battle towards the end of the war. This fighting around Chaffin’s Farm cost the nation nearly 5,000 casualties. Visit New Market Heights where in the early morning hours of September 29, 1864, black troops, or United States Colored Troops (USCTs for short) charged the Rebel works. For their valor in this engagement, 14 USCTs earned the Medal of Honor. This was an especially significant event in American military history given that only 16 Army Medals of Honor were awarded to black troops during the entire Civil War.
The park has just over 100 acres of land leased for agriculture, and approximately 100 additional acres of managed fields. The remaining acreage of the park consists of forest habitat, transitioning from mixed hardwood to pine or mixed oak communities depending primarily on past land use and successional stage. The variety of successional stages and community types throughout the park, range from field to old-growth forest. The park presently contains approximately 11 miles of rivers and streams and 430 acres of riparian wetland. Although the majority of the park’s wetlands are forested, several areas (Malvern Hill, Gaines’ Mill and Beaver Dam Creek) have opened up, due most likely to beaver activity.
Numerous activities are available for a great family vacation. There is an auto tour, biking, picnicking, and park sponsored programs to choose from. The park contains approximately seven miles of maintained walking/hiking trails along which visitors can meander through this variety of natural community types and visual landscapes. Many of Virginia’s native animal species can be found within the park’s various habitats. Visitors may glimpse deer, groundhogs, raccoons and many other creatures not commonly seen outside of protected lands.
Summer is hot and humid; while winter is mild. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking shoes.
The park creates habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The park’s wetlands are forested which not only creates a beautiful visual scene but wonderful habitat for fish, turtles and water birds, such as herons and egrets. The savannah-like forest created at Cold Harbor by prescribed burning attracts a large diversity of woodpeckers and cavity nesting birds. The wetland areas at Malvern Hill and Beaver Dam Creek, enhanced by beaver activity, provide habitat for fish, water birds, and turtles. The old growth forest community at Gaines’ Mill is ideal habitat for flying squirrels, and the open field areas at Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill create habitat for snakes, rodents, and grassland birds.
The park maintains 25 native fish species, including the ironcolor shiners; a variety of amphibian species from the lead-backed salamander to the exotic looking red-spotted newt; many birds from Red-tailed hawks to great egrets; mammals from the eastern cottontail rabbit to the Grey fox; and reptiles: eastern box or painted turtles, black rat snake, the northern copperhead and the five-lined skink.
Park entrance is free.
Traveling north on I-95: take exit 74C west then follow signs to Civil War Visitor Center located at 490 Tredegar Street. Park Rangers will provide maps for touring the battlefields.
Traveling South on I-95: use exit 75 for Civil War Visitor Center.
Traveling east on I-64: follow to intersection with I-95 south. Follow directions for I-95.
Traveling west on I-64, use the 5th Street (downtown) exit for the Richmond Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works. Take 5th Street to end, turn right onto Tredegar Street, then right into parking lot.
Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Richmond National Battlefield Park:
By Car:
Highland Springs, VA – 235.89 miles
Ashland, VA – 19.95 miles
Chester, VA – 17.41 miles
Petersburg, VA – 24.65 miles
Bellwood, VA – 10.99 miles
Richmond National Battlefield Park , 3215 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23223
Visitor Information: (804)226-1981
