Biking

Explore Assateague by bike on marked trails through marsh, forest, and bay edges. It is an easy way to cover more ground than a short walk.

Assateague guide Official NPS

Summary for Ocean City visitors based on National Park Service Assateague guidance. Fees, hours, closures, and permit prices change—confirm on nps.gov/asis before you go.

Overview

Several miles of bike trails wind through Assateague in both Maryland and Virginia. From the Ocean City side, cyclists can cross a bicycle-pedestrian bridge and follow a paved path along Bayberry Drive through about four miles of island habitat.

Maryland has parking for hikers and cyclists on the southwest side of the bridge to Assateague as well as parking on the island. Seasonal rentals are available from Assateague Outfitters.

In Virginia, a paved path leads from Chincoteague to Assateague. Refuge trails include the Wildlife Loop (~3¼ miles), Woodland Trail (~1½ miles), and others; part of the Service Road is unpaved and limited for bikes—confirm the current Virginia district trail map.

Highlights

Bring water and sun protection—shade is limited on many stretches.
Watch for wildlife on and near paths; yield and give horses plenty of space.
Stop at visitor centers for current trail conditions and maps.
Pair a morning ride with a short nature loop walk if the crew wants both bikes and sand underfoot.

Official National Park Service links

More Assateague topics

Plan your visit

Directions, fees, hours, weather, visitor centers, and what to pack from Ocean City.

Camping

Oceanside and bayside campsites, reservations, and backcountry options on Assateague.

Wildlife & wild horses

Feral horses, birds, and viewing tips—keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Hiking

Short paved and unpaved loops plus 37 miles of beach—heat, insects, and tides matter.

Swimming & surfing

Swim at your own risk—strong surf and currents. Read beach and surf safety first.

Canoeing & kayaking

Launch from designated areas; respect weather, tides, and currents. Seasonal rentals in Maryland.

Surf fishing

Surf cast for flounder, drum, blues, and more—Maryland license required; no fishing in lifeguard beaches.

Crabbing & clamming

Blue crabs and bay shellfish—check size limits and seasons at the visitor center.

Horseback riding

Seasonal riding along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.

Over Sand Vehicles (OSV)

Beach-driving permits via recreation.gov—equipment rules, density limits, and nesting closures.

Ranger-guided programs

Seasonal guided walks and talks that unlock barrier-island ecology and history.

Safety

Surf, sun, insects, ticks, lightning, wildlife distance, and emergency basics.

Shell collecting

Limit collecting to a gallon or less of unoccupied shells so beach life keeps its habitat.

Hunting

Regulated hunting opportunities exist—confirm seasons, permits, and safety zones with NPS.