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6 ASSATEAGUE & CHINCOTEAGUE ISLANDS
The barrier islands of Assateague and Chincoteague offer forty-miles of unspoiled beaches, a bird watchers paradise, and the famous wild ponies.
Assateague’s Wild Ponies
The herds of wild ponies are one of the unique treasures of Assateague Island. Two separate herds of ponies inhabit the island, separated by a fence at the Maryland-Virginia state line. Legend has it that the ponies descended from the shipwreck off the Virginia. Feeding and petting horses is prohibited.
Assateague Island National Seashore
410-641-1441
The National Park Service manages this beautiful island, conserving the plants and animals, and providing a place for rest, relaxation, and recreation. The island is a gently curving barrier
to the waves and wind of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s home to the famous wild ponies, deer, and waterfowl. Visitors enjoy swimming, camping, hiking, and many guided activities. Entrance fee is $20 per vehicle and is good for seven days.
Chincoteague Island
www.chincoteaguechamber.com
Fresh sea air, lush marshes, and calm natural lands abound on Chincoteague Island. Attractions include scenic boat cruises, fishing, nature trails, shell collecting, shopping, dining, and more. Education Centers, Museums, and Nature Centers are also available to any who would like to learn more.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
757-336-6122
Since the founding in 1943, Chincoteague Refuge has been a safe haven for all creatures with beautiful marsh, beach, and forestland. Hundreds of migratory birds can be seen around the more than 1,400 acres including wading birds, shorebirds, and songbirds. Exhibits, displays, brochures, films, and wildlife programs are available for visitors.
Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction
July 24–25, 2019 757-336-6161
Each year Volunteer Firemen round-up the ponies on Assateague Island and they travel across the channel to Chincoteague Island Main Street. An auction of the foals then takes place and theses ponies are transported across the United States. After the auction, the adult ponies make the return swim to Assateague Island where they will live in the wild for another year.
2019
Assateague Island Lighthouse
Chincoteague Chamber
of Commerce
757-336-6161
6733 Maddox Boulevard Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
chincoteaguechamber.com
ASSATEAGUE & CHINCOTEAGUE