Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region

Trails

The refuge maintains several miles of trails for either hiking or biking. Major recreational activities include wildlife/wildland observation, photography, education, and sheer enjoyment of the outdoors. About half are paved while the rest are open to foot traffic only. 

Wildlife Loop. Credit: Morris Barkley
Credit: Murray Barkley
Wildlife Loop

The Wildlife Loop is a 3¼ mile loop around a moist soil management unit and is a great place to observe wildlife, especially waterfowl and wading birds. It is open to walkers and bikers throughout the day, but vehicles are only permitted to drive on it from 3:00 P.M. till dusk. 

OPEN
Lighthouse Trail. Credit: Morris Barkley
Credit: Murray Barkley
Lighthouse Trail
The Lighthouse Trail is a ¼ mile foot path through the woods to the historic Assateague Lighthouse. It is for walking only. 


OPEN
Swans Cove Trail. Credit: Morris Barkley
Credit: Murray Barkley
Swans Cove Trail
Swan Cove Trail, which branches off of the Wildlife Loop, is about ½ mile long and leads to the beach. Swan Cove Trail is open to both walkers and bikers.


OPEN
Black Duck Trail. Credit: Morris Barkley
Credit: Murray Barkley
Black Duck Trail
Black Duck Trail branches off of the Wildlife Loop. It is about 1 mile long and provides access between the Wildlife Loop and the Woodland Trail. This trail is for walking and biking. 


OPEN
Marsh Trail. Credit: Morris Barkley
Credit: Murray Barkley
Marsh Trail
The Marsh Trail is a ½ mile looping trail along the Wildlife Loop. This unpaved trail, open only to walkers, includes an observation platform overlooking Snow Goose Pool


OPEN
Woodland Trail. Credit: Morris Barkley
Credit: Murray Barkley
Woodland Trail

The 1½ mile Woodland Trail takes hikers and bikers through a beautiful pine forest and includes an overlook where you can sometimes see wild ponies. 
Most visitors are unaware of the new *Bivalve Trail that lies just off the beaten path of the Woodland Trail. Take this self guided adventure through the maritime forest leading to a section of Toms Cove where you can catch a glimpse of the old livesaving station or engage in clamming,
*This trail is not yet marked.

OPEN

**This trail will be CLOSED all day on 10/22/12 - 10/24/2012 and 10/29/2012 - 10/31/2012 for the Big Game Archery Management Hunt**
Service Road. Credit: Morris Barkley
Credit: Murray Barkley
Service Road

Besides the above trails, foot access is permitted on our 7½ mile Service Road. Cars and bicycles are not permitted on the service road.


OPEN

**The Service Road will be CLOSED all day on 10/22/12 - 10/24/2012 and 10/29/2012 - 10/31/2012 for the Big Game Archery Management Hunt**

 

 

 

 
Last updated: September 24, 2012