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Long known for its sandy beaches and wild pony herds, beautiful and remote Assateague Island has become more bike-friendly thanks to the construction of a 4.9-mile paved, multi-use trail that allows users to stay off busy Route 611.
About the Route
Leaving from the trail's northern endpoint on the mainland at the Assateague Island State Park Visitor Center, then crosses Sinepuxent Bay on a dedicated bridge that parallels the Verrazano Bridge immediately to the south. The section on the bridge and the adjoining causeway that connects to the island offers panoramic views of the bay and island, and Ocean City can be seen to the north on a clear day.
Once on the east shore, the trail turns south and crosses Bayberry Road near the parking lot for the Assateague Island State Park. The road can get very busy during the warmer months of the year, roughly from May to October, and caution is advised. It then parallels Bayberry Road on the east, extending south to South Ocean Beach in the National Seashore.
Although this segment of the trail is separated from the road by a guardrail, users should look out for the wild ponies that Assateague is famous for. The ponies can sometimes step onto the trail or adjacent road and it is illegal to handle them, and trail users should watch for manure on the pavement.
The Assateague Island Bike Path runs between NPS Headquarters, 7205 Stephen Decatur Hwy (Berlin), and the Life of the Dunes Trail (Assateague), with parking available at both ends.
Parking is also available at:
Trail users should note that entrance fees apply within the National Seashore.
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
I have ridden this Trail many times as I live on the Maryland Shore & Go to Assateague often, I never added it here as it isn't a True Rail Trail but noticed someone had so I'll put my $.02 in. Very Flat, only hill is the Bridge over the Bay. Can be quite windy so I usually Park at Visitor Center & Ride south first as this is generally into the wind, but be sure to check the Flag when you get there as it does sometimes turn abound. Horses may be seen anywhere on the Island....you will see plenty of Horse Droppings! There are 2 Bayside Access roads which are worth a visit, there is also a Bike Trail in the State Park Campground Area that is easy to get to. It ends at a gravel Parking lot near a Construction access gate Midway down Bayberry Drive, so you can get from one Trail to the other & add some variety to your ride. No Ocean Views from the Trail but there are plenty of spots where you can stop in The National Park Campground Loops & walk up over the Dunes. Trail Ends at OSV Zone, which requires a Permit. I often Bring My Jeep & make a Day of it here, but it gets VERY Crowded on Summer Weekends. You can always Bike in even when there are Massive Summer Backups on the Road. Easy to get 10 - 15 miles in here if you get Creative.
Always a breeze, crossing the bridge is the best view of OC. Saw 4 wild ponies grazing, on my ride, right on the bike path… deer were all around as well. Wish it was longer ride and went by the beach !!!
We just took a crisp mid-October ride and it was very doable, flat, and easy. The bridge over had a great view of Ocean City. Only downside is you may ride along backup of cars getting into park. On the horses, its good to manage your expectations. You definitely know they are there because there are plenty of horse pies on the trail that you may need to dodge. We actually did see one after going off a side trail. One frustrated woman yelled out to the Park Ranger asking where the horses were. Answer: “They are wild mam! I cant tell you where they are at any given time.” ¿¿
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