Assateague National Seashore in Maryland

Trip Overview

Our group of 8 intrepid paddlers spent the weekend in Ocean City - on Sunday we made the short trip to Assateague on the Maryland side. We paid the entry fee, admired several groups of wild horses grazing along the access road, and turned into the Old Ferry Landing launch area. It was pretty crowded - a local outfitter was also using it - but once we launched we had peace and quiet.

The inland bay is protected from the wind in many places, so we had an easy paddle for most of the way. Hundreds of egrets, herons, and other birds. We saw deer but no ponies while paddling. Our time was somewhat limited on that day so we explored the salt marshes in close proximity. There is a canoe/kayak trail for those who want to make a camping trip of it.

Be prepared for mosquitoes and biting flies- we had enough breeze that we didn't get bothered. That breeze can also kick up a chop in the more open spaces in the bay, which can make a leisurely paddle a lot more work.

Accommodations:

Launch site has a port a John. Good parking and launch beach. Plentiful hotels, restaurants, etc. on US Route 50 and into Ocean City.

Fees:

Yes, the usual National Park fees apply - $15 per vehicle for those of us who didn't have av annual pass.

Directions:

From Ocean City, take US Route 50 west and follow the signs. The turn south toward Assateague is well marked, and once you reach the park the Park Service has done their usual wonderful job with signs and maps.

Resources:

There is a lot of info on the web about Assateague