Assateague Island National Seashore · Worcester County, MD

Life of the Marsh

Boardwalk loop across the bay-side salt marsh. Snowy egrets and glossy ibis in season. Flat and stroller-friendly. No pets allowed (NPS rule on all three Assateague nature trails).

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Scored for hiking

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Trail: prime
Air temp
46°F
Clear
Wind
16 mph
NE
Rain
0%
Last 48h: 0.00″
Trail
prime
boardwalk surface
Sunset
7:47 PM
1095 min daylight left
Moon
Waxing Gibbous
77% illuminated

Hiking

Ideal 48–75°F

Skip the hiking plan today.

  • · 46°F airWithin comfort range, outside ideal
  • 16 mph windGusty — bring a windbreaker
  • Trail: primePaved/boardwalk surface — rainfall does not affect traction.
  • NWS alert activeCheck the alert before heading out
Distance
0.6 mi round-trip
Elevation gain
10 ft
Surface
boardwalk
Difficulty
easy
Typical crowds
moderate
Dogs
No dogs

Parking

Trailhead lot · day-use fee.

Facilities

Bathrooms , drinking water. $25/vehicle 7-day pass; ATB pass accepted. NO DOGS on this trail.

Coordinates

38.2430, -75.1580 — Worcester County, MD.

Notes

NO DOGS — pets are prohibited on all three Assateague nature trails (NPS rule). Leashed dogs are allowed only on the beach, paved roads, and in the campground.

OSV Status

4/26/26 MD CLOSED due to overwash conditions, VA South OSV partially open. Closure begins at the old Coast Guard Station and extends to the hook. North OSV closed.

Administrative Closure of Areas due to Nesting Shorebird Season

Effective 4/2/26: The closure includes the following areas within the boundary of the National Seashore : * North End * All island interior beach habitat along the northern section of Assateague Island National Seashore (north of Assateague State Park) is closed to all entry between KM 0.5 - KM 9.5. * The island interior beach habitats between KM 21.8 - 22.8 and 23.5 - 24.5 of the MD OSV Zone are closed to all entry. This includes habitat from the existing OSV boundary west to the vegetated shrub line.

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