"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world." ~John Muir
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Assateague Island National Seashore in Berlin, MD and it was my first visit during the month of August. Usually, the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes this time of year discourage me from going. However, pleasant weather in the upper 70's with sunshine and a light breeze greeted me as I stepped out of the car at the Visitor Center to stretch my legs and pick up a map.
The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located at:
11800 Marsh View Ln,. Berlin, MD 21811.
There are restroom facilities, a large map, a lookout over Sinepuxent Bay, woodland walking trails, a nice gift shop, a pedestrian bridge, bicycle rentals, and an information center run by park rangers.
"Any day spent in a national park is a good day." ~Chris Nicholson
Entrance to the National Seashore of Maryland is:
7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811
A variety of recreational activities can be enjoyed year round. National Parks are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, and closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Popular activities to do on Assateague Island are:
- camping
- beach campfires (firewood sold locally)
- fishing
- clamming
- crabbing
- dog walking
- wildlife viewing
- stargazing
- nature photography
- biking (rentals are available)
- swimming (no lifeguards)
- surfing
- beach combing
- paddle-boarding
- kayaking
- riding dune buggies
After visiting Assateague Island in the fall and winter months, I have developed a preferred order for exploring the island over the past few years, which I continued to follow during this summer visit.
- Life of the Marsh Trail
- Life of the Forest Trail
- Life of the Dunes Trail
- Atlantic Ocean Beach
- Old Ferry Landing on Bayside Dr. to view the sunset
- Walk both ways across the Verrazano Bridge for pedestrians that connects Assateague Island to the mainland
"Forest is for rest." ~Unknown
Through my photography I hope you will appreciate the unique beauty of this 37-mile barrier island that stretches along the Maryland and Virginia Delmarva peninsula.
There are approximately 300 wild horses spanning both shores. The Chincoteague Pony (Equus caballus) also known as the Assateague wild horse was officially named a breed in 1994. This resilient population of feral horses have adapted to the harsh barrier island environment and are known for their sturdy build, thick coats, and ability to thrive in the landscape of marshes, beaches, and harsh weather.
The wild horses graze on salt marsh grasses, twigs, and poison ivy, and due to their salty diet, they drink twice the amount of fresh water as domesticated horses. Freshwater ponds located throughout the island and often hidden behind vegetation are vital year-round sources that the horses rely on to stay hydrated in all types of weather.
Mosquito spray is an absolute must during the summer and autumn months to protect from mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, and ticks. My personal preference is to wear long lightweight pants with a long sleeve top, a white shawl, sandals, and a wide brimmed bucket style sun hat with UPF 50+ (ultraviolet protection factor) coverage.
It just so happened that Monday, August 4th, 2025 was an entrance fee FREE day and I was able to drive right through the gate and head straight to the Life of the Marsh trail. This is where I prefer to start because of the easy 0.5 mile trail on a wooden walking bridge over the salt marsh that leads to a small beach along the Sinepuxent Bay. From the bridge you can watch people kayaking and spot wild horses near and far.
Wetlands play an essential role in the ecology of the watershed and they are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth akin to rain forests. The natural function of the salt marsh wetlands are being restored by the National Park Service and this restoration project involves filling the ditches that were dug in the 1930's in an effort to control mosquitoes with sand and replanting native vegetation.
Much to my delight, there were horses all throughout the island. I've never seen so many of them in one day and it was the first time I saw foal grazing and relaxing. One young foal laid down in the grass flopping its tail near the road's edge while mares grazed nearby.
The Life of the Forest Nature trail is another easy 0.5 mile boardwalk loop with viewing platforms, and passes through a salt marsh on Sinepuxent Bay. The maritime forest is home to woodland birds, reptiles, and amphibians. On my way back to the car after watching a foal in a herd of horses grazing on the marsh grasses, I came upon three horses walking up the boardwalk and was able to back away and photograph them as they went into the woods. Numerous warning signs are posted throughout the park reminding all visitors to stay a 40-foot distance, or "bus-length" away because the wild horses are known to kick and bite, and will even charge at perceived threats. Thankfully, without incident, the horses walked right past a group of people who were on the boardwalk unable to step away.
"Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn." Ralph Waldo Emerson
While driving to view the sunset, I saw a brown pelican sitting on a branch above a small pond of water in a thick area of vegetation. It was not possible for me to stop along the road, so I captured its picture in my mind.
Then on the way back, this white egret flew in front of my car and perched on the back of its friend.
Birdwatchers have a variety of species to look for even if a photo opportunity doesn't present itself because the island's unique habitats provide food, water, shelter, and space for the following -
- Osprey
- Willet
- Northern harrier
- American oystercatchers
- Great blue heron
- Great egret
- Black-backed gull
- Yellow-rumped warbler
- Common yellowthroat
- Red-winged blackbird
- Piping plovers
- Brown pelicans
- Tree swallow
- Seagulls
- Bald eagle
- Virginia rail
- Eastern towhee
- Boat-tailed grackle
"There is nothing in which birds differ more than man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before."~Robert Wilson Lynd
Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~Jen
Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment.
All photos were taken at Assateague Island National Seashore State Park, Maryland, USA.