Chincoteague And Assateague Islands VA Tourism: Regions in Brief

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Regions in Brief

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Assateague Island--A barrier island protecting Chincoteague Island from the Atlantic, Assateague Island has over 37 miles of pristine beaches on its east coast, the northern 25 miles of which are in Maryland. The island is administered by two federal agencies, with the highest degree of protection afforded to wildlife on the Virginia side.

Bird-watchers know Assateague Island as a prime Atlantic Flyway habitat where sightings of peregrine falcons, snow geese, great blue heron, and snowy egrets have been made. The annual Waterfowl Week, generally held around Thanksgiving, takes place when a large number of migratory birds use the refuge.

The famous wild horses -- called "ponies" -- have lived on Assateague since the 17th century. Legend says their ancestors swam ashore from a shipwrecked Spanish galleon, but most likely English settlers put the first horses on Assateague, which formed a natural corral. Separated by a fence from their cousins in Maryland, the Virginia horses are owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, which rounds them up and sells the foals at auction on the last Wednesday in July.

Assateague's Cars Quota -- It's best to go to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge's visitor center early in the morning for two reasons. First, you can find out what guided walks and other interpretive programs are scheduled. Second, and most important, only a certain number of vehicles are allowed on Assateague Island at any one time. When that number is reached, park rangers stop traffic before the bridge to the island and allow one vehicle to cross only when another departs.

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Chincoteague And Assateague Islands VA Tourism: Regions in Brief

Regions in Brief

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