Last updated: April 27, 2021
Thing to Do
See the Wild Horses in the Virginia District
NPS Photo
Many visitors come to Assateague each year with hopes of seeing the wild horses. While we cannot guarantee that you will see them, these tips and directions will improve your chances.
In the Virginia district, the wild horses are commonly referred to as “Chincoteague Ponies”. Unlike the Maryland district where the horses are free to roam, the Chincoteague Ponies are fenced off the road and trails in two separate large management areas of the refuge resulting in a northern herd and a southern herd.
The southern herd may be seen by car, bicycle or walking and is recommended for all visitors. After entering the refuge look to right about a ½ mile past the entrance station, as this is the beginning boundary of the southern herd’s 547 acre grazing area. As you continue along Beach Road you will notice there is a shoulder to pull off on so that you may look out over the marsh for the horses. If you continue along Beach Road you can turn into the Woodland Trail parking lot and hike or bike to view the ponies from a different angle. If walking or biking the Woodland Trail, bug spray is recommended. When you enter the Woodland Trail, veer to the right at the fork in the trail. In about a ½ mile walk you will approach the observation platform to view the horses from the eastern boundary.
Viewing the northern herd requires extensive walking and time, and is not recommended for those with difficulty walking long distances. Bug spray is recommended. To begin you will park at the Wildlife Loop parking lot and begin walking or bicycling on the Wildlife Loop to the left. In about a mile you will enter a gravel road called the “Service Road”. If you are riding a bike, you will need to leave it at the 1 mile marker at “D-dike” as bikes are not permitted beyond this point. After walking an additional 1.5 miles, you will enter the 2,695 acre pony management area. The Service Road totals 7.5 miles one way and horses may be found in the most northern 5 miles. Be prepared with water, a snack and good hiking shoes as this could be up to a 17 mile round trip hike to see the wild ponies.
Learn more about the wild horses here.
Learn more about seeing and photographing wildlife here.
In the Virginia district, the wild horses are commonly referred to as “Chincoteague Ponies”. Unlike the Maryland district where the horses are free to roam, the Chincoteague Ponies are fenced off the road and trails in two separate large management areas of the refuge resulting in a northern herd and a southern herd.
The southern herd may be seen by car, bicycle or walking and is recommended for all visitors. After entering the refuge look to right about a ½ mile past the entrance station, as this is the beginning boundary of the southern herd’s 547 acre grazing area. As you continue along Beach Road you will notice there is a shoulder to pull off on so that you may look out over the marsh for the horses. If you continue along Beach Road you can turn into the Woodland Trail parking lot and hike or bike to view the ponies from a different angle. If walking or biking the Woodland Trail, bug spray is recommended. When you enter the Woodland Trail, veer to the right at the fork in the trail. In about a ½ mile walk you will approach the observation platform to view the horses from the eastern boundary.
Viewing the northern herd requires extensive walking and time, and is not recommended for those with difficulty walking long distances. Bug spray is recommended. To begin you will park at the Wildlife Loop parking lot and begin walking or bicycling on the Wildlife Loop to the left. In about a mile you will enter a gravel road called the “Service Road”. If you are riding a bike, you will need to leave it at the 1 mile marker at “D-dike” as bikes are not permitted beyond this point. After walking an additional 1.5 miles, you will enter the 2,695 acre pony management area. The Service Road totals 7.5 miles one way and horses may be found in the most northern 5 miles. Be prepared with water, a snack and good hiking shoes as this could be up to a 17 mile round trip hike to see the wild ponies.
Learn more about the wild horses here.
Learn more about seeing and photographing wildlife here.
Details
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Age(s)
1 and Older
All ages welcome
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed in the Virginia district (not even in your car).
Activity Fee
No
Park entrance fees apply. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge entrance fees.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Horses are visible year-round. Spring, summer and fall plan for biting insects while viewing the horses.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Virginia district hours vary by season. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge hours.
Accessibility Information
The southern herd is accessible in a variety of levels. Horses may be visible by car along Beach Road. Horses may be visible from Woodland Trail which is a 1.6 mile long, wide asphalt paved flat trail that is suitable for those in wheelchairs or those who use a walking aide. Some areas may be graveled or bumpy due to uplifting by tree roots. Benches are available to rest throughout the trail.
The northern herd is not accessible to those who have dificulty walking. The terrain is unpaved and is rocky, muddy and uneven. The Service Road trail leading to the horses is a 8-17 mile round trip. No benches are available to rest.
Pets are not allowed in the Virginia district except service animals. A service animal is defined as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Dogs are the only animals that can be used as a service animal except for miniature horses.
The northern herd is not accessible to those who have dificulty walking. The terrain is unpaved and is rocky, muddy and uneven. The Service Road trail leading to the horses is a 8-17 mile round trip. No benches are available to rest.
Pets are not allowed in the Virginia district except service animals. A service animal is defined as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Dogs are the only animals that can be used as a service animal except for miniature horses.