Trails

The refuge maintains several miles of trails for either hiking or biking. Major recreational activities include wildlife/wildland observation, photography, education, and sheer enjoyment of the outdoors. About half are paved while the rest are open to foot traffic only. 

Credit: Murray Barkley Wildlife Loop The Wildlife Loop is a 3¼ mile loop around a moist soil management unit and is a great place to observe wildlife, especially waterfowl and wading birds. It is open to walkers and bikers throughout the day, but vehicles are only permitted to drive on it from 3:00 P.M. till dusk.  OPEN TO PEDISTRIANS AND BIKES ONLY Closed til noon to hunting on: December - 7,8,10,11,14,15,17,18 January - 4,5,7,8,11,12,14,15,18,19,21, 22

Credit: Murray Barkley Lighthouse Trail The Lighthouse Trail is a ¼ mile foot path through the woods to the historic Assateague Lighthouse. It is for walking only.  OPEN Lighthouse is open 9am - 2:30pm Tours daily through the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Credit: Murray Barkley Swans Cove Trail Swan Cove Trail, which branches off of the Wildlife Loop, is about ½ mile long and leads to the beach. Swan Cove Trail is open to both walkers and bikers. OPEN Closed til noon to hunting on: December - 7,8,10,11,14,15,17,18 January - 4,5,7,8,11,12,14,15,18,19,21, 22

Credit: Murray Barkley Black Duck Trail Black Duck Trail branches off of the Wildlife Loop. It is about 1 mile long and provides access between the Wildlife Loop and the Woodland Trail. This trail is for walking and biking.  OPEN Closed til noon to hunting on: December - 7,8,10,11,14,15,17,18 January - 4,5,7,8,11,12,14,15,18,19,21, 22

Credit: Murray Barkley Marsh Trail The Marsh Trail is a ½ mile looping trail along the Wildlife Loop. This unpaved trail, open only to walkers, includes an observation platform overlooking Snow Goose Pool OPEN Closed til noon to hunting on: December - 7,8,10,11,14,15,17,18 January - 4,5,7,8,11,12,14,15,18,19,21, 22

Credit: Murray Barkley Woodland Trail The 1½ mile Woodland Trail takes hikers and bikers through a beautiful pine forest and includes an overlook where you can sometimes see wild ponies.  Most visitors are unaware of the new *Bivalve trail that lies just off the beaten path of the Woodland Trail. Take this self guided adventure through the maritime forest leading to a section of Toms Cove where you can catch a glimpse of the old livesaving station, engage in clamming, or just wait for the amazing sunset. *This trail is not yet marked. OPEN Closed to hunting on: December - 7,8,10,11,14,15,17,18 January - 4,5,7,8,11,12,14,15,18,19,21, 22

Credit: Murray Barkley Service Road Besides the above trails, foot access is permitted on our 7½ mile service road. Cars and bicycles are not permitted on the service road. OPEN TO PEDISTRIANS ONLY WILL NOT BE OPEN THANKSGIVING Closed to hunting on: December - 7,8,10,11,14,15,17,18 January - 4,5,7,8,11,12,14,15,18,19,21, 22