Chincoteague

Wildlife observation, interpretation, photography and hiking. Enjoy year-round on marked trails. Boats (Non-commercial) Permitted to land on designated areas on Toms Cove Hook from September 1 through March 14 or as otherwise posted. Refuge impoundments are closed to all boats and flotation devices. Bicycles Permitted on trails and roads unless otherwise posted. Horseback Riding Horseback riding is only permitted in the Off-Road Vehicle Zone. Mopeds and Motorized Scooters Permitted on Beach Road only. July 2015 R TM E NT O F T H E RI O R Swimming Permitted along the oceanfront and in designated areas of Toms Cove. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD http://www.fws.gov TE Surf Fishing A saltwater license is required for surf fishing on the refuge. Fishing is prohibited on life guarded beaches. An overnight fishing permit is required to stay after hours. Inquire at the Toms Cove Visitor Center. Fires/Fireworks Open fires are prohibited except as authorized by special permit, which may be obtained from the National Park Service, Assateague Island National Seashore, at Toms Cove Visitor Center. Possession or discharge of fireworks or explosive devices is prohibited. Federal Relay Service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 IN Crabbing/shellfishing Permitted in designated areas of Toms Cove. Crabbing is permitted in designated areas of Swan Cove adjacent to Toms Cove. State shellfishing license is not required; however, state regulations and creel limits are enforced. Traps, pots, and handlines must be attended at all times. The following activities are prohibited. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge 8231 Beach Road P.O. Box 62 Chincoteague Island, VA 23336-0062 757/336 6122 757/336 5273 Fax 1 800/828 1120 TDD 1 800/828 1140 voice email: FW5RW_CNWR@fws.gov www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague PA Follow these guidelines for a fun and safe visit. The following activities are permitted. Note specific restrictions. Over-sand vehicle use Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zones are posted and maps are available at the Chincoteague Refuge Visitor Center and Toms Cove Visitor Center. A fee is charged for all permits. Vehicle specifications and equipment requirements are strictly enforced. Limits are placed on the number of vehicles allowed on the beach at any one time. Temporary closures occur due to public safety and wildlife concerns. U.S. DE This goose, designed by J.N. “Ding” Darling, has become a symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. M AR C H 3, 18 49 Skateboards/roller skates/in-line skates Use prohibited on refuge. Camping Prohibited on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Permits for back country sites in Maryland are available from the National Park Service, Assateague Island National Seashore, at Toms Cove Visitor Center. Firearms and weapons Prohibited in government buildings. Pets Prohibited, even in your vehicle. Alcohol Use of alcohol beverages is prohibited. Entering or remaining on the refuge while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited. Great Egret © Mark Wilson U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Trail Map Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center Hours vary by season. Woodland Trail (1.6 miles) Walking and bicycling National Fishing Week June Marsh Trail (0.5 miles) Walking Waterfowl Week November Safety Protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes, they may carry disease. To avoid tick bites and mosquitoes: stay on trails; use repellent; wear long sleeve shirts and long pants while exploring the area; and, inspect yourself carefully. Raccoons, horses and other mammals on the refuge may carry rabies. Enjoy all wildlife from a distance, especially if they seem friendly. Black Duck Pool h R oa d Woodland Trail Bivalve Trail B eac Wildlife Loop (3.2 miles) Walking and bicycling. Open 3:00 pm to dusk to vehicles ag ue Ch an ne l As sa te Janeys Creek Marsh Herbert H. Bateman Educational and s Administrative Center h Trail Black Duck Trail Pool Mallard Pool op Sw an il ra T ve Co 0 For additional information about the refuge, contact: O Refuge Manager Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 62 Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 757/336 6122 FAX: 757/336 5273 email: FW5RW_CNWR@fws.gov www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague .5 4000 Feet 1 Mile Hiking Trails Hiking/Biking Trails Little Toms Cove Closed Areas - Stay on Trails Bivalve Trail (0.25 miles) Walking Refuge Hours Hours vary by season, open year-round. 2000 Legend N Swan Cove Trail (0.5 miles) Walking and bicycling D Dike Shoveler Snow Goose Pool Swans Cove Pool Road 0 Black Duck Trail (1 mile) Walking and bicycling w So nd Po Lighthouse Service Refuge Auditorium Program schedule available Lighthouse Trail (0.25 miles) Walking National Wildlife Refuge Week October Black Duck Marsh Tom’s Cove Visitor Center Hours vary by season. International Migratory Bird Celebration May Beach Cleanup September Horse Marsh Piney Island Lo Special Events Earth Day April Horses, although they appear tame, are wild animals and may kick or bite without warning. fe dli Wil people and wildlife meet. The refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh and maritime forest. Within a workday's access to millions of people, Chincoteague refuge is one of the most visited refuges in the United States, providing visitors with outstanding opportunities to learn about and enjoy wildlands and wildlife. Memorial Memoria morial Park Pony Swim r Ma Feeding or harassing wildlife Strictly prohibited. Feeding animals causes them to lose their fear of Welcome to humans and makes them more Chincoteague vulnerable to vehicular traffic. National Human food also causes digestive Wildlife problems. Please help keep the Refuge...where animals healthy and safe. Poison ivy is abundant on the refuge. Please stay on refuge trails to avoid contact. Maddox Bou levard Disturbing or collecting plants and animals (dead or alive), or artifacts Strictly prohibited. Leave the area as you found it for others to enjoy. Please limit the number of unoccupied shells collected to one gallon or less/person/day. Shells collected may not be sold or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone (Subject to seasonal closure) Toms Cove Visitor Center Toms Cove Seasonally closes on March 15 Reopens Late Fall Observation Platform Beach Access and Parking Over-Sand Vehicle Zone Parking Lot The ORV zone includes nesting habitat for the Piping plover, a threatened bird species. To aid in the recovery of this species, the ORV zone will be subiect to partial closure to all ORV, boat and pedestrian use during the nesting season.