MO W1: Assateague (28 miles)

Let's go backpacking on a barrier island! I have wanted to do this trip since I missed it last year.

--- below mostly copied from last time---
Assateague Island is a 37-mile long barrier island. It is known for its undeveloped beaches, wild horses, waterfowl, and the Assateague Lighthouse.

This stretch of beach walking is some of the most pristine anywhere, at times veering into an almost meditative quality as you walk along the sand. And, oddly, even though it is essentially flat and a straight line, walking in sand is not exactly easy. You'll find yourself aiming for firm footing, and your feet (and everything else) will be sandy. Best to avoid heavy footwear here.

Caveat; I've never done this trail before

Trip rank is MO W1. I will keep "W1" for now. Temperatures may be below freezing at times, perhaps down to the teens. You can read more about trip ranks here.

Plan (Updated 1/21)
Here's what got so far (special thanks to Andrew for tips):

We are planning to do a key swap shuttle. Looks like we have enough drivers at this point. I will rent a car if necessary.

For now we'll assume all of the DC based car pool crew will meet at the Greenbelt Metro Station at ~7:45-8am. This may likely change as we figure out car pool configurations closer to the hike.

All drivers will then meet at Maryland District Ranger Station/Campground Office. We need the entire group assembled here before noon to pull the permit.
- Located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island on west side of Bayberry Drive, after the entrance station. The GPS address is 6633 Bayberry Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

• https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5JNnJBgsP2Q1jUFA

We'll get our permits,
- Note that the park service won't issue the permit in case of bad weather. Will call if it seems necessary.

Half group will stay and start in MD (SOBOs). The other half of hikers will go to the VA side (NOBOs, preferably the faster hikers).

We can do the swapped leg up front. After pulling the permit, NOBOs will drive SOBOs’ cars to the VA southern terminus to stage them. When the groups meet at the campsite, we’ll swap keys. That way each person finishes at their terminus with their own car + keys.

Parking:
- For those starting in Maryland, park at North Beach (not far from ranger station);
- For those starting in Virginia, go to Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center. Staff will provide parking information. Vehicles must display parking tag obtained with permit. https://maps.app.goo.gl/scc77myoRAD5nBzM8

• Side note: Tom's Cover visitor center in VA is permanently closed (Nov 2025). Will be demolished

We'll do splits of about 14 / 14. There is no freshwater on the island so plan to start will all the water you'll need for the trip. Depending on wind, we'll either camp at Stateline (on the beach side) or Pope Bay (on the bay side). Expect the camp ground to be sand.

Resources
Caltopo TBD (this is 99% walking in a straight line but I'll probably still make one)

Locations:
Greenbelt Metro
Ranger Station for Permit and MD Parking
Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center (for those starting in VA)

Past trips:
- https://dculbackpacking.com/2022/03/29/trip-report-hiking-on-the-beach-in-winter-assateague/
- https://www.meetup.com/dc-ul-backpacking/events/304254668/?eventOrigin=group_events_list

From NPS:
- https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm

The Fine Print

• By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)
• If you are a member, don't forget to pay your annual $10 dues. You can check to see if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip with the group. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15
• All non-drivers should expect to pay $0.10 per mile to their driver, in accordance with the DC UL carpool policy.