Accessibility

All visitor centers, most nature trails, bathhouses and wayside exhibits are accessible. The seashore has established two accessible campsites which may be reserved online at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6477.

 

Wheelchair accessible trail in the Maryland district

Trails

Wheelchair accessible trails - Maryland District
Life of the Forest Trail- 1/2 mile loop
Life of the Marsh Trail - 1/2 mile loop
Bicycle Bridge - 1/2 mile
Maryland District Trail Map

Wheelchair accessible trails - Virginia District
Black Duck Marsh Trail - 1 mile
Toms Cove Visitor Center Boardwalk - 1/8 mile
Wildlife Loop - 3.2 mile loop
Woodland Trail - 1.6 mile loop
Virginia District Trail Map

 

Visitors can access the beach using NPS beach wheelchairs

Gretchen Knapp

Beach Wheelchairs

Beach wheelchairs with balloon tires are available for use on the oceanside beaches in Maryland and Virginia. These beach wheelchairs are not self-propelled and need someone to push the chair.

In Maryland, there are three wheelchair sheds on North Beach, one on South Beach, and one on Bayside. Keys can be signed out at either the Beach Hut located on North Beach or Assateague Outfitters on Bayside. After hours and in the off season, keys can be signed out at the Ranger Station. There is a time limit of two hours (which can be extended if no one else is waiting at the end of the time limit), and a valid driver's license is required to sign out a key. Beach mats are available at North Beach and Bayside Beach.

In Virginia, four wheelchairs (one per parking lot) are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and can be signed out at the Toms Cove Visitor Center. During the off season, wheelchairs are available, though number of wheelchairs may vary. There is a time limit of two hours (which can be extended if no one else is waiting at the end of the time limit), and vehicle information is required to sign out a key. Beach mats are available seasonally, typically in Parking Lots #1 and #2.

 

Accessible Hunting

Hunters with mobility impairments may obtain a "Universal Disability Pass" from the state of Maryland. Information on obtaining this permit can be found at DNR Regional Wildlife & Heritage Service Offices or online at the Maryland DNR website. Please refer to the Disabled Hunter Access section for more information.
The Seashore has one blind (Blind "A") for waterfowl hunters with mobility impairments. The site is available on a first come, first served basis.

See the current Hunt Plan for more information.

 

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome in the park. In October 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a policy memorandum regarding the use of service animals by persons with disabilities in national parks. The revised policy aligns the NPS policy with the standards established by the Department of Justice in 2010 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Only dogs are classified as service animals, and they must perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Emotional support or comfort animals are not service animals.

For more information about service animals please visit www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm and Service Animals in National Parks.

 

America the Beautiful Access Pass for National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands

America the Beautiful - Access Pass

National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
This is a free, lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity fee. It replaces the Golden Access Pass. Golden Access passes may be exchanged free of charge. more information...