Wild horses grazing among windswept dunes. The rhythmic crash of Atlantic waves against the shoreline. The quiet hum of marshland teeming with life. Assateague Island is a place unlike any other—one that has drawn visitors, writers, and nature lovers for generations. But for me, it’s more than just a beautiful coastal escape.
It’s a place I’ve studied, explored, and had the privilege of protecting. As a former park ranger at Assateague Island National Seashore, I spent years guiding visitors through its beaches, sandy trails, salt marshes, and backcountry waters—helping them experience the island in a way that was meaningful to them. From surf fishing on the beach to kayaking through quiet tidal flats, I got to know every inch of this island and its surrounding areas.
And now, as a travel advisor, I bring that same expertise to help you plan an unforgettable Assateague experience—and beyond.
Assateague 101: More Than Just a Beach
Most people have heard of Assateague because of its wild horses or the book Misty of Chincoteague, but what many don’t realize is that this island is split between two states and managed by three different agencies—each with a different purpose:
Maryland Side: Home to both the State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore, where visitors can explore pristine beaches, hike through maritime forests, and witness wild horses roaming freely.
Virginia Side: The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge focuses on preserving critical habitats for migratory birds, while the National Seashore protects the island’s coastline.
Even the famous horses are managed differently depending on where you visit:
On the Maryland side, the horses are managed by the National Park Service and considered feral—descendants of domestic animals that reverted to a wild state over centuries. While local folklore speaks of a shipwreck stranding them here, history suggests they were brought by settlers in the 1600s to avoid fencing laws and livestock taxes.
On the Virginia side, the horses are privately owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Each year, during the famous Pony Penning event, the herd is rounded up, and some are auctioned off to control the population.
I could go full ranger mode and break down every management technique, but I’ll save that for the truly curious! Just know that no two visits to Assateague are ever the same—because this island is always shifting, always changing, shaped by the tides, the storms, and the resilient creatures that call it home.
Beyond the Beaches: My Life as a Ranger
During my time as a ranger at Assateague, I worked across both the Maryland and Virginia sides, leading visitors through this incredible landscape. I helped families plan their trips, educated school groups about the island’s unique ecosystem, and spent hours in the field experiencing Assateague in every way possible.
I led surf fishing excursions, teaching visitors how to cast their lines into the Atlantic for striped bass and bluefish. I explored the island’s waters by kayak, paddling through quiet back bays where the only sounds were the dipping of paddles and the calls of herons overhead.
I guided visitors to the best spots for wildlife viewing, explained how to time their visits with the tides, and helped them uncover Assateague’s lesser-known trails and beaches—far from the crowds.
But the most rewarding part? Helping people experience Assateague in a way that fit their interests.
For some, that meant a laid-back beach day, watching the horses roam from a distance. For others, it was about adventure—hiking, paddling, or fishing. Some were fascinated by the island’s rich history, from early settlers to shipwrecks. Every visitor had a different idea of their perfect Assateague experience—and I loved helping them find it.
From Ranger to Travel Advisor: Helping You Explore Like a Local
Looking back, I realize that my job as a ranger was preparing me for my job as a travel advisor all along.
Helping people navigate options, uncover hidden gems, and match their trip to their interests—that’s exactly what I do now. National Parks, especially dynamic ones like Assateague, can be overwhelming to plan for. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel lost in the details. But just like when I wore the ranger hat, I know the right questions to ask to help you make the most of your time—whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, history, wildlife, or a little bit of everything.
And when it comes to Assateague and the surrounding areas, I’m not just any travel advisor—I’m someone who has lived and breathed this island.
Through my years in the park service, I’ve built connections with rangers across the country - National Parks may be spread across the nation, but the park service is a small, tight-knit community. I know the nuances that make National Parks special—and how to help you experience them in a way that goes beyond the guidebooks.
Let’s Plan Your Assateague Adventure!
If Assateague is on your list, let’s make it happen! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, an off-the-beaten-path experience, or a classic beach getaway, I’ll help you craft a trip that’s perfect for you.
It’s not just a trip—it’s an experience. And I can’t wait to share it with you.
Connect with me at agencychic.com/kait or kait@agencychic.com
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