Basics
- Location:
- This Byway is located along the eastern shoreline of Maryland between Assateague Island and Crisfield.
- Length:
- 55 miles (88 km)
- Time:
- Allow 2 hours
- Fees:
- No fees to drive the byway.
Description
The Beach to Bay Indian Trail stretches between Assateague Island National Seashore and Crisfield on the Chesapeake Bay. It begins on the little island of Assateague. The only inhabitants here are little ponies, descendants of horses from the colonial era. But, the wind worn beaches are often visited by the human species for surf fishing and camping.
The Byway forms a loop along the coastline of The Old Line State, starting at the Assateague Island National Seashore and following Routes 611, 113, 394, 13, 667 and 413. The Old Furnace Branch follows Routes 12, 354, 388, 13, and 413.
A round up of ponies occurs each summer. The tiny equines swim the channel between Assateague and the well-populated Chincoteague where they are sold at auction. The unsold lot then swims back to wait out another year. The auction is a long-cherished tradition among Marylanders and one which is well worth attending.
Slipping through the pines of Assateague Island, the road follows the eastern shore through several historic townships and into Pocomoke River State Forest and Park where views of the bald cypress swamp dominate. Once again, however, it meets with the eastern shore and ends at Crisfield on the Chesapeake.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Assateague Island National Seashore (MD)
Assateague Island is a windswept barrier island that offers many opportunities for seashore recreation and nature study along its thirty-seven miles. Ocean swimming, camping, bayside canoeing, crabbing, clamming, hunting, surf fishing, and off-road vehicle use are all popular. Assateague Island became part of the National Park System in 1965. The park's land and water boundaries encompass over 48,000 acres in the states of Maryland and Virginia.
The famous Chincoteague wild horses roam throughout the island and share beach to bay habitats with a host of other animals, including over 300 species of birds.
Directions
From Salisbury take US-50 east to US-113 south. On US-113 south turn east onto MD-376. MD-376 connects to MD-611, which you will take heading southward onto Assateague Island National Seashore.
Furnace Town Historic Site (MD)
The interpretive program at Furnace Town is an effort to bringto life the daily life activities of this 19th century village.Also, artisans recreate the various crafts and professions thatwere part of Furnace Town during its life. We hope you enjoy thetour of these buildings and take time to discuss the 19th centurylife of Furnace Town.
Furnace Town Historic Site maintains an archaelogical dig siteon the location of an early 19th century structure, about which nota great deal is known at this time. The public's help is vital inlearning more about this structure and about the people who livedand worked at Furnace Town.
Directions
From Snow Hill, proceed 5 miles north on Rt. 12. Turn left on to Old Furnace Road. Furnace Town in one mile ahead on your left.
