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This has to be the most beautiful lighthouse I've ever seen. It's not a long trail at all so don't worry if you're not an avid hiker. It's a really short loop. The views at the "summit" where you find the lighthouse are just spectacular. It was quiet when I visited so had an opportunity to take lots of photos. This is definitely a must-see if you're visiting the refuge.
I was so excited today to see this lighthouse. I have never seen it before so the thrill of something new was evident. Tony said I was as giddy as a school girl We parked the car and bundled up to hike the half mile trek to see the lighthouse. It was a simple trail with incline but it was so cold at 25 degrees but at least the sun was shining. The lighthouse was closed so we could not climb up this beautiful lighthouse but nestled in the pine trees she's a real beauty. Along our hike I saw several Holly Trees Great day just cold with the wind blowing
I put this lighthouse on the Yelp map because the other Yelp Assateague Lighthouse page doesn't let you check in at the lighthouse itself. We loved the short 5 minute trail to this red and white lighthouse on Assateague Island across from the Wildlife Reserve. You can spot this lighthouse from historic "downtown" Chincoteague, and for miles down the Assateague beach. It was closed when we visited during Covid, (it's usually open til November) but it was still a sight to see! Next time we'd like to climb to the top! A true beacon of wonder!
Unfortunately it was closed today, but glad to see that it was nicely painted and the premises is kept clean. See my review of the Museum of Chincoteague for the pic of the original light that was used (when you get to the museum, an up close view shows a small light, but as you get farther away, it looks inordinately bigger than the actual size due to the effects of the glass).
Bottom Line: A historic and iconic lighthouse that has been beautifully restored. There is something magical about the iconic red and white striped lighthouse peeking out from the tree canopy. I like that it can be seen from various points around the island and of course an up close and personal experience is great too! The present lighthouse was completed in 1867 and is 142 feet tall. It is much taller than the original lighthouse built at the same location but I feel like the climb of 175 steps is easy compared to other lighthouse climbs I've made. Also, it's nice that the steps are wide and there are various landings to take a break if needed. And even if you don't need a break, I recommend slowing down and checking out the details of the structure like the brick work in the windows and the ventilation system. The lighthouse is located within the boundary of the Assateague National Wildlife Refuge so while there is not a separate fee to climb the lighthouse you do have to first pay the $20 entrance fee.
Usually when you hear someone mention Assateague you're normally talking about the wild ponies and at least for me you're talking about the Maryland side. But this is all about the Assateague Lighthouse which is located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island. The original lighthouse was constructed in 1833 at a cost of approximately $55,000. But by 1850 there were bricks falling out of the tower of the lighthouse and even though the original lamp and reflector system was replaced with a third-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse was deemed ineffective. Since the existing lighthouse could not be improved, the Lighthouse Board recommended starting over with a new 150 foot tall lighthouse. In 1860, construction on a taller, more powerfully illuminated brick lighthouse began, but was delayed by the Civil War. After the war, work resumed and the lighthouse was put in service on October 1, 1867. Assateague's lighthouse has twin rotating lights that flash one after the other from a height of 154 feet. The lighthouse stands 142 feet high, its base over 27 feet in diameter, the lights can be seen for up to 19 miles and if you're climbing it's 175 steps to the top. The Lighthouse is still used as an active navigational aid and is in the National Register of Historic places. In 1933 the lighthouse was converted to be electrically operated, and its first light was a candle lantern. When the lighthouse was first built, it was on the southern most end of Assateague Island. The land now south of the lighthouse is actually new land, that has grown out about 2 miles since the lighthouse was first built. Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the Fish & Wildlife Service from the Coast Guard in 2004. While the U.S. Coast Guard still maintains the light as an active navigational aid, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is responsible for preserving the lighthouse. Since the transfer 1.5 million dollar restoration project has been carried out on the tower, prompted by a part of the cast-iron lantern room deck falling to the gallery deck in 2008. The Assateague Lighthouse is approximately 1/4 mile away from Chincoteague Island and visitors can drive there from Chincoteague in about 5 minutes. You can ride a bicycle or walk on the trail that leads from Chincoteague over to Assateague Island. The trail is maintained by the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service at Assateague Island. Visitors to the Maryland side of Assateague can drive to this area in about an hour. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is home of the lighthouse. Lighthouse Climbing Schedule for 2018 (It's Free) March Saturdays 9am - 3pm Sunday 9am - 1pm April Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 3pm May Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 3pm June - September Daily 9am - 3pm Fridays 9am - 3pm and 6pm - 9pm
beautiful sights! i love this area and it's lovely to see around it. it's free to visit saturday 10AM-3PM (maybe 3:30?) and it's great for kids too! be careful on the steps, there is only one side with a railing since it is a spiral staircase quick event to do for under an hour and definitely worth the stop.
The lighthouse is maintained by Parks & Rec, with the Coast Guard maintaining the bulb, while the Historical Society manages the tours. There are no tours at this time, likely due to COVID-19. You cannot go inside the lighthouse unless there is a tour. Its free to approach and take photos though. The "hike" from parking to lighthouse is less than a quarter mile, very short walk. Everyone says bugs are bad but it wasn't that bad for us - but we did douse ourselves in bug spray beforehand. Basically if we want to go inside of it plan beforehand to see of theres a tour. It is a fully functioning and still operational lighthouse.
We we enjoy traveling up and down the East Coast we look forward to seeing all the beautiful light houses. Due to Covid the lighthouse was close to tour but it still did not disappoint. This is a great visit trails are fun in the surrounding communities is something to check out.
The lighthouse is a 0.25 mile walk from the parking area. The path is shaded through the woods. Parking in the small lot is limited. The hours it is open is 9am-3pm. Admission is free but they request a donation. There is a small gift shop, and there is an employee that regulates the flow of those going up and down the steps to the top of the lighthouse. It's 175 steps to the top, with a platform to break every few set of stairs. On each platform floor there is a window and a laminated paper giving information about the lighthouse. The views are beautiful! Definitely make this quick stop while visiting the park!
It is very easy to hike or bike to once you enter the Wildlife Refuge Park. Technically you don't have to pay to walk up to the tower, it is by donation. ***Be very prepare for the most aggressive mosquitos in northern Virginia! Wear clothes that cover your bear skin, or use bug spray!***
Mostly easy to access though it's on an island that is busy with beach and seasonal traffic, inside a paid park/refuge (no one was collecting fees this evening) and then up a quarter mile sand path through a swarm of mosquitoes. Wait, this is easy? This is a classic lighthouse. 142 feet tall and painted with bands of red and white. The lighthouse is owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is an active aid for navigation operated by the US Coast Guard. It is occasionally open for tours on weekends but not this particular evening and probably not during the pandemic. I was along here this evening (other than two million mosquitoes) so it was quiet and peaceful. The grounds around the lighthouse are clear of obstruction so I had no problem taking multiple photos. Beautiful lighthouse and I'd recommend bicycling to visit. And bug spray. Lots and lots of bug spray! [Review 18132 overall - 1397 in Virginia - 1654 of 2022.] read more
2 years ago
Altho' I didn't get to go inside this place, and I think it was closed, it was still really nice to visit, and my family was in a rush to leave. But, I splurged over an hour shooting photos, playing Pokemon Go, and shooting video here! I'd LOVE TO COME BACK AGAIN! Be careful where you park, the roads are narrow, and you could block the ways in or out, and be careful of incoming cars, or outgoing cars, because u don;t see or hear them coming or going, and many people made this mistake. Sometimes, it's totally dead, and no one around, then suddenly lots of people show up. I was there for over an hour, in this cycled through like this a lot! i do hope I can return some day! read more
This has to be the most beautiful lighthouse I've ever seen. It's not a long trail at all so don't worry if you're not an avid hiker. It's a really short loop. The views at the "summit" where you find the lighthouse are just spectacular. It was quiet when I visited so had an opportunity to take lots of photos. This is definitely a must-see if you're visiting the refuge. read more
6 years ago
I was so excited today to see this lighthouse. I have never seen it before so the thrill of something new was evident. Tony said I was as giddy as a school girl We parked the car and bundled up to hike the half mile trek to see the lighthouse. It was a simple trail with incline but it was so cold at 25 degrees but at least the sun was shining. The lighthouse was closed so we could not climb up this beautiful lighthouse but nestled in the pine trees she's a real beauty. Along our hike I saw several Holly Trees Great day just cold with the wind blowing read more
I put this lighthouse on the Yelp map because the other Yelp Assateague Lighthouse page doesn't let you check in at the lighthouse itself. We loved the short 5 minute trail to this red and white lighthouse on Assateague Island across from the Wildlife Reserve. You can spot this lighthouse from historic "downtown" Chincoteague, and for miles down the Assateague beach. It was closed when we visited during Covid, (it's usually open til November) but it was still a sight to see! Next time we'd like to climb to the top! A true beacon of wonder! read more
Unfortunately it was closed today, but glad to see that it was nicely painted and the premises is kept clean. See my review of the Museum of Chincoteague for the pic of the original light that was used (when you get to the museum, an up close view shows a small light, but as you get farther away, it looks inordinately bigger than the actual size due to the effects of the glass). read more
1 year ago
8 years ago
Bottom Line: A historic and iconic lighthouse that has been beautifully restored. There is something magical about the iconic red and white striped lighthouse peeking out from the tree canopy. I like that it can be seen from various points around the island and of course an up close and personal experience is great too! The present lighthouse was completed in 1867 and is 142 feet tall. It is much taller than the original lighthouse built at the same location but I feel like the climb of 175 steps is easy compared to other lighthouse climbs I've made. Also, it's nice that the steps are wide and there are various landings to take a break if needed. And even if you don't need a break, I recommend slowing down and checking out the details of the structure like the brick work in the windows and the ventilation system. The lighthouse is located within the boundary of the Assateague National Wildlife Refuge so while there is not a separate fee to climb the lighthouse you do have to first pay the $20 entrance fee. read more
9 years ago
Usually when you hear someone mention Assateague you're normally talking about the wild ponies and at least for me you're talking about the Maryland side. But this is all about the Assateague Lighthouse which is located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island. The original lighthouse was constructed in 1833 at a cost of approximately $55,000. But by 1850 there were bricks falling out of the tower of the lighthouse and even though the original lamp and reflector system was replaced with a third-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse was deemed ineffective. Since the existing lighthouse could not be improved, the Lighthouse Board recommended starting over with a new 150 foot tall lighthouse. In 1860, construction on a taller, more powerfully illuminated brick lighthouse began, but was delayed by the Civil War. After the war, work resumed and the lighthouse was put in service on October 1, 1867. Assateague's lighthouse has twin rotating lights that flash one after the other from a height of 154 feet. The lighthouse stands 142 feet high, its base over 27 feet in diameter, the lights can be seen for up to 19 miles and if you're climbing it's 175 steps to the top. The Lighthouse is still used as an active navigational aid and is in the National Register of Historic places. In 1933 the lighthouse was converted to be electrically operated, and its first light was a candle lantern. When the lighthouse was first built, it was on the southern most end of Assateague Island. The land now south of the lighthouse is actually new land, that has grown out about 2 miles since the lighthouse was first built. Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the Fish & Wildlife Service from the Coast Guard in 2004. While the U.S. Coast Guard still maintains the light as an active navigational aid, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is responsible for preserving the lighthouse. Since the transfer 1.5 million dollar restoration project has been carried out on the tower, prompted by a part of the cast-iron lantern room deck falling to the gallery deck in 2008. The Assateague Lighthouse is approximately 1/4 mile away from Chincoteague Island and visitors can drive there from Chincoteague in about 5 minutes. You can ride a bicycle or walk on the trail that leads from Chincoteague over to Assateague Island. The trail is maintained by the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service at Assateague Island. Visitors to the Maryland side of Assateague can drive to this area in about an hour. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is home of the lighthouse. Lighthouse Climbing Schedule for 2018 (It's Free) March Saturdays 9am - 3pm Sunday 9am - 1pm April Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 3pm May Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 3pm June - September Daily 9am - 3pm Fridays 9am - 3pm and 6pm - 9pm read more
3 years ago
beautiful sights! i love this area and it's lovely to see around it. it's free to visit saturday 10AM-3PM (maybe 3:30?) and it's great for kids too! be careful on the steps, there is only one side with a railing since it is a spiral staircase quick event to do for under an hour and definitely worth the stop. read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
The lighthouse is maintained by Parks & Rec, with the Coast Guard maintaining the bulb, while the Historical Society manages the tours. There are no tours at this time, likely due to COVID-19. You cannot go inside the lighthouse unless there is a tour. Its free to approach and take photos though. The "hike" from parking to lighthouse is less than a quarter mile, very short walk. Everyone says bugs are bad but it wasn't that bad for us - but we did douse ourselves in bug spray beforehand. Basically if we want to go inside of it plan beforehand to see of theres a tour. It is a fully functioning and still operational lighthouse. read more
6 years ago
We we enjoy traveling up and down the East Coast we look forward to seeing all the beautiful light houses. Due to Covid the lighthouse was close to tour but it still did not disappoint. This is a great visit trails are fun in the surrounding communities is something to check out. read more
6 years ago
The lighthouse is a 0.25 mile walk from the parking area. The path is shaded through the woods. Parking in the small lot is limited. The hours it is open is 9am-3pm. Admission is free but they request a donation. There is a small gift shop, and there is an employee that regulates the flow of those going up and down the steps to the top of the lighthouse. It's 175 steps to the top, with a platform to break every few set of stairs. On each platform floor there is a window and a laminated paper giving information about the lighthouse. The views are beautiful! Definitely make this quick stop while visiting the park! read more
It is very easy to hike or bike to once you enter the Wildlife Refuge Park. Technically you don't have to pay to walk up to the tower, it is by donation. ***Be very prepare for the most aggressive mosquitos in northern Virginia! Wear clothes that cover your bear skin, or use bug spray!*** read more
9 years ago
We got an early start and came to the National Wildlife Refuge at Chincoteague. It was a very easy drive; we actually stayed at The Refuge Inn which was practically down the street. We parked at the parking lot for the lighthouse and it is a short walk to the lighthouse. We got there just before 9am so at first we thought it was closed. At 9am sharp, two gentlemen walked up and told us to wait about 10 minutes before we come in. Admission is free but they take donations. My hubby, myself, and our little 4 year old climbed the lighthouse. Me, not being in shape, wore my legs out, but it was worth it. The view up on top was breathtaking! This was actually my very first climb on any lighthouse! read more
11 years ago
9 years ago
11 years ago
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