Beach Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildlife

Surf fishing is permitted with a Virginia fishing licence. Special Use Permits are sold for night fishing during the month of October. Visitors may collect shells and small pieces of driftwood from the refuge beach. These are the only items that visitors may take from refuge property.

The Beach Trail at the national wildlife refuge is not a developed trail. Visitors hike right on the sand between the dunes and the ocean. It is recommended that bikers check the tide tables and plan their trip two hours plus or minus low tide. The further a visitor travels down the beach the better the chance to find different shells, which wash up with the waves. The best time to search for shells is low tide and after a storm.

All visitors should be prepared for a hike on the beach. Sunscreen, hats and plenty of water are essential as it is easy to quickly dehydrate.

American beach grass and sea oats are common along the beach.
Gull, terns, pelicans, and many species of shorebirds can be seen, as well as dolphins.