Two Assateague Island trails to close for construction

BERLIN, Md. – Two trails at Assateague Island National Seashore are slated to close temporarily for construction starting on Wednesday.

We’re told the Life of the Marsh Trail and Life of the Forest Trail will be affected, and the closure will impact both the nature trail and parking in each area. Trails and parking lots will be closed to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Officials say this project is necessary to reconstruct the deteriorating sections of each trail and both overlooks that were severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. While the boardwalks were replaced and elevated, the overlooks were not, and the structures have continued to age and the trails no longer meet current ADA specifications. We’re told the new trail construction will provide additional seating and wheelchair access with improved observation areas.

Reconstruction is expected to be completed no later than March of 2023, however, construction depends heavily on weather.