Biking During Pony Swim
Every July, the legendary Chincoteague Pony Swim draws tens of thousands of visitors. This once-a-year spectacle sees wild ponies swim across the Assateague Channel before parading through town to the carnival grounds. With record crowds expected for the 100th anniversary in 2025, getting around efficiently will be key to making the most of your trip.
Reserve your bike today and pedal into the magic of Chincoteague’s biggest event of the year!
Biking: The Best Way to See the Action
Biking is the best way to experience the magic of Pony Swim Week! Not only does it help you dodge traffic, but it also gives you access to scenic trails, prime pony-watching spots, and hidden gems around Chincoteague and Assateague.
Why Bike During Pony Swim?
🏇 Skip the Traffic
Pony Swim week brings huge crowds, and Chincoteague’s small roads can get backed up fast. Parking everywhere fills up fast, and Veteran’s Memorial Park is handicap-parking-only during the event, with everyone else forced to walk or taking the Pony Shuttle. A bike lets you move freely, avoid road closures, and get closer to the action without the hassle.
🌿 Explore Assateague’s Scenic Trails
Assateague Island offers 15+ miles of bike-friendly trails through forests, marshlands, and open plains. Ride through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, past the historic lighthouse, and to trails where you might spot wild ponies grazing.
🦄 Follow Misty’s Hoofprints
For Misty of Chincoteague fans, biking is the best way to visit key sites from the book and movie, including Beebe Ranch, the Misty statue, and the Island Theatre.
Best Bike Routes for Pony Swim Week
1️⃣ Biking to the Pony Swim
The Pony Swim takes place at the earliest slack tide, usually between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. An approximate window of time will be announced a few days prior.
The best public viewing area is Veterans Memorial Park, but the ponies actually come ashore at Pony Swim Lane—a short walk or bike ride away.
Pro Tip: Avoid traffic by biking from your lodging to the park early in the morning.
2️⃣ Veterans Memorial Park to the Carnival Grounds
After the swim, the ponies parade down Main Street to the Chincoteague Carnival.
Instead of getting stuck in traffic, ride your bike the ½ mile route and arrive ahead of the crowds.
3️⃣ Wildlife Loop & Assateague’s Trails
For a scenic ride away from the thickest crowds, take the Wildlife Loop (3.2 miles).
4️⃣ A Misty-Inspired Ride
Follow our Misty Bike Tour to visit her old home at Beebe Ranch, the Misty statue on Main Street, and the Island Theatre, where the movie premiered.
Key Events During Pony Penning Week
July 26 – South Herd Roundup
At 4:30 PM, the Saltwater Cowboys round up 50+ ponies from the southern end of Assateague and move them to the Southern Corral on Beach Road. Best way to get there? Bike to the Wildlife Loop parking area and walk from there. Ponies stay in the corral through Tuesday for great photo ops.
July 27 – North Herd Roundup
This is a private event, as the northern end of Assateague is inaccessible to the public. But don’t worry—you’ll see these ponies soon!
July 28 – Beach Walk
At daybreak, ponies from the North Corral walk along the Atlantic shoreline to join the Southern herd. Get to Assateague before 6 AM for parking. Bikers Tip: Ride the Swan Cove Trail for easy beach access and follow the ponies on foot for a unique, up-close view.
July 30 – The Pony Swim
Ponies swim at slack tide (between 7 AM – 1 PM) from Assateague to Chincoteague. Get to the park early and lock your bike nearby.
July 31 – Pony Auction
Starting 8 AM at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds, foals are auctioned to raise funds for the Fire Company. Ride down Main Street and park near the carnival grounds.
August 1 – Return Swim
At morning slack tide, adult ponies swim back to Assateague to roam free for another year. The swim-back is way less crowded than the swim.
Biking Tips for Pony Swim Week
✔️ Rent your bike early! Demand spikes during Pony Swim Week. Reserve yours now.
✔️ Bring a lock! You’ll want to secure your bike at Veterans Memorial Park or near the Carnival.
✔️ Stay hydrated & pack sunscreen. July in Chincoteague is hot and humid!
✔️ Watch for ponies on the road. They have the right of way, and stopping to admire them is part of the fun.
🚲 Ready to Ride?
Biking is hands-down the best way to experience Pony Swim Week without the stress of traffic. Whether you’re following Misty’s trail, cruising through the wildlife refuge, or getting front-row views of the pony parade, a bike will help you see it all.
Reserve your bike today and pedal into the magic of Chincoteague’s biggest event of the year!
