The view from Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks, NC.
Jockey's Ridge, located in Nags Head, NC, is the tallest natural sand dune on the Atlantic coast. It's a major landmark on the Outer Banks and a premier location for various outdoor activities, such as hang-gliding, sand-boarding, sightseeing and nature trails. At about 100 feet tall, the view from the top provides views of the Roanoke Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Geologists believe the dunes were initially formed when hurricanes caused strong water currents to blow sand from offshore shoals onto the beach. As years passed, winds blew the sand inland and overtime the grains of sand formed into the system of dunes known as Jockey's Ridge.
In 1973, a group of locals formed the People to Preserve Jockey's Ridge in an effort to keep the area safe from construction and development. A year later, the dune was declared a National Natural Landmark and today it encompasses over 420 acres.
The state park includes various self-guided hiking trails, including a 360-foot boardwalk. Hang-gliders who register at the park office and obtain an agency-approved rating card may hang-glide on various dune faces in the park. In addition, kite flying is always welcome and the top of the dunes provide science views and powerful winds.
In a designated area of the park, sand-boarding is allowed from Oct. 1 to March 31. Parental permission is required for anyone under the age of 18 and a permit must be obtained from the park office. In the southwest corner of the park, at the Southside Road, visitors may use the soundside access for kayaking, swimming and windsurfing.
A visitor hang-gliding in Jockey's Ridge State Park.
November - February: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
March, April, September: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
October: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
May - August: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
