Sail Down the Sea of Sand Dunes

Be Sure to Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park during Your Trip to the Outer Banks

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a must-see destination during your Outer Banks adventure. This treasure of the Atlantic coastline offers a chance to explore the largest, most spectacular sand dunes in the eastern United States, along with limitless opportunities for discovery, recreation, and relaxation.

The highlight of any trip to the park is the dunes themselves, which are veritable mountains made of sand. Anyone in reasonably good physical condition can make the walk to the tops of the dunes, although park officials recommend wearing comfortable, durable clothing and sturdy shoes for your own safety. The view from the top the dunes is magnificent to say the least!

Outer Banks Activities

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a perfect spot for flying a kite. Conditions are so ideal for this fun hobby that kiting enthusiasts from all over the globe visit the area as often as they can. You’re welcome to do so as well during your Outer Banks adventure. Park rangers ask visitors to not fly their kites near power lines or public roads.

Besides the dunes, Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers eight picnic tables for visitor use. Each table is sheltered from the rain and includes its own charcoal grill. Comfort stations with restrooms and water fountains are mere feet away. If you’ll be visiting the park during the peak tourist season, then officials recommend calling or emailing ahead of time to reserve a shelter.

Sand boarding is another popular activity in Jockey’s Ridge State Park. If you’re unfamiliar with this sport, then here’s a quick video that shows enthusiasts having the time of their lives at a sand dune in Chile. Sand boarding is a lot like snowboarding, except on sand. Sadly, few locations in the United States are suitable for enjoying this fun activity. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of those special places.

sand-boarding-florida

Hang gliding is also popular among park visitors. This YouTube video gives you an idea of what the opportunities are like. Novices can take hang gliding lessons from nearby experts if they choose. For your safety, you’ll need a valid USHGA rating and a free hang gliding permit, which you can get by contacting park officials.

Maybe you’re the kind of person who prefers low-key activities like photography or nature walks to hang gliding or sand boarding. If so, then you’ll enjoy visiting the park museum and historic sites, taking pictures of the magnificent natural scenery, or strolling along the beach with a friend or family member. Speaking of friends, you’re welcome to bring your four-legged companion to the park. For everyone’s enjoyment, you should leash your dog and clean up whatever little “treasures” he may deposit during your visit.

WATCH OUT FOR THE FULGURITES!

What’s a fulgurite, you ask? It’s one of nature’s rarest and most unique treasures. When an lightning bolt hits sand (as happens on rare occasions), it creates a tube-like structure that looks like a narrow, hollowed-out log. You’ll see examples of these amazing artifacts in the park museum during your trip. If you find one in the dunes or along the coast, please don’t touch it. Let park officials know so they can preserve it for others to marvel at.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is rich with fragile national treasures. For this reason, you should avoid driving any type of motorized vehicle on the dunes. Also, overnight camping within park property is prohibited. However, you can enjoy camping and four wheeling to your heart’s delight at convenient nearby locations.

After a full day sampling the delights along the North Carolina coast, you’ll want a cozy, private place in which to kick off your shoes, sink into some comfortable furniture, and unwind for a bit before turning in. Don’t gamble your hard-earned money on amateur innkeepers or crowded, dirty hotels when our spacious, professionally managed vacation properties offer so much value. Browse our site and make your reservations today for best selection.


Contact

Cola Vaughan Realty
PO Box 1375
Nags Head, NC 27959

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