Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park

About Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge is a dynamic sand dune system, encompassing a vast 427-acre area in Nags Head. This featured Outer Banks spot is recognized for its towering dunes, which are the largest on the East Coast, ranging from 80 to 100 feet, and the panoramic views of the Outer Banks. Jockey’s Ridge got its name from early visitors who caught and raced wild horses at the base of the dune. Jockey’s Ridge was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1973. Shortly after, in 1975, the NC General Assembly created Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Visiting Jockey’s Ridge can easily be the highlight of any Outer Banks vacation. The park is kid-friendly and pet friendly. The park includes a Visitor Center at the main access as well as a sound side access.

For those with mobility challenges, the Visitor Center and boardwalk, featuring a partial view of the dunes, are accessible. Call ahead at least 24 hours in advance to arrange for an ATV ride to the top of the dunes. It is free to visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The sand dunes hours vary throughout the year, visit the NC Parks website to learn more about Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

In addition to the main entrance to the park, Jockey’s Ridge State Park can be accessed from the sound side. From the sound side access, you can explore the dunes via trails, or you can relax at the sound beach. The sound beach offers calm and shallow water, making it a great beach for small children. The sound side access hours also vary seasonally:

April to September: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
October to March: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Hot Weather

The weather is generally pleasant at Jockey’s Ridge, but certain conditions can make a visit to the dunes challenging. During the summer months when the weather is warm, the sand can get extremely hot in the midday sun. Visiting in the early morning hours or closer to sunset offers you the opportunity to walk along the dunes without burning your feet or your dog’s paws.

Things to Do at Jockey’s Ridge

Jockey’s Ridge offers something for every member of the family! Fly a kite while enjoying the view from the top. Take your dog for a walk along the dunes, or take a hang gliding lesson with Kitty Hawk Kites, or settle in for a fiery OBX sunset atop the dunes. If you’re still looking to feed your adventure appetite, visit the Kitty Hawk Kites store across the street in Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. They offer a variety of activities on the dunes as well as watersports, such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, on the sound side of the dunes. For an extra bit of fun, rent a sandboard from Kitty Hawk Kites and slide down the dunes.

A wide range of seasonal events takes place every year at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Kitty Hawk Kites hosts a variety of events on Jockey’s Ridge, including the annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Rogallo Kite Festival.

Hiking at Jockey’s Ridge

There are several hiking trails throughout Jockey’s Ridge State Park, offering the opportunity to explore the dunes and see wildlife, such as native birds. 

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is also part of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The hiking trail winds throughout the state of North Carolina, from the Great Smokey Mountains in the west to Jockey’s Ridge in the east. The trail comprises 18 segments, with the final segment spanning the Outer Banks from Ocracoke Island to Jockey’s Ridge. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the official endpoint of the trail. 

The 50-mile Jockey’s Trail begins at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and takes an estimated 4 days, with segments in the 10-14 mile range. The trail winds north through Nags Head Woods, the Wright Brothers Memorial, the town of Duck, Historic Corolla, Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, and ends in Carova Beach just south of the NC/VA state line.

Jockey’s Ridge 50th Anniversary

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Jockey’s Ridge being established as a state park. The park’s main supporting organization, Friends of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, is planning many exciting events from June 5th through 8th. All events are free and family-friendly. 50th anniversary events include:

• Drone Light Show
• Concert on the Dunes
• Sunrise Yoga
• Dune Ranger Program for Kids
• Disc Golf Tournament
• Sandcastle Contest
• Kayaking on the Sound
• Rogallo Kite Festival
• Hang gliding demonstrations

True or False: Was Star Wars filmed at Jockey’s Ridge?

False. The vast sand dunes may resemble parts of Tatooine, but Star Wars was not filmed at Jockey’s Ridge. Local Star Wars fanatics in the Outer Banks are known to visit Jockey’s Ridge on occasion, and sometimes they relax on the beach.

Jockey’s Ridge is an ever-changing environment that will awe and inspire year after year. If, after visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park, you’re looking for additional activity suggestions, check out our Things To Do In The Outer Banks guide.