Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge was not always considered a treasured coastal landscape. The dune system was scheduled to be demolished in 1973 to make way for a residential development at its base. Nags Head resident Carolista Baum famously stood in front of a bulldozer after her children alerted her that it was heading toward the dunes. Her defiance inspired others to take action to protect the dunes. In 1974, Jockey’s Ridge was declared a National Natural Landmark. Shortly after, in 1975, state legislators purchased 194 acres of sandy land, and 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.

The Visitor Center is a great place to start, as you can learn more about the dunes, from the type of wildlife present to how Jockey’s Ridge was established as a state park. Some of the exhibits are interactive.

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.

How to Access Jockey’s Ridge

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is located in Nags Head at Milepost 12 on South Croatan Highway (Route 158; the bypass). The main entrance to the park is on Carolista Drive and includes a large parking area, the Visitor Center, Museum, boardwalk, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Look for the hang glider in the parking lot when you arrive. 

The sound side access gate is located on the southwest side of the park, accessible via West Soundside Road in Nags Head.

Park Hours

Jockey’s Ridge State Park’s hours of operation vary seasonally:

May to September: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
October: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
November to February: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
March to April: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Christmas Day: closed

Visitor Center Hours:

April to September: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
October to March: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

High Winds

High winds can also affect your visit. It’s always a bit breezy atop Jockey’s Ridge, however, if high winds are in the forecast, there is a chance of saltation. Saltation is the process by which wind transports sand through the air, and it’s the reason the dune system is dynamic and always moving. For those visiting the dunes during high winds, saltation can feel like sand blasting, much like when you’re on the beach and the wind increases.

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.

There is an abundance of wildlife to look out for at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Two varieties of fox, deer, and rabbits can be seen, as well as frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, and many coastal birds. Be on the lookout for footprints in the sand.

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.

Support Jockey’s Ridge

Established in 1990, Friends of Jockey’s Ridge is a nonprofit organization committed to maintaining programs and facilities at Jockey’s Ridge. Their mission is to promote Jockey’s Ridge as a prominent geological landmark on the Outer Banks. Annual Friends of Jockey’s Ridge membership is offered on both a personal and corporate level, and volunteers are always welcome. Twiddy & Company is proud to support Friends of Jockey’s Ridge as a Boardwalk Sponsor.