Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Located in the stunning Outer Banks of North Carolina, visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a must for anyone in the area. Here you’ll find towering sand dunes and an ever present breeze that is optimal for hang gliding, windsurfing, flying a kite, and more. There are plenty of activities available in the park to make the trek there worthwhile!
About Jockey’s Ridge State Park
First established in 1975, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of the most unique state parks in North Carolina. It offers three different ecosystems: the Roanoke Sound, a maritime forest, and of course the sand dunes. It is most recognized as being home to the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast. These dunes were first formed 3,000 – 4,000 years ago and were used as a landmark by mariners as the tallest sand dune can get as tall as 60 feet. It is of course constantly shifting and changing with the wind.
What makes Jockey’s Ridge State Park famous?
Once upon a time, the tall sand dunes in this area (before Jockey’s Ridge State Park was formed) were used by Orville and Wilbur Wright as they explored flight for the first time. The Wright Brothers traveled down from Dayton, Ohio to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to use the 10 – 15 mile per hour winds that blow year-round to establish lift off. This historic event helped put the Outer Banks on the map, and you can learn all about it at the nearby Wright Brothers National Memorial.
How did Jockey’s Ridge State Park get its name?
The legend on how Jockey’s Ridge State Park got its name is that the early inhabitant’s to this area used to capture and race wild ponies. The Outer Banks are still home to some wild horses up in the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
Key Information for Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
Visitor Center Address: 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC 27959
Park Hours of Operation:
- November to February: 8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April: 8:00am to 8:00pm
- May to September: 8:00am to 9:00pm
- October: 8:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Soundside Access Address: 330 W. Soundside Road, Nags Head, NC 27959
Hours of Operation for Soundside Access to the Park:
- November to February: 8:00am to 5:00pm
- March to October: 8:00am to 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Activities at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers far more activities than you might imagine! Make your trip an hour or spend the whole day trying your hand at new activities.
Stop in the Visitor Center
Upon arrival at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, you can learn everything you need to know by stopping in the Visitor Center.
Visitor Center Hours of Operation:
- November to February: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- March to October: 9:00am to 6:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Climb the Sand Dunes
One of the best activities in the park is to simply climb the dunes! At the top you’ll have fabulous views over the full state park. If you’ve never climbed sand dunes before, you’re in for a treat. It is hard work! When going uphill, it’s one step forward, half a step back. Fortunately, this entire “climb” will only take 5 – 10 minutes from the bottom to the top.
Experience Hang Gliding
One of the most popular reasons for visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park is to try hang gliding. There are two ways to do this, depending if you have your USHGA Hang 1 or other agency-approved rating card or not.
If you do have it, you can bring your own equipment or rent equipment and hang glide the dunes on your own. Note that it is required to to stop by the Park Office to register before you set off.
If you’re not certified, you can take lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites, the hang gliding company located at the Visitor Center. No matter which route you have to take, all hang gliding must stop one hour before the park closes.
Fly a Kite
Take advantage of the wind by flying a kite! Head to the top of the dunes and get great views and a solid breeze. This is a favorite for families visiting the area.
Try Your Hand at Sandboarding
Similar to snowboarding, sand boarding let’s you speed down the sand dunes on a board. There are designated sandboarding areas inside of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and it is only available October through March. You will need to secure a permit from the Park Office. If you didn’t bring your own sandboard, you can rent one from Kitty Hawk Kites.
Walk the Nature Trails
While you can climb the sand dunes in any direction or pattern that you want, there are also some actual trails inside of the park.
- Boardwalk Trail: Located at the visitor center, this short 360 feet (0.07 miles one way) boardwalk takes you to an overlook where you can see small pools of water and some of the dunes.
- Soundside Nature Trail: This 0.6 mile loop trail is located on West Soundside Road and loops through the park’s maritime shrub thicket.
- Tracks in the Sand Trail: The longest trail at a 1.2 mile loop, the Tracks in the Sand Trail starts at the southwest corner of the parking lot and offers a guided trail with an accompanying educational brochure available at the trailhead. It will lead you to the Roanoke Sound.
Take Part in Jockey’s Ridge State Park Programs
Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers a handful of programs that are free and open to the public. These include things like:
- Dunes of the World Exhibit
- Soundside Nature Trail Hike
- Full Moon Hike and S’mores
- Hawk Watch Table Exhibit
- Native American Sports and Games
- Sunset on the Ridge
Check the events calendar to see what’s available during your time there.
Challenge Yourself with Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, or Windsurfing on the Sound
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Roanoke Sound features a great place to try watersports like paddle boarding, kayaking, or windsurfing. You’ll find smooth sailing and shallow water. Note that windsurfers have to use the designated launch area. You’ll want to access this area with the Soundside Access address above.
Relax or Swim at Sound Beach
Located on the Roanoke Sound, Jockey’s Ridge Sound Beach offers public access and parking along with shallow waters without the waves or currents. This makes it popular for families with small children. This beach is also located at the Soundside Access address above.
Things to Know Before Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Whether you’re going to Jockey’s Ridge to explore the sand dunes or to experience some of the more extreme sports they offer, there are a few things you need to know.
Dress & Pack Appropriately
Surprise, surprise, there is very little shade on the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. You will need to pack water, sunscreen, and shoes you can trek through sand in. As the sand can be as much as 30 degrees hotter than the air temperature, you may prefer closed shoes vs. flip flops.
Permits May Be Needed
Depending what you’re planning to do while at Jockey’s Ridge, you may need a permit. This includes Event Permits for things like weddings, company parties, etc. You can download the Permit Application here. Or, if you are planning to do any research or collection, removal or disturbance of natural resources, this also requires a permit.
Bathrooms and Picnic Tables/Shelters are Available
At the very front of the park near the Visitor’s Center, you will find a number of picnic tables, shelters, and free to use restrooms. These are all available on a first-come, first-served basis, for free. However, if you need a picnic shelter, it is recommended to reserve them in advance.
Find Other Activities in the Outer Banks
Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks, but there are a lot of other great activities nearby. Climb lighthouses, find wild horses, explore boutiques along the Duck boardwalk and more! Learn more about them to make the most of your time in the lovely Outer Banks.
Read More: Top 10 Things to See in the Outer Banks for a Perfect Vacation
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