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Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC

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22 Jun 2022
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History & Culture

The Largest Living Sand Dune on the East Coast

If you’ve ever driven along Highway 158 through Nags Head, you’ve likely noticed the towering dunes rising along the soundside of the island. That impressive landscape is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the largest living natural sand dune system on the East Coast. Rising nearly 100 feet high and stretching across more than 420 acres, the park has become one of the most iconic natural attractions on the Outer Banks.

Visitors come here for spectacular sunsets, outdoor adventure, and sweeping panoramic views that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Roanoke Sound. Whether you’re climbing to the top of the dunes, flying a kite, or simply enjoying the scenery, Jockey’s Ridge offers one of the most unforgettable experiences on the Outer Banks.

What Makes Jockey’s Ridge Unique

Unlike traditional sand dunes that you'll see directly on the beach, Jockey’s Ridge is considered a “living dune.” Constant coastal winds shift the sand slightly each year, causing the landscape to slowly migrate across the island. This natural movement means the shape and size of the dunes are always changing, making every visit a little different from the last.

The park also supports a surprising range of wildlife. Visitors often spot animals such as:

  • Red foxes
  • Raccoons
  • White-tailed deer
  • Opossums and rabbits
  • Six-lined racerunner lizards

Birdwatchers frequently see species like snowy egrets, sandpipers, and ospreys above the dunes, in the brush throughout the park, or soaring over the sound nearby.

The Fascinating History of Jockery's Ridge

The area around Jockey’s Ridge has been attracting visitors since the early 1800s, when travelers from inland North Carolina crossed the Roanoke Sound to escape the summer heat.

As tourism grew, development followed. In 1938, a hotel was built near the base of the dunes. However, the shifting sands quickly proved too powerful for human construction. Guests reportedly received shovels in their rooms to clear sand from their doorways as winds pushed the dunes closer each year. Eventually, the hotel disappeared entirely beneath the sand.

Later, a miniature golf course built nearby also fell victim to the migrating dunes. Today, pieces of that course remain buried beneath the sand, occasionally reappearing when winds shift the landscape.

How the Park Was Saved

In the early 1970s, development plans threatened the dune system. Local resident Carolista Baum famously stood in front of construction equipment to stop the destruction of the dunes. Her activism sparked a preservation movement that quickly gained support.

Thanks to these efforts:

  • Jockey’s Ridge was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1974
  • The land was purchased by the state
  • It officially became Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Today, the park remains protected for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Top Things to Do at Jockey’s Ridge

Jockey’s Ridge is one of the best places on the Outer Banks for outdoor recreation. The wide-open sand dunes create the perfect playground for adventure.

Popular Activities

  • Climbing the dunes for panoramic views of the ocean and sound
  • Hang gliding on the strong coastal winds
  • Sandboarding or sand sledding down the slopes
  • Kite flying in the steady coastal winds
  • Sunset watching over the Roanoke Sound
  • Nature photography and wildlife observation

The park also features a 384-foot boardwalk and visitor center that provide easier access to the dune field and information about the surrounding ecosystem.

Take a look below as our own Seaside Vacations Team participates in the hang gliding experience with Kitty Hawk Kites!

Hang Gliding Over the Dunes

One of the most thrilling experiences at Jockey’s Ridge is learning hang glide with Kitty Hawk Kites. Their beginner lessons have been offered here since 1974, making it one of the longest-running hang gliding schools in the world.

During a typical beginner session:

  • Students receive a short ground lesson and safety instruction
  • Instructors guide each flight from the base of the dune
  • Participants glide gently down the sand slope
  • Most guests fly multiple times during the lesson

The experience offers a safe and exciting introduction to flight while soaring above one of the most beautiful landscapes on the East Coast.

Watch Pittsburgh 3WS Radio Hosts Jonny and Bonny take to the skies on their own hang-gliding adventure!

Events

The park also has picnic shelters and beautiful views of the soundside, as well as a full list of ongoing events for every season! There's never a wrong time to visit Jockey's Ridge, or the Outer Banks! 

Below is a list of annual events at Jockey's Ridge:

Tips for Visiting

To make the most of your visit to Jockey’s Ridge:

  • Visit early morning or closer to sunset to avoid the hottest temperatures (and get some Instagram-worthy photos)
  • Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
  • Wear closed-toe shoes or sandals for climbing the dunes
  • Expect the sand to be hot on summer afternoons
  • Stay for sunset, one of the best views on the Outer Banks

Memories and Experiences

There's nothing more amazing than climbing up to the top of that giant dune with your family, taking in the vast beauty of the Outer Banks, and racing each other down as you collapse into a fit of joy and giggles as you watch kites paint the sky overhead. Check out these episodes of the Outer Banks podcast where we discuss hang gliding, parasailing, sport kite flying, and more!

#1 Luke Baer - Kitty Hawk Kites

August 23, 2018

Welcome to the Outer Banks podcast, presented by SEASIDE VACATIONS. Our podcast covers all things Outer Banks, NC an underdeveloped, unspoiled beach vacation destination. Today we talk to Luke Baer from Kitty Hawk Kites the largest hang gliding school in the world and the place to go for Outer Banks adventures such as parasailing, kiteboarding, surf lessons, kayaking, and much much more. You can visit Kitty Hawk Kites at www.kittyhawk.com . Start your Outer Banks visit by booking a private beach vacation rental at www.OuterBanksVacations.com

#13 Ben Saltzman – Kitty Hawk Kites

July 2, 2021

The Outer Banks Podcast presented by SEASIDE VACATIONS. Wind and waves are certainly the pastimes of the Outer Banks and on this episode we explore a classic way that we game the wind with Ben Saltzman, Marketing Director for Kitty Hawk Kites. A hardcore kite enthusiast, Ben gives us a window into the sport of kite flying on the Outer Banks and the kite flying community in general. We explore the different types of kites including kites that you can make dive, hover in the air, and pinpoint land. In addition, Ben talks about the series of kite flying events held on the Outer Banks each year.

#17 - Hang Gliding Spectacular - Billy Vaughn & Megan Turner

April 15, 2022

On this episode of the Outer Banks Podcast, presented by Seaside Vacations, we talk to Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School co-managers Megan Turner and Billy Vaughn about the 50th annual Hang Gliding Spectacular, and Outer Banks tradition. Billy and Megan tell us about this longest-running hang gliding competition in the world and all of the events that happen surrounding it. Not that you need an excuse to visit the beaches of the Outer Banks but this 4 day event is as good as any.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, Jockey’s Ridge is close to several other popular Outer Banks landmarks:

These attractions are all within a short drive and make excellent additions to a day of exploring. Take a look at our Nags Head homes to book your vacation in the heart of the action.

Experience Jockey's Ridge on Your Next Outer Banks Vacation!

There's something incredible about Jockey's Ridge that visitors and locals alike adore, returning year after year to enjoy the spectacle of the massive dunes. Whether you're looking for a hang gliding adventure, want to fly a kite with your loved ones in the sand, or simply want to enjoy a walk in the sunshine with the whistful OBX breezes keeping you company, Jockey's Ridge State Park is a must-see stop during your next Outer Banks Vacation.

Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.

And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. 

Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments. 

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Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today.  Be sure to follow us on BlueSky, Tumblr, Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.

We’ll see you at the beach.

About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats. 

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