Jockey's Ridge State Park - North Carolina

Jockey's Ridge attractions extend above and beyond its status as the largest natural sand dune system in the U.S. and home to the tallest single dune. The Park boasts the Tracks in the Sand hiking trail as well as a 360-foot boardwalk, which has great interactive displays. If flying is your fancy, try a hang-gliding lesson or fly a kite in the high winds. Water sports are also available at the sound-side of the park; kayaking, windsurfing and swimming are all park-goer favorites here. Jockey's Ridge is also home to plenty of wildlife, including the six-lined racerunner, the hognose snake and the luna moth. With all of these great recreational activities and natural diversity, there is plenty of fun to be had at this living dune State Park.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is located in Dare County on the Outer Banks. The entrance to the park, Carolista Drive, is in the town of Nags Head at milepost 12 on the Hwy 158 Bypass (South Croatan Hwy). The 384-foot boardwalk ends with a spectacular view of Jockey's Ridge. Along the tree-lined walkway are information panels describing the various plants and animals found around the dunes. There is a bench on the overlook for visitors who wish to wait for their families playing on the dunes. Transportation to the top of the dunes may or may not be available until 7 PM pending availability of a vehicle and 24-hour prior notice. Please call the park office for further details at (252) 441-7132.