Jockeys Ridge

Jockeys Ridge State Park in Nags Head is one of the gems of the Outer Banks. No matter how many times you visit, it will always be different. The winds of the Outer Banks keep the sand ever changing. The dunes can range from 80 to 120 feet in height.

Jockeys Ridge is an excellent place to take a hike. The sand at Jockeys Ridge can get quite hot during the summer days. It is most important to take notice of the sands heat if your bringing your dog along.

Besides enjoying a hike up and down the dunes with the family, you also can take the opportunity to fly a kite or take a hang gliding lesson. There is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

The legend of Jockey’s Ridge  holds that locals would jockey nags along the dunes strapped with lanterns to lure in passing ships.  Whether this is fact or legend is irrevelent.  Everyone should take a day of their life to watch the sunrise on the Atlantic and set over the Roanoke Sound.

If not, you missed out!  The North Carolina Park Service lists the wildlife as follows: visitors will not encounter many animals on the ridge, early morning hikers will often see tracks that rabbits, foxes, lizards and other animals have left in the sand during the night. Heavy rains form temporary pools in the lower level of the dunes. These pools serve as a source of water for raccoons, opossums, mice and muskrats. Bird life is abundant in late summer and fall when large numbers of migrating birds travel southward. Warblers, sparrows, flycatchers and other species may be seen in the shrub thickets. The sound-side of Jockey’s Ridge is home to a variety of waterfowl in the winter.