Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Location: Nags Head, NC
Hours: Year round from 8am to 9pm
Call: 252-441-7132
Four hundred fourteen acre Jockey’s Ridge State Park is
home to the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern
United States and is 80 to 100 feet above sea level. The
height variance is due to weather conditions as are the
dunes peaks which can be up to 140 feet high. Due to winds
from different directions, Jockey’s Ridge is always changing
in shape and size, yet doesn’t blow away. This is because
the prevailing winds in winter and summer come from opposite
directions.
The Ridge has a 1.5 mile trail you can chose to hike to its top for a magnificent view of the sand and the Roanoke Sound. Please note that it is important to wear protective shoes as the temperature of the sand can be as much as 30* higher than that of the air.
Also, at Jockey’s Ridge, you can learn to about kite building, do some bird
watching, go star gazing, or check out the visitor center’s
museum. For those who love adventure, contact Kitty Hawk
Kites (1-800-334-4777) and you can go hang gliding. The
gusty winds and sand make it a perfect place to learn the
sport. Each May, Jockey’s Ridge is the site of the Hang
Gliding Spectacular, one of the oldest continuous hang gliding
competitions in the United States.
Davis
Family of Georgia enjoying Jockeys Ridge after a sunset
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