Jockey's Ridge State Park - Waves Attractions

Jockey Ridge State Park offers an opportunity to experience the desert environment, with its shifting sands, high winds, extreme temperatures and a lack of water. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, airborne activities, sand-boarding, and water sports, as well as free programs such as Crabby Clinic, Birding on the Sound, and Go Fly a Kite.

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Expert Review of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Beach Review of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Away Travel Expert: Sarah White

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Recommended for:
Windsurfing

BeachExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

Windsurfing, kayaking, and swimming are allowed in the nearby Roanoke Sound.

Parks and Outdoors Review of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Away Travel Expert: Mike Sigalas

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Recommended for:
Birding,Day Hiking,Sustainable Travel

Parks and OutdoorsExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

Reaching 140 feet in height, Jockey's Ridge is the largest sand dune in the United States. To create a replica in your yard, fill up a large dump truck with sand, drive it home, and dump it out. Repeat approximately six million times.
The largest hang-gliding school in the world, Kitty Hawk Kites holds hang-gliding classes here in the park. Call ahead (877-359-8447) to sign up. Cost runs around $90 for a three-hour beginner class, $80 for a three-hour advanced class.
The 1.5-mile Tracks in the Sand Trail begins in the parking lot, crosses over the dunes to the sound, and doubles back. It's a memorable hike through a unique ecosystem, but don't underestimate it: you'll be walking in sand, Lawrence of Arabia-style, and the 1.5 miles will feel like three. No matter how tempted you are to leave them behind, bring your shoes.

Family Review of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Away Travel Expert: Candyce H. Stapen

FamilyExpert Rating

Recommended for:
Children aged 6 - 12 and 13 - 17

FamilyExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

Older kids can try flying by hang gliding.
The Sea Shell program, Dune Hike, Southside Nature Trail Hike, and Discovery Tables are great for all ages.

Active and Adventure Review of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Away Travel Editor: Alistair Wearmouth

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Editor Rating

Recommended for:
Aerial Sports

Editor Tips & Helpful Hints

Sandboarding is allowed on designated dunes in the park, for which a free permit is required. The sandboarding season runs October through March.
Sign up with with Nags Head-based Kitty Hawk Kites (www.kittyhawk.com) for a hang-gliding lesson at Jockey's Ridge. The outfitter also offers kiteboarding and kayaking lessons.
Younger kids will love flying kites here, so don't forget to pack their favorite multi-colored flier.

Address:
P.O. Box 592; Carolista Drive
Nags Head, North Carolina 27959

Parking: Park opens at 8am; closing times vary from 6-9pm dep on the season

Price: free

Visitor Information

Telephone Number: (252) 441-7132

Website: http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com/

Email: jockeys.ridge@ncmail.net

Transportation: Highway 158 to milepost 12

Price Information: free

The details, dates, and prices mentioned here were accurate at the time of publication.

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Attraction: Jockey's Ridge State Park