Jockey's Ridge State Park Tours

Jockey\'s Ridge State Park showing tranquil scenes
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Admire the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast, explore the maritime forest and see the shallow Roanoke Sound body of water in this unique state park.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. Explore the three unique ecosystems on a ranger-led program or picnic in the serene natural environment. Walk the sand tracks and nature trails and discover stunning views from the shifting dunes. Experience kiteboarding in the shallow sound and hang-gliding and sandboarding on the dune.

Climb the shifting dunes in the barren desert-like environment. This tall dune area of Jockey's Ridge is known as a médano, a large hill of shifting sand lacking vegetation. See the ocean from the ridge. Watch the breathtaking sunset if you climb in the late afternoon. The dunes are known for their high winds and extreme temperatures in the summer however, the surrounding maritime forest stabilizes them.

Hike along the Soundside Nature Trail or the Tracks in the Sand paths. See the plant and animal life in the maritime forest. Notice the oaks, wax myrtles and red cedars in the shrub thickets. Many of the animals are nocturnal, though you may see tracks from wildlife, including the six-lined racerunner lizard, raccoon, opossum and gray fox.

Look for the many types of shorebirds along Roanoke Sound, which follows the western boundary of the park. Wind blows sand from the dunes into the water, causing it to remain shallow. These tidal waters host seahorses, blue crabs and other aquatic life. During the warmer months spot majestic ospreys, blue herons and brown pelicans.

Join a free ranger-led program year-round, with activities changing depending on the season. Picnic at one of the many shelters, where you’ll find benches, grills and restrooms. Visit the museum and visitor center to learn about the ecology of the park, including the dunes, weather and local maritime history. Enter from the South Croatian Highway. Parking and entry are both free.

Bring a kite to Jockey's Ridge State Park as it is one of the Outer Banks’ best kite-flying areas. Wear shoes to protect your feet from the very hot sands in the dunes.

Plan a trip to see Jockey's Ridge State Park

Blue Heron Motel
Beachwoods Resort
Sea Ranch Resort
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Jockey's Ridge State Park

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
120
" "5 - Excellent 63.492063492063494%
4 - Good
61
" "4 - Good 32.27513227513227%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 4.232804232804233%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 27, 2020

Wonderful for entire family

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Aug 8, 2019

Better to go and the end of the day when it’s cooler. Also, dress appropriately...Sandy and hot

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 24, 2019

Sunset is a great time to visit!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 29, 2019

Sunset at Jockey's Ridge is a must-do. Allow plenty of time to park and get across the dunes to see the sun go down--it's a bit of a hike. We almost missed it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2019

Always a great way to stretch your legs and get a bird's-eye view of both the ocean and sound, at the same time.

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