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Jockey's Ridge State Park

Jockey's Ridge Map

LOCATION:
Coast
Dare County

SIZE IN ACRES:
420

INVOLVEMENT IN ACRES:
189


Dunes
The ever-moving sand dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park provide a natural barrier to development
(© Michael Halminski)
Students
Students attending EcoCamp study and explore Run Hill, a Jockey's Ridge satellite site
(© Ray Matthews)

TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP:
Manteo

Topographical maps are available by contacting:
NC Geographical Survey.
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1612.
(919) 715-9718
www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/"

ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES:
Hiking / Picnicking / Museum / Restrooms / Parking / Shelter

OWNERSHIP & ACCESS:
Jockey's Ridge State Park
P.O. Box 592
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7132

SITE INFORMATION:
When you stand on top of Jockey’s Ridge and see Roanoke Sound in one direction and the Atlantic Ocean in another, you realize the fragility of this narrow strip of sand we call the Outer Banks. Jockey's Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States. The dunes vary from 80 feet to 120 feet high, depending on weather conditions.

Jockey’s Ridge is an example of a medano -- a huge, asymmetrical, shifting hill of sand lacking vegetation. Jockey's Ridge State Park is a small remnant of a dune system that once stretched for many miles along the coastline. This dune, together with the Run Hill dune, borders Nags Head Woods and shields the fragile maritime forest from wind shear and salt spray.

Unique plant and animal life has evolved in the harsh desert-like environment at Jockey’s Ridge. The bare dune, maritime shrub thickets, and woods at the base of the dune are home to migratory birds, gray fox, racerunner lizard, and beetles.

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS:
The North Carolina Chapter and the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation began protecting Jockey’s Ridge in 1974 as the Outer Banks became an increasingly popular vacation destination. Nags Head Woods, a Nature Conservancy preserve with a visitors’ center and trail system, is a few miles north of the park and is included in this guide.

DIRECTIONS:
The park entrance is on the sound side of the town of Nags Head at milepost 12 on US 158 Bypass. Turn on Carolista Drive and follow the signs.