Jockey's Ridge State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Activities

Trails

Facilities

Education

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Located in Dare County in the Outer Banks, Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast and provides an ideal location for flying kites and watching sunsets. Hang gliding is a hallmark activity at the park, and a private concessionaire offers lessons. A second access area takes visitors through wetland habitats and allows for swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound. The park also marks the eastern terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. 

Camping

There are no camping facilities at Jockey's Ridge. The closest state park with camping is Pettigrew State Park.

Activities at Main Access

  • Hiking (1 mile)
  • Picnicking
  • Hang gliding (registration required)
  • Sandboarding (no permits required)

Activities at Soundside

  • Hiking (0.75 mile)
  • Paddling
  • Swimming
  • Kiteboarding
  • Windsurfing

Amenities at Main Access

  • Auditorium
  • Picnic shelters
  • Visitor center and exhibits

A private concessionaire located inside the park provides hang gliding and kite flying lessons, as well as sandboard rentals.

Amenities at Soundside

  • Beach access (Roanoke Sound)

Plan Your Visit

Tab/Accordion Items

Address

300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC 27959

GPS: 35.9642, -75.6330

Current Weather

27959 Nags Head, NC

Address

330 W. Soundside Road, Nags Head, NC 27959

GPS: 35.9525, -75.6320

Current Weather

27959 Nags Head, NC

Park Map (PDF)

Fees

There are no fees required to access Jockey's Ridge State Park for day use. Fees are charged for certain event permits and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park, except they are not permitted inside buildings. Due to hot sand and sandspurs, we recommend protection for paws; sand temperatures may be as much as 30 degrees higher than air temperatures. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month

Hours
January 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Month

Hours
January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Jockey's Ridge State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Join, volunteer, or donate! The Friends of Jockey's Ridge State Park promotes, supports, and advocates for Jockey's Ridge State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery

Top: Big Dune, E. Chronis

Gallery: Beachgoers at Soundside access, staff photo  |  Snowy boardwalk, S. Coffman  |  Dunes at sunset, C. Peek  |  Live oaks on the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, J. Cox  |  Visitors flying a kite atop the dunes, C. Peek