Jockey's Ridge State Park
Trails Status
Open
About the 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
Park Hours
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.
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