Jockey's Ridge State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

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 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.

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