Gallery photos coming soon

Points of Interest

Jockey's Ridge State Park

The tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast, and it's right in Nags Head

(6,663)
Nags Head, NC

About

Jockey's Ridge State Park protects the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast, a bare, wind-sculpted expanse rising out of the maritime scrub between the Beach Road corridor and Roanoke Sound in Nags Head. There's nothing else on the northern Outer Banks with this kind of scale, and it's one of the most-visited state parks in North Carolina for exactly that reason.

What to Do

  • Walk or climb the open dune field itself — there's no set trail on the sand, and the higher you go the better the view runs in both directions across the barrier island
  • Fly a kite; the ridge's open exposure and steady wind have made it one of the best-known kite-flying spots on the East Coast for decades
  • Watch the sunset from the crest, facing west over Roanoke Sound instead of the ocean — a different rhythm than an oceanfront sunrise
  • Walk the soundside boardwalk and nature trail through the maritime thicket at the base of the dunes
  • Take in the visitor center's exhibits on how the dune field formed and continues to shift

The park is also long associated with hang gliding, thanks to the combination of reliable wind and a soft, forgiving landing surface — still a common sight on the ridge on a breezy afternoon.

Know Before You Go

  • Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • There's no shade on the open dune, and sand underfoot holds heat, so early morning or evening is more comfortable than midday in peak summer
  • The dune profile isn't fixed — wind reshapes it season to season, so the exact contours change year to year

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours at Jockey's Ridge State Park?

Jockey's Ridge State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you're timing a trip around sunset, it's worth confirming current hours on the official park website first, since state parks sometimes adjust hours seasonally.

Is there an entrance fee for Jockey's Ridge State Park?

Exact entrance fee details aren't confirmed here, and park fee policies can vary or change over time — check the official Jockey's Ridge State Park page for current entrance and parking information before your visit.

Where is Jockey's Ridge State Park located?

Jockey's Ridge State Park is in Nags Head on the northern Outer Banks, set between the Beach Road corridor and Roanoke Sound, making it an easy stop if you're already staying along that part of the island.

Do you need a reservation or permit to visit the dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park?

No reservation or permit is described for exploring the dune field — there's no set trail on the open sand, so visitors are free to walk or climb wherever they choose once inside the park. Requirements can change, though, so it's worth confirming current policies on the official park page before you go.

Can you fly a kite or go hang gliding at Jockey's Ridge State Park?

Yes to both. The ridge's open exposure and steady wind have made it one of the best-known kite-flying spots on the East Coast for decades, and that same wind paired with a soft sand landing surface has long made it a hang gliding destination too.

What's the best time of day to visit Jockey's Ridge State Park, and where's the best spot to watch the sunset?

Early morning or evening is more comfortable than midday, especially in peak summer, since the open dune has no shade and the sand holds heat underfoot. For sunset, climb to the crest and face west over Roanoke Sound rather than the ocean — a different rhythm than a typical oceanfront sunrise.

Reviews (6,663)

See all on Google
4.8

6,663 reviews

Write a review
F Scott
F Scott

in the last week

Absolutely loved the boardwalk trail. A storm was moving in so we didn't have time to go out and explore the dunes but we will be back!

Melissa Mazur
Melissa Mazur

in the last week

A surreal coastal desert—absolutely worth the climb! Jockey’s Ridge is stunning. Standing on the massive dunes gives you the surreal feeling of being in a desert, uniquely positioned right between the ocean and the sound. If you visit in the summer, definitely go in the evening. The midday sand gets brutally hot, but waiting until later makes the climb comfortable and rewards you with spectacular sunset views. It is incredibly family-friendly, and kids love running down the expansive slopes. Just bring water And go barefoot it's much easier to traverse the sand. It's an unforgettable Outer Banks experience! It's a dog friendly place as well. Make sure you have a bowl of water because it's quite a climb!

Powered by Google