Soundside Ramp 53

Soundside access to Pamlico Sound for kayaking, wading, and birdwatching in Avon

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Avon, NC

About

Soundside Ramp 53 is one of the National Park Service's numbered access points along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, cutting from NC-12 across to the sound side of the island in Avon. Unlike the ocean-side ramps that open onto the pounding Atlantic, this one puts you on the Pamlico Sound — shallow, brackish, generally calm, and warm enough to wade comfortably most of the season. A small canoe/kayak/small-boat launch makes it a straightforward put-in rather than a hike.

Vehicle access requires a current NPS off-road vehicle permit, sold as an annual or 10-day pass through Recreation.gov, with a valid driver's license, registration, and insurance. The ramp is also open to walk-in pedestrian use for anyone launching a kayak or paddleboard, wading out to fish, or just watching the birds work the shallows.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and small-boat launching
Bait-fishing, crabbing, and wading
Kiteboarding and windsurfing when conditions allow
Wildlife viewing — great blue herons, snowy egrets, white ibises, white pelicans, and bald eagles are regularly seen along this stretch of sound

Like every ramp on Hatteras Island, Ramp 53 is subject to closure from storms or shifting sand. Check the NPS's current beach access status before heading out, especially during hurricane season (August–October), when NC-12 itself can flood or wash out.

Best Time to Visit Soundside Ramp 53

Soundside Ramp 53's water stays warm enough to wade comfortably for most of the season, giving paddlers, waders, and anglers a long window to use the ramp. The one stretch to plan around is hurricane season, August through October, when storms can affect ramp access and NC-12 can flood or wash out. Outside of that window, the warm water keeps Ramp 53 a dependable option for paddling, wading, and fishing through the warmer months. Because access here can shift with storms and sand, it's worth checking current conditions before heading out, especially as hurricane season approaches.

Tips for Visiting Soundside Ramp 53

This is a launch point, not a trail — bring a kayak, paddleboard, or small boat rather than hiking gear.
Bait-fishing, crabbing, and wading are popular here thanks to the shallow, calm water.
Kiteboarding and windsurfing are possible when wind and water conditions allow.
Watch for great blue herons, snowy egrets, white ibises, white pelicans, and bald eagles working this stretch of sound.
Like every ramp on Hatteras Island, Ramp 53 can close temporarily from storms or shifting sand — check the National Park Service's current beach access status before you go.

Getting to Soundside Ramp 53

Soundside Ramp 53 sits along NC-12 in Avon, cutting across the island to the Pamlico Sound side. Driving onto the ramp requires a current National Park Service off-road vehicle permit, sold as an annual or 10-day pass through Recreation.gov, along with a valid driver's license, registration, and insurance for the vehicle.

No permit is needed for walk-in pedestrian access — anyone can head out on foot to launch a kayak or paddleboard, wade out to fish, or watch the birds working the shallows.

What to Expect at Soundside Ramp 53

Soundside Ramp 53 isn't a hiking trail — it's one of the National Park Service's numbered access points along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, cutting from NC-12 across to the sound side of the island in Avon. Where the ocean-side ramps drop you onto the open Atlantic, this one puts you on the Pamlico Sound: shallow, brackish, and generally calm. A small canoe/kayak/small-boat launch makes it a straightforward put-in rather than a walk — there's no marked path, mileage, or overlook here, just an access point where the road meets the water.

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