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    • WiFi *
    • Keyless Entry *
    • Fully Equipped Kitchen *
    • Cook & Tableware *
    • Coffee Maker *
    • Outdoor Grill *
    • Sheets & Towels *

      We supply two towel sets per King/Queen/Double bed and one per Twin bed. Each towel set contains a bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth. Extra towel sets are available for rent, please call our office for more info.

    • Signature Welcome Package *

      A reusable shopping bag containing a starter supply of fresh roasted coffee, dishwashing detergent, bath soap, toilet tissue, laundry detergent, paper towels, as well as 2 dish cloths, 2 dish towels and a pot holder

    * All houses include these items.

    Jockey’s Ridge State Park Sand Dunes on the Outer Banks

    Explore the sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

    Jockey’s Ridge State Park
    300 W Carolista Dr
    Nags Head, NC 27959
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    The sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head on the Outer Banks is a must-visit during your next trip to the OBX. The East Coast’s largest sand dune can be found here along with a series of rolling sand dunes, some up to 100 feet in height. These popular sand dunes on the Outer Banks offer visitors incredible ocean-to-sound vistas from the top of the sand dune’s ridge.

    This windy sand dune ridge is also popular for hang gliding and kite flying on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites is a local company that offers hang gliding lessons on the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head.

    Visitors to the Outer Banks and Nags Head can often be seen heading to the top of the sand dunes at sunset to enjoy the stunning sunset views above Nags Head each evening. Another popular Jockey’s Ridge State Park activity is strolling the Soundside Nature Trail and learning about the local environment and wildlife.

    Be sure to plan a visit to see the majestic sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head when you visit the Outer Banks!

    Jockey’s Ridge State Park From The Eyes Of An Outer Banks Local

    If you’re planning a stay at one of our Nags Head rentals on your vacation to the Outer Banks, you’ll notice numerous signs for Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This is the most visited national park in North Carolina, and with cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes, spring is the ideal time to visit. It is the tallest active sand dune system in the Eastern United States and its picturesque sand dunes are constantly being reshaped by the shifting winds of the Outer Banks. Because of this, it is often called “The Living Dune.” The view from the top of the sand dunes is amazing and there are numerous activities and events throughout the year. Jockey’s Ridge is only a short distance from our Nags Head rentals, so make sure you include this wonderful state park in your Outer Banks vacation itinerary.

    Jockeys Ridge

    The park encompasses three distinct ecological environments: the sand dunes, maritime thicket and the Roanoke Sound Estuary. Although the sand dunes are not home to plants or animals (except for the grasses that take root at the bases of the sand dunes) the maritime thicket and Roanoke Sound Estuary both provide a rich habitat for an abundance of wildlife, such as six-lined racerunner, raccoons, opossums, fox, deer and rabbits and hognose snakes.  Bird watchers will delight in the variety of bird species flying over the sand dunes, so keep your eyes open for a glance at ospreys, blue herons and brown pelicans. Bring along your camera during your trip because there are many unique photo opportunities along the way.

    For a better view of the park, enjoy the 360-foot boardwalk that is located near the parking lot or take a leisure walk on the 1.5 mile trail called “Tracks in the Sand” that leads over the sand dunes to the southside and back. The Southside Nature trail is a one mile loop that begins at the southside parking lot and leads to an overlook. Unlike the first trail that focuses on the fragile sand dune environment, this trail focuses on the estuary and scrub thicket ecosystems that can be found there. Don’t forget to pack your walking shoes for your Nags Head rental, you’ll need them during your hike!

    While visiting the park, you may see people soaring above the ridge attached to giant colorful device that resembles a kite.  Because of the strong winds that come in from the ocean, hang-gliding is one of the most popular recreational activities at Jockey’s Ridge. Kitty Hawk Kites offers lessons on top of the sand dunes and all experience levels are welcome! Sand-boarding is also allowed in certain areas of the park, but only during designated times of the year. 

    If you happen to see a castle peeking out from beneath the sand, you aren’t dreaming! Years ago there was a putt-putt golf course in this location, but due to shifting winds, the sand dunes periodically cover up and then unveil the castle to visitors.  Jockey’s Ridge is a popular Outer Banks destination and we highly recommend a visit while vacationing in one of our Nags Head rentals on the Outer Banks.