Seashore Updates
Several updates related to recreational activities
- Over the next year, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will evaluate plans for minimizing the potential for flooded conditions on the south end of Lighthouse Road in Buxton.
- Off-road vehicles (ORV) can travel 0.71 miles south of ORV ramp 44. Beach walkers can walk south of Ramp 44, walk outside of the currently closed area, and connect with the southwestern boundary of the closed area, which is approximately 0.3 miles west of the tip of Cape Point. Beach walkers can also walk 1.2 miles east of the South Beach Road parking area.
- The tip of Cape Point remains temporarily closed due to a mixed tern (Least Tern and Black Skimmer) colony in various stages of nesting and chick-rearing. Staff monitor the area daily and will restore additional access when possible.
- The resource protection area at the tip of Cape Point is approximately a quarter mile in size. Seashore-wide, there are around 28 miles out of 29 miles to drive on and around 36 miles out of 38 miles available for beach walking.
- Visitors can sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890. The text messaging system is operated by Dare County with support from lifeguards and rescue squads operating on the Outer Banks.
Photo of the Week
Sea turtle nest excavations continue to draw large crowds this summer. During a sea turtle excavation, biologists dig up the recently hatched nest, count empty eggshells, and collect unhatched eggs for research. Live and dead hatchlings are occasionally found during these excavations. While the biologists perform their examination of the nest, a park ranger presents a program on sea turtles and share what the biologists have found. For future nest excavation viewing opportunities, call 252-475-9629. Many of the opportunities are also announced on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Upcoming Events
- Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
- Jul 28-Oct 8, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing
- Jul 28-Oct 8, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- 100th Anniversary of the Mirlo Rescue Event
- Aug 16, 2:00 pm (Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station)
- Description: The Chicamacomico Drill Team will conduct the Beach Apparatus Drill followed by a ceremony that will include remarks by representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, descendants of the crew and others, the laying of the wreath honoring the nine British seaman who perished that day, a fly over by U.S. Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City, concluding with a band concert. Go here for more details.
- Ocracoke Fig Festival
- Aug 17-18 [Event Details]
- Barrier Island Dynamics
- Aug 18-24, 10:30 am to 11:00 am (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: How do plants, wildlife, and people adapt to barrier island geologic change?
- Hurricane Alley
- Aug 18-19, 11:30 am - 12:00 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Hurricanes and nor'easters are a fact of life here. Learn how these powerful storms shaped the Outer Banks!
- Cape Hatteras Light Station Talk
- Aug 18-24, 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.
- Fish With A Ranger (Buxton)
- Aug 20, 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Description: We have poles, but you MUST bring the bait! Limited to 15 participants. Pre-register in person at the Hatteras Island Museum (or call 252-475-9622) beginning the Saturday before the program. You can not pre-register via email or internet.
- Crabbing With A Ranger
- Aug 20 & Aug 22, 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Description: Learn about crabbing. Limited to 25 participants. Pre-register in person at the Ocracoke Visitor Center starting the Saturday prior to the program. You can not pre-register over the phone, email or internet.
- Ocean Safety Training w/Hatteras Island Rescue Squad
- Aug 20, 9:00 am to 9:30 am (48103 NC-12, Buxton)
- Pirates!
- Aug 20, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm & Aug 22, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Yes, they were here! Learn about Blackbeard and others.
- Barrier Island Nature
- Aug 20, 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm & Aug 24, 2:30 to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Join us for a talk about the wild side of the park.
- Ocracoke After Dark
- Aug 20, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Description: Bring blankets and chairs for an evening of stargazing on the beach! Bring bug spray. Meet at the Ocracoke Day Use Area beach.
- Morning Bird Walk
- Aug 21, 8:00 am to 9:30 am (Meet at Fish Cleaning Tables Near Ramp 44)
- Description: Beginner and experienced birders alike can come explore beach and salt marsh bird habitats. Binoculars are available. Bring bug spray and sunscreen.
- Cast Netting (Ocracoke)
- Aug 21, 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Description: Cast netting is one of the oldest forms of fishing. Pre-register in person at the Ocracoke Visitor Center the Saturday prior to program.
- All About Turtles (Hatteras Island)
- Aug 21-24, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Join us for an activity-based program on the life and times of the endangered sea turtle.
- Ocracoke History
- Aug 21, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Learn about the island's rich history.
- War on Hatteras
- Aug 21-23, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Learn of three wars that impacted this island.
- Night Sky Over Hatteras
- Aug 21, 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (ORV Ramp 43 parking lot)
- Description: Bring your blankets, chairs, bug spray, and telescopes for this evening of stargazing on the beach.
- Cast Netting (Hatteras Island)
- Aug 22, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
- Description: Casting a net from shore is one of the oldest methods of fishing. Pre-register in person at the Hatteras Island Museum beginning the Saturday prior to the program. You cannot pre-register over the phone, email, or internet.
- All About Turtles (Ocracoke Island)
- Aug 22, 10:30 am to 11:00 am & Aug 24, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Activities especially for kids.
- Dark Skies & Stars
- Aug 22, 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (ORV Ramp 25 parking lot)
- Description: Bring blankets, chairs, and telescopes for this evening of stargazing on the beach. Bring bug spray.
- Fish with a Ranger (Rodanthe)
- Aug 23, 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Description: We have poles, but you must bring the bait. Limited to 15 participants. Pre-register in person at the Hatteras Island Museum (or call 252-475-9622) beginning the Saturday before the program. You cannot pre-register via email or internet.
- Banker Ponies
- Aug 23, 10:30 am to 10:50 am (Ocracoke Pony Pen)
- Description: Meet the ponies unique to Ocracoke! Bring bug spray.
- Historic Lifesaving Drill Reenactment
- Aug 23, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Description: Every Thursday from June through August, a lifesaving drill reenactment is performed at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe. Visit www.chicamacomico.org for more details.
- Soundside Seining (Hatteras Island)
- Aug 24, 8:30 am to 10:00 am (Sandy Bay soundside parking lot)
- Description: Discover the wildlife wonders of the Pamlico Sound using seining nets. Water shoes that secure onto your feet are required: no flip flops or Crocs. Wear clothing you can get wet.
- Outer Banks Bird Walk (Ocracoke Island)
- Aug 24, 8:30 am to 10:00 am (Ferry parking lot, north end of island)
- Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Bring bug spray.
- Day at the Docks
- Sept 14-15 (Hatteras, NC)
- Description: Day at the Docks was started to celebrate the "Spirit of Hatteras" when the village recovered from Hurricane Isabel in 2003 as an intact community, anchored by the commercial and charter fishermen. Cape Hatteras National Seashore will be one of the many sponsors of this outstanding annual event. Go here for more details.
- Beach Cleanup Event - National Public Lands Day
- Sept 22 [Press Release]
- Description: The National Park Service and North Carolina Beach Buggy Association will partner in an event to clean up beaches along the Seashore to celebrate National Public Lands Day and Operation Beach Respect.
Inclement weather may impact lighthouse climbs and other interpretive programming.