Photo of the Week
U.S. Coast Guard flyover during the 100th Anniversary of the Mirlo Rescue ceremony in Rodanthe, NC (NPS/Mike Barber)
Seashore Updates
Several updates related to recreational activities
- Seashore-wide, there are almost 28 miles out of 29 miles to drive on and close to 36 miles out of 38 miles available for beach walking. Daily beach access information is posted on the park’s Facebook page.
- South Beach is open for beach walking and can be accessed from south of Ramp 44, from the South Beach Road parking area, and from Ramp 48.
- As of this morning, Seashore beaches have hosted 163 sea turtle nests (66 hatched, so far). Staff frequently install access corridors and rake in front of nests at the end of the day to ensure the protection of the habitat.
- The tip of Cape Point remains temporarily closed due to black skimmer nests and several black skimmer chicks. Staff monitor the area daily and will reopen the quarter mile area when we’re certain that bird nesting and chick rearing activity is over.
- Water levels on Lighthouse Road and at Cape Point Campground in Buxton have dropped substantially over the last week. Large puddles still exist on sides of roads; however, most of Lighthouse Road is now dry. The campground’s perimeter loop has also dried out.
- Maintenance staff have ordered asphalt patch material to fix potholes that have developed.
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
- Barrier Island Dynamics
- Aug 25-31, 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 25-26, 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 25-31, 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 27, 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 27 & Aug 29, 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 27, 9:00 am to 9:30 am (48103 NC-12, Buxton)
- Pirates!
- Aug 27, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm & Aug 29, 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 27, 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm & Aug 31, 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 27, 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 28, 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 28, 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 28-31, 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 28, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Learn about the island's rich history.
- War on Hatteras
- Aug 28-30, 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 28, 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 29, 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 29, 10:30 am to 11:00 am & Aug 31, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Activities especially for kids.
- Dark Skies & Stars
- Aug 29, 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 30, 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 30, 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 30, 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 31, 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 31, 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 is 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.