Seashore Updates
Several updates related to recreational activities
- Cape Point Campground was reopened this morning. There are over 70 sites available for camping entering this Labor Day weekend.
- As of this morning, Seashore beaches have hosted 164 sea turtle nests (82 hatched, so far).
- Staff worked this week on filling in large holes on Inside Road between South Beach Road and Ramp 44.
- Seashore-wide, there are almost 28 miles out of 29 miles of beach to drive on and close to 37 miles out of 38 miles available for beach walking. Daily beach access and ocean safety information is posted on our website. Visitors no longer need to go to Facebook to get the information.
- A project to reinforce and slightly widen Devils Shoals Road on Ocracoke Island should begin over the next several months.
- 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 are certain that bird nesting and chick rearing activity is over.
Photos of the Week
In 1822, for a charge of $50, two acres of land at the south end of Ocracoke Island was purchased for a new lighthouse. Completed in 1823 by Noah Porter, the Ocracoke Light can be seen 14 miles at sea.
Recent photo of a Black skimmer chick located south of Ramp 44.
Upcoming Events
- Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
- Jul 28-Oct 8, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing
- Jul 28-Oct 8, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily
- Barrier Island Dynamics
- Sep 1-3 from 10:30 am to 10:50 am (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: How do plants, wildlife, and people adapt to barrier island geologic change?
- Hurricane Alley
- Sep 1-3 from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm and Sep 4-7 from 11:00 am to 11:30 am (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Hurricanes and nor'easters are a fact of life on the Outer Banks. Learn how these powerful storms shaped this area!
- Cape Hatteras Light Station Talk
- Sep 1-3 from 3:30 pm to 3:50 pm and Sep 4-7 from 2:30 pm to 2:50 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.
- Fish With A Ranger (Buxton)
- Sep 3 from 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
- Sep 3 from 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.
- Pirates!
- Sep 3 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm, Sep 4 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am, and Sep 5 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Yes, they were here! Learn about Blackbeard and others.
- Barrier Island Nature
- Sep 3 from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Join us for a talk about the wild side of the park.
- Ocracoke After Dark
- Sep 3 from 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.
- Visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse
- Sep 4 from 1:30-2:30 pm
- The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for viewing.
- All About Sea Turtles
- Sep 5 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am and Sep 7 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
- Activities especially for seashore kids. (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Banker Ponies
- Sep 6 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- The Banker Ponies are definitely an Ocracoke must-see! Not recommended for those allergic to horses. (Ocracoke Pony Pens)
- 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.
Did You Know?
The herd of Ocracoke ponies have been cared for by Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff since the early 1960s.
Did You Know?
The herd of Ocracoke ponies have been cared for by Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff since the early 1960s.