Photo of the Week
The U.S. Weather Bureau Station in Hatteras served as a weather station from 1902 to 1946. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Since being restored to its original appearance, the station has operated as a welcome center by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau through a partnership agreement with Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Learn more about the weather station’s history at nps.gov/caha.
Seashore Updates
- It was great to see so many Seashore visitors over Memorial Day weekend. The beaches, lighthouses, campgrounds, and Pamlico Sound were all very popular.
- The contractor for the Federal Highway Administration’s pavement preservation project has paused operations until September 3.
- The sand at many ORV ramps and beach routes is quite soft due to dry weather conditions. All ORV tires should be aired down to 20 psi or less before arriving at designated ramps. Local businesses have air pumps for airing tires back up to the recommended pressure for driving on pavement.
- A protection buffer is in place at Cape Point to protect American oystercatcher chicks and nesting least terns and black skimmers. There are also multiple piping plover chicks and over 500 least tern eggs in the Cape Point area.
- ORVs and pedestrians can currently travel 0.61 miles south of ORV Ramp 44.
- Staff continue to monitor the Cape Point area. Once nesting activity has concluded, the protection buffer at Cape Point will be removed.
- There are currently 26 miles of oceanside beach routes open for ORV access across the Seashore. 95% of ORV routes are open on Hatteras Island, 100% open on Bodie Island, and almost 80% open on Ocracoke Island.
- Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.
- For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
- Dates: Daily until Oct 14, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Dates: Daily until Oct 14, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Dates: June 4-6 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Description: The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for viewing.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move
- Dates: June 1-7 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am (daily program)
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
- Description: Learn about the monumental move event that happened in 1999 when the entire light station was moved 2,900 feet away from the threat of a changing shoreline.
- Dates: June 1-7 from 3:30-4:00 pm (daily program)
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
- Description: Wars, wind, hurricanes, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to the island.
- Date: June 1 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
- Location: Meet at ORV Ramp 2 parking area at Coquina Beach Access
- Description: Did you know that when you’re enjoying a walk on Seashore beaches, you’re also enjoying a walk on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail? The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is North Carolina’s state hiking trail, stretching 1,175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. Meet representatives from Outer Banks Forever and Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail at ORV Ramp 2 at Coquina Beach Access for a two mile walk. Please wear proper shoes (no flip flops) and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water. More information.
- Date: June 3 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Location: Buxton
- Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
- Date: June 4 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Rodanthe
- Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
- Date: June 4 and June 7 from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: Hands-on games or activities for kids and families all about seashore animals.
- Date: June 4 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Location: Ramp 43 parking area
- Description: Bring blankets and chairs for this evening of stars and stories on the beach.
- Date: June 5 from 9:30-11:00 am
- Location: Location varies, call to pre-register
- Description: Practice this early method of fishing still used today. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
- Date: June 6 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Location: Meet at the fish cleaning tables near Ramp 44
- Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available. Bring bug spray.
- Date: June 7 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Salvo Sound Access (Day Use Area)
- Description: Meet at Salvo Sound Access for soundside exploration and discovery.
Pirates!
- Dates: June 3 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm and June 5 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Learn about Blackbeard and others with a park ranger.
- Dates: June 3 from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm and June 6 from 2:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Join a park ranger for a talk about the wild side of the park.
- Dates: June 4-5 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am and June 7 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Activities for all ages.
- Dates: June 4 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm and June 6 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Learn about the island’s rich past.
- Dates: June 5-6 from 9:00-9:30 am
- Location: Ocracoke Pony Pasture
- Description: Meet the ponies unique to Ocracoke! Bring bug spray.
- Date: June 7 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Meet at public parking lot adjacent to campground
- Description: Join a ranger for an island exploration. Fun for all ages! Bring bug spray.
Beach Cleanup Volunteer Events
- Dates: June 22 and Sept 21. View press release for June 22 event details.
- Date: July 1, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
- Location: Event tent near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Description: The public is invited to a free event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move. The event will include speeches, a question and answer session, expanded interpretive programming, activities for children, and free lighthouse climbing! See press release for more details.
- Date: Nov 2
- Location: Fessenden Center, Buxton
- Description: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, will celebrate the area’s strong surf fishing history at the 1st annual Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration. More details about this event will be posted on a special event web page and Facebook event page.