Photo of the Week
Just off the shores of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, across from the visitor center, sits the remains of the steamer Oriental, which ran aground in May 1862 while delivering soldiers and supplies from New York to South Carolina.
Seashore Updates
Several updates related to recreational activities
- We are closely watching the path of Tropical Storm Florence, which is expected to regain strength over the next couple of days. Regardless of Florence’s eventual track, large swells will begin to affect our area this weekend, resulting in life-threatening surf and rip currents. For updated info on Florence and other disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean, go to the National Hurricane Center’s website. Links to sign up for Dare and Hyde County severe weather alerts can be found on page three of this newsletter.
- Visitors are urged to stay out of the Atlantic Ocean when there is rough surf and increased risks of life-threatening rip currents.
- Off-road vehicle routes and vehicle free area beach routes may become impassable when the swell begins to build.
- Night driving will be allowed on certain beach routes starting September 15. Daily beach access and ocean safety information is posted on our website.
- Seashore-wide, there are over 28 miles out of 29 miles of beach to drive on and close to 37 miles out of 38 miles available for beach walking.
- As of this morning, Seashore beaches have hosted 165 sea turtle nests (98 hatched, so far).
- 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.
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
- Hurricane Alley
- Sep 8-14 from 11:00 am to 11:30 am
- Location: 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 8-14 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.
- Ocracoke Island History
- Sep 9 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater
- Description: Learn about the island’s rich past.
- Peek into the Ocracoke Lighthouse base
- Sep 10 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and Sep 11 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
- Description: Learn about the history of Ocracoke Lighthouse and take a peek inside the base.
- Barrier Island Nature
- Sep 10 from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
- Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater
- Description: Join us for a talk about the wild side of the park.
- Pirates!
- Sep 11 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater
- Description: Yes, they were here! Learn about Blackbeard and others.
- 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?
On Tuesday, September 11, local firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff will climb the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse starting at 8:46 am, the exact time Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. This annual remembrance event will include a moment of silence to honor the fallen. The public is welcome to attend.