|
Contact: Outer Banks Group, (252) 473-2111
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will open to the public for climbing from April 18 through Columbus Day, October 13, 2008. Climbing fees for the Lighthouse will be $7 per adult, and $3.50 for children under 12 and senior citizens. The opening day of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will continue to be a fee-free day, as it has in the past, for local community members to climb the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse climbing fee is authorized through the Recreation Fee Enhancement Program, which allows 80% of the fee receipts to be used to enhance visitor services and repair facilities within the Outer Banks Group. Climbing The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – What to Know Before You Go The climb is strenuous! The 248 iron spiral stairs to the top is equal to climbing a 12 story building. The stairs have a handrail only on one side and a landing every 31 steps. There is no air conditioning. It may be noisy, humid, hot and dim inside the lighthouse and there is two-way traffic on the narrow stairs.
Visitors with heart, respiratory or other medical conditions or who have trouble climbing stairs should use their own discretion as to whether to climb the tower. Climbing tickets are available on a first come/first served basis and can only be purchased in-person at the site on the day of the climb. There are no advance ticket sales. Ticket sales begin at 8:15 a.m. Climbing tours will begin at 9 a.m. and will run every 10 minutes with a limit of 30 visitors per tour. Ticket sales close at 4:30 p.m. in the spring and fall, and at 5:30 p.m. the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Ticket holders should arrive at the lighthouse gate five minutes prior to their ticketed tour time. The lighthouse may close at any time if weather conditions are unsafe. The following safety rules apply: Children must be at least 42" tall Children must be capable of climbing all steps on their own No person may be lifted or carried Children under the age of 12 years old must be escorted by an adult. Running, jumping, or stomping on stairs and landings is prohibited Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew tobacco No pets, other than service animals Do not arrive in bare feet or heels over 1 ½ inches high Backpacks, tripods, coolers, beach bags, umbrellas and other large, bulky objects need to be left in your car Frisbees and other throwing equipment are prohibited -NPS- |
Last updated: April 14, 2015