Full Moon Climbs of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on August 20

Date: August 15, 2013
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-475-9034

As a special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will offer Full Moon Climbs of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of Tuesday, August 20, 2013. Two tours will be given; one at 8:00 p.m. and a second at 9:00 p.m. and each tour is limited to 30 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The full moon climb ticket sales will start on Sunday, August 18, 2013. The lighthouse ticket booth is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. daily and tickets for this event are non-refundable.

As there are no lights inside the lighthouse, climbers will navigate the 257 stairs using handheld flashlights.During the climb, park rangers will provide stories of the arduous duties of the lighthouse keepers. From the watch room, visitors will be able to view the light up close and in motion and hear of the operation of the beacon, past and present--a truly unique experience. Outside on the lighthouse balcony (weather permitting) climbers will get a glimpse of what the lighthouse keepers of old were able to experience--seeing that beam of light reaching out to sea and the startling reflection of the newly risen moon on the ocean.

Things to know:

1.Tickets, limited to the first 60 purchasers, must be purchased in person, in advance, at the lighthouse ticket booth and begin Sunday, August 18. Tickets sell out early. Standard admission fees apply; $8 for adults, and $4 for children (11 years of age and under) as well as seniors (62 and older). The lighthouse ticket booth, located at the lighthouse site, is open from 8:15 a.m. – 5:40 p.m. daily.

2.Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh, serviceable batteries.

3.All participants are required to be at least 42-inches tall and must climb the steps on their own--they cannot be carried!If unsure, check with park rangers before purchasing your non-refundable ticket.Also, keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.

4.Children 11 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult (16 years of age or older).

5.For safety reasons, all participants must climb and descend with the group. NO exceptions.

6.Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid, and can be a challenge to climb.There are no internal lights or air conditioning.

7.All routine lighthouse safety requirements, as well as restrictions as to eating, drinking, gum etc., apply. This information will be provided at the time of ticket purchase.

8.Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, Wednesday, August 21, 2013, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on August 21. This ticket will be for day-climbing only.

For general information on the Outer Banks Group national park sites, visit www.nps.gov/caha, www.nps.gov/wrbr, www.nps.gov/fora; Twitter @CapeHatterasNPS, @WrightBrosNPS, @FortRaleighNPS; or call 252-473-2111.

-NPS-