News Release

Cape Lookout National Seashore Transitions to Winter Hours and Activities

Date: December 16, 2020
Contact: BG Horvat, 252-838-8906

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – A beach is a marvelous place to get away from it all and explore on those beautiful, crisp days during the winter. Dress for the weather and come out to see what you’ve been missing! All activities are free of charge unless noted otherwise below. For more information on these and other activities, call the park at 252-728-2250, extension ‘0’.

On the Barrier Islands

The winter beach is full of surprises! The stronger waves of winter bring in many sea treasures making beachcombing a winter delight. The clear blues of the winter sky and sea are picture perfect. You might even get to see a whale as it passes along the coast. Passenger ferry service to the islands is available Thursday - Sunday (weather permitting) from the ferry gateway locations in Beaufort and Harkers Island. Call the ferry at 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservice.com for their scheduled times and fees.

Beaufort, NC

Ferry service to the west-end of Shackleford Banks is still available, and is located just across the street, at the Island Express Ferry Service booth. The National Park Service’s Beaufort Visitor Information Center (BVIC), located at 701 Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina, has been closed due to COVID19 and will remain closed for the winter season from Sunday, December 20, 2020 through Wednesday, March 24, 2020.

Harkers Island, NC

The National Park Service’s Harkers Island Visitor Center (HIVC) and the Island Express Ferry Service gateway to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and east-end of Shackleford Banks is located at 1800 Island Road, Harkers Island, North Carolina. Winter hours will run from Sunday, December 20, 2020 – Sunday, March 21, 2021. The HIVC is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Winter Activities Available for Visitors

The Soundside Loop and Willow Pond Nature Trails are open seven days a week (and holidays) during daylight hours.

· Soundside Loop Trail – A 4/5 – mile, self-guided nature trail winds along the eastern shore of Harkers Island, through maritime forest and saltmarsh. The trail meanders along the edge of land and sea, showcasing the forces that shape Harkers Island – and her people.

· Willow Pond Nature Trail - This 1/3-mile trail winds around a restored freshwater pond with gorgeous views of wetland habitats and maritime woodlands. Watch for ducks and songbirds year-round from observation sites along the way.

· Ribbon of Sand (park film available at the HIVC Theater - 26 minutes)

This film transcends you throughout the Cape Lookout ecosystem from the sound side marshes and estuaries to the protective line of islands of the Outer Banks and the ocean depths beyond. The film is shown upon request. For your convenience, this film is open-captioned, audio described, and assistive listening devices are available.

· Junior Ranger – A fun way to explore the park is to become a Junior Ranger. The Junior Ranger program is designed for ages 5 to 13 but everyone is welcome to participate. Booklets are available at the Harkers Island Visitor Center and the Beaufort Visitor Information Center. For more information on the Jr. Ranger program, ask at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, or check the Jr. Ranger web page: go.nps.gov/jr_ranger.