Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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So what did we do when it was cold in The Outer Banks? We went kite flying! 📍Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head, Outer Banks, North Carolina This park is home to the tallest sand dunes in the Atlantic coast. That’s a pretty big deal! It’s famous for kite flying, gorgeous sunsets over the Roanoke Sound, hand gliding and more. Flying like that scares the shit out of me, so I didn’t try hand gliding or let the kids. But looks fun! 💩 Also, this park is the end of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail that starts in the Smoky Mountains. There’s a lot more to do here like sand boarding and water activities. And the neatest thing is that you barely have to hike. Don’t get me wrong though. Walking on sand is no joke. Especially this Outer Banks sand that is fine like powdered sugar. But I grew up in Puerto Rico. I’m ready 🦵! There’s a particular killer uphill to get to the sand plain and the higher dunes. But once you get up there, the view is breathtaking, literally and figuratively. Visiting this park at sunset is definitely an Outer Banks must do! For the budget-friendly folk: get your kites where they are cheaper, like Walmart. I had no idea there was one on the Outer Banks. Have I known (I didn’t think about it) I wouldn’t have carried groceries from Frederick’s Costco. Anyways, good Walmart kites are $10-$12. We also got two shitty ones for $1.49 and one broke almost immediately. Lol. But the $10 kite was really good. I got a fancy unicorn/dragon that had a terrible design. It was a pain to fly. See video and pay attention to the footage. #kiteflying #outerbanks #sanddunes #northcarolina #sunset #sunsetsofinstagram #jockeysridge #jockeysridgestatepark #jockeysridgesanddunes #nagshead #nagsheadnc #darecounty
luzwanderer
320
Did you know about these unique adventures at the Outer Banks in North Carolina? 😱Try Hang gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park 🦀Go on a Crabbing Charter 🐴 Experience Horseback riding on the beach Learn more about all 10 adventures in the OBX #ontheblog #obx #outerbanks #adventuremom #hanggliding #northcarolinabeaches #travelnorthcarolina #obxvacation @kittyhawkkites
adventuremom
4011
Review is of the South side of Jockey's Ridge (called Soundside). There is also access to the North. Soundside has a very gentle trail, mostly wooded, that takes about a half hour to walk. The trail is fairly well marked, with only one spot that could use an extra sign. Not too hard to figure out, but it could be confusing. Several places along the way have informational signs that describe points of interest. Plenty of opportunities for pictures. Be aware that some dog owners fail to clean up after their companions, so you should keep an eye on the trail! There is also a boardwalk to the beach, with a great view of Roanoke Island, and the NC mainland to the west. I'm not much of a beach goer, but it looks like a nice place for a swim. The boardwalk has stairs at each end, so not ♿ friendly. There's a level path to the beach as well, but it is loose sand. Soundside is located on the south side of Jockey's Ridge. Just west of Rte 158 on Soundside Road. There are no bathroom facilities at this part of Jockey's Ridge.
Jon Schuster
00
This place is absolutely GORGEOUS!! I'd been here once before, but this year decided to try the hang gliding school (beginner lessons of course) and holy wow was it an incredible experience!!!! The instructors (Michael and Katie are seriously awesome!!) make you feel so comfortable, and they only take you out when conditions are good. Their weather policies are actually fantastic and rescheduling a canceled class or getting a refund is super easy. We rescheduled 3 times because of wind! And it was an absolute breeze lol. We were legit flying solo on our very first flight. But like, in the safest, most accessible, straightforward way! They talk you through everything and teach you based on your own style/experience/technique. Like in a giant class of 25 people, you're still the only one that matters when your strapped into that glider. So yes, go hike jockeys ridge, learn about the Wright Brothers flights, watch the people hang gliding, think about how cool it would be....and then DO IT.
Kelsey Malin
00
Without a doubt this park is gorgeous, my review is about the staff which unfortunately was rude during our family visit. In the end, my recommendation is to please call in advance should you need assistance in one of their go carts to access the park. (This park has many sandy walking trails and dunes to walk/climb.) My family is not as outdoorsy as me, I love the outdoors and visiting state parks because being educated by the locals is a highlight. This is the unfriendliest park I've ever visited. My sister (who is pregnant) walked up to someone working there, asking if we could have or book a ride to access the park as a family. He quickly retorted and I heard, "You need to have a physical disability." He said that, to a pregnant person, with a 3 year old son, and a 70 year old man. In the cart, he was carrying what appeared to be an able bodied adult man, and two children that appeared 7-10 years and able bodied. When my sister asked again, explaining about her son and 70 year old father, he was rude, answered, "You need to book that a day in advance." He gave two answers contradicting himself, he didn't seem to educate us at all about the park. I understand if parks have their protocols in place for transportation, this review is about the rudeness my sister and family experienced. He honestly seemed annoyed that she was there at all, asking for help. Which is exactly what a state park worker is supposed to do, help the visitors understand and access the park! We ended up walking a little and enjoyed the wind with a kite we bought. My 3 year old nephew enjoyed it, and my 70 year old father walked the flat dunes a short distance. You will need good walking shoes and physical agility to negotiate the higher dunes. We also saw the go car drive by having a wonderful time as we walked in the park. And if you need physical assistance, please call at least one day in advance.
Angela Marcotte
00
Being no stranger to NC State Parks, Jockey's Ridge holds a special place in my heart since I grew up here. An amazing place to run up and down the dunes in your bare feet (if not too hot!), this park is extremely old and holds a lot of historical significance. The rangers on duty are always informative and can make sure you're prepared for venturing out on the dunes during any weather. A brief hike from the parking lot spits you out among the hills, where you can climb steep or not-so-steep sections to the top and observe the ocean to the east and the sound/Roanoke Island to the west at the same time. Bring a colorful kite for flying or blanket and picnic basket for a breezy, scenic lunch. Hike out to the old golf course castle (but no touchy!) or hop across the street to Kitty Hawk Kites for some shopping or to sign up for hang gliding lessons if you're not a wuss like me and aren't afraid of heights. This park is a must-visit whether you're a local or a visitor!
Ellen Edwards
00
Nearby Attractions Of Jockey's Ridge State Park
Kitty Hawk Kites
Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School
Sudden Light Records
Tallest Sand Dune

Kitty Hawk Kites
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(832)
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Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School
4.8
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Sudden Light Records
4.9
(44)
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Tallest Sand Dune
4.9
(10)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Jockey's Ridge State Park
Austin Fish Co
Sooey's BBQ & Rib Shack
Abbi's Teas & Things
Brew Thru Jockey's Ridge

Austin Fish Co
4.7
(525)
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Sooey's BBQ & Rib Shack
4.3
(458)
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Abbi's Teas & Things
4.8
(91)
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Brew Thru Jockey's Ridge
4.4
(40)
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Basic Info
Address
300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959
Map
Website
ncparks.gov
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(2.7K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
Jockey's Ridge State Park is a North Carolina state park in Dare County, North Carolina in the United States. Located in Nags Head, North Carolina, it covers a 427-acre area, and includes the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It is the most visited park within the NC park system.
attractions: Kitty Hawk Kites, Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School, Sudden Light Records, Tallest Sand Dune, restaurants: Austin Fish Co, Sooey's BBQ & Rib Shack, Abbi's Teas & Things, Brew Thru Jockey's Ridge

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