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State Park

Photo: Linda RaeCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Jockey's Ridge State Park

North Carolina · NC

2

Trails

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Managed by North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

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We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this park using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Oct 25, 2026. Spot an error in our data?

About

Jockey's Ridge State Park is situated on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. The park's name likely derives from the term "jockey," reflecting the horse racing that once occurred in the area. This unique landscape, characterized by shifting sands and diverse vegetation, contrasts with the surrounding coastal scenery and creates an environment that evolves with the wind and weather. Guests at Jockey's Ridge can participate in various outdoor activities, such as kite flying, hang gliding, and watching sunsets over the dunes. The park also offers access to Roanoke Sound for swimming, paddling, and windsurfing. On-site parking is available, and the area is generally accessible, though conditions may vary with the weather. As facilities and regulations can change, it is advisable to check the official state site for the latest information on hours, fees, and closures before your visit.

Source: ncparks.gov

From Wikipedia

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 (1.73 km2) area, and includes the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. The park is a day-use only park and has no campgrounds. Jockey's Ridge contains three unique ecosystems: the Roanoke Sound, the dune system, and the maritime forest. Often when it rains, water collects near the bottom of the dunes creating temporary ponds known as vernal pools. Few fauna can be seen around the dunes, although some types of flora, such as tall grass, may be seen near the bottom of the dunes.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify alerts and operational details with the managing agency below.

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