Jockey's Ridge State Park
The tallest active sand dune system on the U.S. East Coast, where you can learn hang gliding, fly kites and watch the sunset over the sound.
Jockey's Ridge is located in Nags Head. It is the tallest active sand dune system on the U.S. East Coast, and the dunes shift in height with the wind, reaching roughly 25 to 30 metres. It is a classic place to learn hang gliding, and local kite companies offer beginner courses. It is also a great spot for flying kites and sandboarding. In the evening, you can climb the dunes to watch the sun set over Roanoke Sound. The park is free to enter, and the visitor center has a wooden boardwalk and exhibits. In summer the sand gets very hot, so wear shoes and bring water. During thunderstorms, stay away from the dune crests.
Opening hours
Opens daily at 08:00; closing time varies by season
Nearby sights
- Nags Head Woods Preserve
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Manteo Waterfront & Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
- Jennette's Pier
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
- Elizabethan Gardens