Cape Hatteras National Seashore

How to Get to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore:

Cape Hatteras stretches north to south across three islands: Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. The islands are linked by NC 12, which is the only major route through the park. From the north, NC 158 accesses the Outer Banks at Kitty Hawk, and then intersects NC 12 at the park's northern entrance below Nags Head. US 64 comes in from the west at Roanoke Island, and also intersects NC 12 at the park's northern entrance. State-operated toll ferries access the park's southern entrance at Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter, NC.

Park Size:

31,263 acres

Description:

Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore includes a number of natural and cultural resources. Once dubbed the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for its treacherous currents, shoals, and storms, Cape Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. The Ocracoke Lighthouse (built in 1823) is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina and the 208-foot Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (built in 1870) is the tallest in the United States.

Things to Do at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore:

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing through October 11, 2004. A full schedule of interpretive activities are presented by park rangers throughout the summer season. These include a wide range of history, natural resource, and recreational programs. Check at a park Visitor Center for a current schedule, and a copy of "In the Park," an informational newspaper published each summer.

Visitor activities at the park include swimming, canoeing and kayaking, shelling, birding, and fishing.

Operating Hours:

The park is open year round. Park visitor centers at Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, September through May (except for Christmas) and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer.

History:

Authorized on August 17, 1937. Its lands include 5,915-acre Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Contact the Park:

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Park Headquarters: 252-473-2111
Bodie Island Visitor Info: 252-441-5711
Hatteras Island Visitor Info: 252-995-4474
Ocracoke Island Visitor Info: 252-928-4531