- ParkMark

Avon Fishing Pier

The Avon Fishing Pier is a Hatteras Island landmark, attracting fishers from all over the country who want to try their luck at reeling in a good catch, like the large red drum fish that make seasonal appearances.Avon Fishing Pier was the first pier constructed on Hatteras Island, opening its doors in 1963. It was instrumental in expanding the southern Outer Banks' reputation as a world-class fishing destination when a world-record breaking red drum, weighing in at a little o

Barrow Pit Road

Borrow Pit Road is a soundside off-road vehicle access road on Ocracoke Island. A small parking lot is available at the entrance of the road to allow pedestrian access to the sound, or to carpool down the ORV ramp. The ramp is located on the north side of Highway 12 approximately 2 miles from the northern ferry terminal.

Beach Access Ramp 1

The northernmost stretch of ocean beach, about 1.5 miles long, within Cape Hatteras National Seashore is open to pedestrians, providing a serene place to stroll next to the Atlantic Ocean. At the start of the pedestrian access path are two outdoor exhibits on ocean swimming safety and sea turtles. There is parking available at this access point for about two dozen vehicles, as well as a recycling bin.

Beach Access Ramp 2

Beach Access Ramp 2, located on the southern end of the Coquina Beach parking area, provides pedestrian access to the Atlantic Ocean beaches near the Coquina Beach Day Use Area. Two outdoor exhibits, "Know Before You Go" and "Islands on the Move," explore the topics of ocean swimming safety and barrier island migration. Parking is available to the north of the pedestrian access.

Beach Access Ramp 23 (Seasonal)

Beach Access Ramp 23 provides year-round pedestrian access to the beaches in front of and south of the village of Salvo, North Carolina. From October 15 through April 14, off-road vehicle access to the village beaches is provided from this ramp, as long as no resource closures are in effect. There are fourteen normal-sized parking spaces available at this location.

Beach Access Ramp 25

Beach Access Ramp 25 provides year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beaches south of the village of Salvo, North Carolina. A dedicated off-road vehicle ramp and an ADA-compliant pedestrian boardwalk lead out to the beach. There are ten normal-sized parking spots, as well as one accessible spot in the lot with the boardwalk. At the entrance to the vehicle ramp is a parking lot for six normal-sized vehicles, for either carpooling or managing tire pressure.

Beach Access Ramp 27

Beach Access Ramp 27 provides year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beaches where a famous US Life-Saving Service rescue was conducted. A dedicated off-road vehicle ramp and a pedestrian boardwalk lead out to the beach. Off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beach is provided north of the ramp, while pedestrian-only access to the beach is provided south of the ramp. The parking lot has seventeen normal-sized and one accessible spaces.

Beach Access Ramp 30

Beach Access Ramp 30 provides year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beaches roughly halfway between the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo to the north and the village of Avon to the south. Off-road vehicle and pedestrian access is allowed south of the 30, while the stretch of beach north of the ramp is dedicated to pedestrian access. Parking is available for 17 normal-sized vehicles and there is an off-road vehicle ramp that leads out to the beach.

Beach Access Ramp 32

Beach Access Ramp 32 provides year-round off-road vehicle access to the beaches north of the historic Little Kinnakeet US Life-Saving Service station. There is a dedicated off-road vehicle ramp that lead out to the beach. A six-vehicle parking lot is located at the start of ramp, allowing for visitors to carpool out onto the beach, or change tire pressure without being on the ramp.

Beach Access Ramp 34 (Seasonal)

Beach Access Ramp 34 provides year-round pedestrian access to the beaches north of the village of Avon, North Carolina, as well in front of the village. Seasonally (October 15-April 14), this ramp provides off-road vehicle access to the beaches in front of the village of Avon. There is an off-road vehicle ramp and a pedestrian boardwalk that lead out to the beach. The parking lot can accommodate nineteen vehicles.

Beach Access Ramp 38 (Seasonal)

Beach Access Ramp 38 provides year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beaches south of the village of Avon, North Carolina, as well as seasonal (October 15-April 14) off-road vehicle access to beaches in front of the village of Avon.A dedicated off-road vehicle ramp leads out to the beach, as do a couple of sandy pedestrian paths that start at the parking lot. Pedestrians, please use caution when using the off-road vehicle ramp to access the beach.

Beach Access Ramp 4

Beach Access Ramp 4, located just south of the Oregon Inlet Campground and across from the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, provides off-road vehicle access to the Atlantic Ocean beaches of Bodie Island. No parking is available at this access, though there is a portable restroom and trash/recycling station about a Â¼-mile down the ramp.

Beach Access Ramp 43

Beach Access Ramp 43 provides off-road vehicle and pedestrian access throughout the year to the beaches near Cape Hatteras, as well as access to the cape itself. There is some off-road vehicle access north of the ramp before it turns into a pedestrian-only area. There are a limited number of parking spaces available at the turnabout at the start of the ramp.

Beach Access Ramp 44

Beach Access Ramp 44 provides off-road vehicle and pedestrian access throughout the year to the beaches nearest Cape Hatteras, as well as access to the cape itself.

Beach Access Ramp 48

Beach Access Ramp 48 provides off-road vehicle access to the heart of the southern, Gulf Stream-influenced beaches of Hatteras Island, known as South Beach, near the village of Frisco, North Carolina throughout the year. This location can be accessed by following Inside Road, which branches off of Beach Access Ramp 49 near the Frisco Campground.

Beach Access Ramp 49

Beach Access Ramp 49 provides off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the heart of the southern, Gulf Stream-influenced beaches of Hatteras Island, known as South Beach, near the village of Frisco, North Carolina throughout the year. Pedestrian access is best accomplished via the wooden boardwalk that starts in the Frisco Campground.

Beach Access Ramp 55 (Seasonal)

Beach Access Ramp 55 provides off-road vehicle access to the southern stretch of beach on Hatteras Island throughout the year, as well as seasonal (October 15 through April 14) off-road vehicle access to the beach in front of the Village of Hatteras. Pedestrians have access throughout the year in both directions, and can reach the beach by walking across a dedicated boardwalk and sand path that starts at the parking lot to the east of the off-road vehicle ramp.

Beach Access Ramp 59

The northern beaches of Ocracoke Island are accessible using this ramp. Year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access is provided to the west of the ramp, while pedestrian access is also provided to the east of the ramp that covers the northeastern end of Ocracoke Island. There is a parking lot just south of the ramp, for those who wish to use the pedestrian access, or ride in a vehicle with a permit.

Beach Access Ramp 67

This ramp provides year-round off-road vehicle access to the sandy beaches along the middle of Ocracoke Island. Pedestrians can also access the beach here, though no parking is available for vehicles.

Beach Access Ramp 68 (Seasonal)

This ramp is the closest to the Ocracoke Campground, providing year-round pedestrian access via a sandy path leading from the end of the parking lot to the vehicle ramp, as well as a vehicle access via a ramp that starts adjacent to the parking lot. The vehicle ramp provides seasonal (October 15 to April 14) off-road vehicle access to the beach in front of the Ocracoke Campground.

Beach Access Ramp 70

Near the Ocracoke Airstrip, this ramp provides both year round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to beaches on either side of the ramp. Any vehicles accessing the beach require an off-road vehicle permit.

Beach Access Ramp 72

The farthest south ramp in the seashore, this ramp provides year round off-road vehicle access to the southern end of Ocracoke Island. Any vehicles accessing the beach require an off-road vehicle permit. Pedestrians may also access the beach and sound along this ramp, though it is roughly one mile to the sound access and almost two miles to the beach.

Billy Mitchell Airstrip

Located near the village of Frisco, North Carolina, Billy Mitchell Airstrip (HSE) is a 3,000-foot, unattended airstrip within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The airstrip is operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, through a special agreement with the National Park Service. There are minimal facilities at this airstrip consisting of two portable restrooms and a pilot operations room. No water or fuel is available.

Bitter Swash Creek Parking Area

Along the north side of Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island.

Bodie Island Life Saving Stations

The relocated Bodie Island Life Saving Stations are located at the intersection of NC 12 and Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, and preserves three different eras of life saving stations. Buildings are closed to the public but viewable from the road.

Bodie Island Light Station

The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open to climbing in the summer season.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Standing 156-feet tall, the current Bodie Island Lighthouse is actually the third lighthouse along this stretch of the Outer Banks to warn and guide ships. The Bodie Island Lighthouse has a distinctive daymark pattern of horizontal, alternating black and white stripes.

Bodie Island Marsh Blind

A wildlife-viewing platform (Bodie Island Marsh Blind) is available for all visitors. The Bodie Island Marsh Blind will remain open through the middle of November (with a few exceptions in October). The platforms is can be reserved by hunters with mobility issues during hunting season.

Bodie Island Nature Trail

An eighth-mile long boardwalk leads out through a marsh to a freshwater pond. Along the way, and at the observation deck at the end of the boardwalk, smell the freshness of the marsh and listen to the wildlife around you. Birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway make use of the freshwater ponds, providing a chance to spot different birds throughout the year. The pond and surrounding wetlands are also home to a diverse range of species, including blue crabs and snapping turtl

Bonner Bridge Pier

Bonner Bridge Pier is a 1,047 recreational pier located on the south side of Oregon Inlet. The free pier provides great opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, walking, and recreational fishing.

Buxton British Cemetery

During the first six months of 1942, the nearby beaches revealed crude oil, twisted metal, and corpses from the Atlantic Ocean. The grisly flotsam was evidence of World War II's toll imposed by German U-boats. Two foreign sailors who lost their lives during this time are buried in this cemetery. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, established by Royal Charter in 1917, marks and maintains the war graves of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United

Buxton Woods Picnic Area

With a view of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the shade of the maritime forest, the Buxton Woods Picnic Area can be an enjoyable place to picnic, rest, and relax. Picnic tables are spread around the area, and ample parking, the Buxton Woods Trailhead, and a pair of portable restrooms are all available.

Buxton Woods Trailhead

Here in Buxton Woods, a Hatteras Island maritime forest, look past the oceanfront sand dunes and discover the towering pine trees, thick sandy ridges, small ponds and marshes, and the menagerie of local island wildlife. A Â¾-mile long, self-guided, loop trail leads from the picnic area through Buxton Woods, and back again. Along this relatively level path, you can see the diverse forest ecosystem up-close, practice your skill at identifying trees, listen to the call of birds,

Cape Hatteras Light Station

Visit and climb the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, built in 1870.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. There's something for everyone at Cape Lookout National Seashore, including horse-watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages! Learn more at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/calo">nps.gov/calo</a> .

Chicamacomico Life Saving Station

Chicamacomico Lifesaving station is the only restored and open Life Saving Station in the Outer Banks. Located in Rodanthe, the Life Saving Station offers a museum, boathouse, and demonstrations in the summer months. Fee required, operated by park partner.

Coquina Beach

Enjoy the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean at this swim beach in the northern part of the seashore. During the summer season, there is a lifeguarded beach area and a bathhouse with 14 changing rooms (two that are accessible), four outdoor showers, and bathrooms. A boardwalk leads out to the beach from the bathhouse, as well as a primitive path at the northeastern end of the northern parking lot. There are parking lots to the north and to the south of the bathhouse.

Fort Ocracoke Marker

In an effort to prevent Union troops from taking Ocracoke Inlet, the Washington Grays, of Washington, North Carolina, were sent to Ocracoke to begin construction of Fort Ocracoke on May 20, 1861-the day North Carolina seceded from the Union.Brief skirmishes occurred on Ocracoke, but no war casualties were documented. Union troops destroyed the fort on September 17, 1861, and eventually took Ocracoke Inlet. What was left of the fort remained visible until it was completely sub

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site protects and preserves known portions of England's first "New World" settlements from 1584 to 1590. This site also preserves the cultural heritage of the local Algonquian tribes, European Americans, and African Americans who have lived on Roanoke Island. For more information <a href="https://www.nps.gov/fora/index.htm">visit the website</a> .

Frisco Beach

The beaches around Frisco, North Carolina are a wonderful place to experience the Atlantic Ocean, where the waters are warmer than the northern beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore due to the influence of the nearby Gulf Stream. With showers, changing rooms, and restrooms, this is a great place to enjoy the beach while on the southern part of Hatteras Island. There are 48 regular parking spaces spread across three lots near the bathhouse.

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers a great opportunity to explore the history of the Outer Banks and the maritime environment. The original lens from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is on display.

Hammock Hills Trail

The trail begins its journey to the marshy grass-lined edge of Pamlico Sound in a shrub thicket woodland. It crosses a boardwalk and splits into its loop just past a small, freshwater branch of Island Creek. Go right, and the trail passes an open dune scape where you'll notice low-growing prickly pear cactus. The path swings into a pine forest where distance from the ocean and an accumulating layer of soil invites less salt-tolerant species to take hold and mature.

Hatteras Inlet North Ferry Terminal

Ferry services, provided by North Carolina's Department of Transportation (NCDOT), link Ocracoke Island to Hatteras Village and the mainland. There is a comfort station with restrooms available on the south side of the stacking lanes.The ferry crosses Hatteras Inlet in roughly one hour and reservations are not required. Check the NCDOT ferry website for current departure schedules.

Hatteras Inlet South Ferry Terminal

Ferry services, provided by North Carolina's Department of Transportation (NCDOT), link Ocracoke Island to Hatteras Village and the mainland. There is a comfort station with restrooms available on the south side of the stacking lanes.The ferry crosses Hatteras Inlet in roughly one hour and reservations are not required. Check the NCDOT ferry website for current departure schedules.Once in line to await ferry-boarding, visitors are free to hop out of their vehicles and explo

Hatteras Island Park Store

The Eastern National Park Store, at the Base of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides visitors access to great souvenirs, books, and educational materials to support your visit to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Hatteras Island Visitor Center

The Hatteras Island Visitor Center is where you can replenish your water bottles, purchase or pick-up off-road vehicle permits, use the restroom facilities, or browse the items for sale in the gift shop.

Hatteras Principal Keeper's Quarters

Built in 1870 along with the lighthouse, this is where the Principal Lighthouse Keeper of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and his family, lived. Now, the building is used by park staff and is not open to the public.

Haulover and Kite Point

Haulover Day Use Area has some of the world's best kiteboarding and windsurfing when the winds kick up in the spring and fall. This is also a great place for families with little ones who may be hesitant around the ocean waves. Here, they can splash and play in the Pamlico Sound, which for the most part has gentle water, a gradual slope, and an average depth of one to two feet near the shoreline. There is also a bathhouse with showers, changing rooms, and restrooms.

Historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Site

This is the location where the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stood from 1870 to 1999.In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Light Station, which consists of seven historic structures, was successfully relocated 2,900 feet to the west from this spot. Because of the threat of shoreline erosion, a natural process, the entire light station was safely moved to a new site where the historic buildings and cisterns were placed in spatial and elevational relationship to each other, exactly as they had

Howard Street

Howard Street is a step back in time. The unimproved road is the oldest street in the village, with old family cemeteries and homes lining the tree-covered street. Many of the homes here belong to descendants of the original settlers.