The Dune Hike in North Carolina That Everyone Should Take at Least Once

If you’ve spent any time along our coast, you know about Kindred Spirits, one of the most popular dune hikes in North Carolina. While I agree it should certainly move to the top of your bucket list if you haven’t already experienced it, there’s another dune hike in North Carolina equally worthy of your time. 

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is home to the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States, and it’s where you’ll find one of the most unique hikes in North Carolina. This scenic hike is one you want to tackle before that summer sun really heats things up. Let’s take a closer look: 

Where This Dune Hike Is and What Makes It Famous

Located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a 427-acre state park that’s in an incredibly unique spot. There are three unique ecosystems here: the Roanoke Sound, the dune system, and the maritime forest. When it rains, water often collects at the base of sand dunes, creating small temporary ponds called vernal pools. 

The dune fluctuates between 80 and 100 feet above sea level, earning it the coveted title of being the tallest natural sand dune on the eastern coast of the United States. The dunes are certainly impressive, but did you know they’re actively moving? The Outer Banks is famously windy, and those winds actually move the dunes about one to six feet southwest every year. The surrounding maritime forests stabilize the dunes a little bit, but they are slowly but surely making their way across the park. 

As you make your way across the park, keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Virginia possums and gray fox tend to keep their adventures at night to avoid the summer heat, but you might get lucky and spot some of their tracks!

Along the water, maritime life flourishes with blue crabs, seahorses, and countless shorebirds are often sighted. 

What It’s Like to Hike This Trail

There are three trails at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and the Tracks in the Sand Trail is the one you’re after. This 1.2-mile loop is mostly sand, and your calf muscles will feel it! Now, it’s nothing compared to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, but I certainly wouldn’t underestimate this scenic hike in North Carolina.

This hike is best done before summer, when that summer sun really turns the temperature up on that sand. Pets are welcome to join the trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Please keep the temperature of the sand in mind for their sweet little paws. Sand temperatures can be as much as 30 degrees higher than air temperatures! Also, keep an eye out for sandspurs. 

Those winds make Jockey’s Ridge State Park an excellent place to fly a kite and go paragliding, two very popular activities at the park. Even if you don’t want to partake in the activities, just sitting and watching them is mesmerizing.

You’ll likely see folks sandboarding on the dunes, too. There’s a private concessionaire located inside the park that offers hang gliding lessons, kite flying lessons, and sandboard rentals. 

Tips for Visiting

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. There is no admission fee, nor does the park have any parking fees, either. All it costs is your time!

Start your visit at the visitor center. Here you’ll find a little museum where you can learn all about the cultural and natural history of the park, including the dunes, local wildlife, and even some maritime history. 

Before tackling the trail, make sure you’ve got enough sunscreen and water—there’s really no shade once you’re out on the dunes. You’ll be walking through a lot of sand, with several steep sections, so you’ll be getting a good calf workout in.

Standing on the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park feels like an otherworldly experience. Time your visit so you can watch the sunset—it’s worth it. 

Whether you’re on a solo adventure or you’ve got the entire family, this dune hike in North Carolina is one to remember. Just make sure to visit before it gets too hot! Visit the official website for Jockey’s Ridge State Park to learn more. 

And if you’re inspired to take on more sand dune hikes in North Carolina, you’ve got to check out Kindred Spirits.