North Carolina
Nature|National & State Parks

The Living Sand Dunes In North Carolina’s Jockey’s Ridge State Park Look Like Something From Another Planet

Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina, offers a unique experience with the largest living sand dune on the East Coast and various outdoor activities.

Published Feb 22, 2020

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

North Carolina's most visited state park is a wild experience. So much so, it's been described as like something from another world... or at least another continent. If you've yet to discover the unique living sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park, then prepare for an otherworldly experience everyone in the family will treasure.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is located in Nags Head and is like no other place on the east coast.

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Google Local/Samuel Campos

Home to the largest living sand dune in the eastern United States, the park boasts 427 acres of sandy vistas to explore.

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Google Local/Harold Cooper

And explore they do! Tourists from around the world as well as natives and locals alike love to adventure through this unique park to discover the various ecosystems that exist in this sandy wilderness.

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Flickr/Harrison Group

From the dunes all the way to the Roanoke Sound, designated trails offer those who don't wish to go off-grid a way to explore the expansive park in a somewhat organized fashion.

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Google Local/Kristine Kellenberger

But many visitors choose to simply go their own way.

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Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan Collection via Getty Images

The 0.6-mile Sound Side Nature Trail doles out a trek through a trail carved into a maritime shrub thicket, and some much needed shade during the warmer months.

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Google Local/Brian Wilson

Jockeys's Ridge State Park opened in 1975 and is open only for day use. Closing times vary by season, but the park opens daily at 8 a.m.

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TripAdvisor/Frank d

Access to the park is gained from Milepost 12 on the S. Croatan Highway/US 158 in Nags Head.

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Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan Collection via Getty Images

Jockey's Ridge State Park is open year-round and admission is free. Other activities found at the park include picnicking, a park store, and - for those who have a USHPA Hang 1 or other agency-approved rating card - hang gliding from the park's dunes! For those who aren't experienced, hang gliding lessons are usually offered by a private vendor located near the entrance to the park.

For more information about Jockey's Ridge State Park, see the official website of North Carolina Parks.

Have another favorite locale on North Carolina's beautiful coast that we should feature? Tell us all about it here!

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Nature|National & State Parks

This Natural Water Park in North Carolina Is a Dream Come True

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Cool off at this natural water park in North Carolina featuring 2,208 lovely acres. Located in Elizabethtown, Lake Jones State Park is dedicated to fun in the sun and a refreshing place to fight back the heat and humidity the Tar Heel State offers. Jones Lake is a 224-acre oasis with the deepest parts reaching only about 8 feet. Add to the memories of one of the oldest state parks in North Carolina.

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Jones Lake State Park opened in 1939 as Jones Lake Recreational Area and the first state park to welcome Black Americans and remained so for more than 10 years.

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North Carolina State Parks/Flickr

It was a project of the New Deal's Resettlement Administration and attracts thousands of visitors each year to swim and enjoy the many amenities.

You'll find this natural water park in North Carolina on State Route 242 just outside of Elizabethtown.

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June Dove/Google

Bring a blanket or beach chair and plan on enjoying the pretty scenery at this natural water park in North Carolina.

Pack up all of your favorite water gear.

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Carrie Smith/Google

Drag it all along - you never know what might come in handy.

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Water, restrooms, a volleyball court, and a seasonal concession stand are also available.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Another option is to bring your own lunch and dine at the covered handicap-accessible picnic shelter which accommodates up to 100 people if you have a group.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

However, reservations are strongly recommended to ensure the popular space for your special occasion.

Folks can swim in the designated swimming area that is roped off for safety.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

But for those of us seeking a place to daydream - they also exist around the lake.

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Kimberle McGill/AllTrails

Take a hike at the park with three options which you can find on the AllTrails website. These easy treks include the 4.3-mile Jones Lake Trail and Bay Trail Loop, the 1.5-mile Cedar Loop Trail, and the longest Salters Lake Trail via Bay Trail stretching 5.8 miles.

And the fun might be so rewarding that you'll want to stay overnight.

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Marty H/Tripadvisor

Campsites include six full hookups for RVs and 14 primitive tent sites.

While you're there, be sure to take in some exhibits at the Lake State Park Visitor Center open Monday-Friday.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Discover more about this natural water park in North Carolina on the Jones Lake State Park web page. While you're there, explore other fun things to do in Elizabethtown.

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Nature|National & State Parks

This Natural Water Park In North Carolina Is A Summer Dream Come True

Published Aug 16, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Cool off at this natural water park in North Carolina featuring 2,208 lovely acres. Located in Elizabethtown, Lake Jones State Park is dedicated to fun in the sun and a refreshing place to fight back the heat and humidity the Tar Heel State offers. Jones Lake is a 224-acre oasis with the deepest parts reaching only about 8 feet. Add to the memories of one of the oldest state parks in North Carolina.

advertisement

Jones Lake State Park opened in 1939 as Jones Lake Recreational Area and the first state park to welcome Black Americans and remained so for more than 10 years.

alt
North Carolina State Parks/Flickr

It was a project of the New Deal's Resettlement Administration and attracts thousands of visitors each year to swim and enjoy the many amenities.

You'll find this natural water park in North Carolina on State Route 242 just outside of Elizabethtown.

alt
June Dove/Google

Bring a blanket or beach chair and plan on enjoying the pretty scenery at this natural water park in North Carolina.

Pack up all of your favorite water gear.

alt
Carrie Smith/Google

Drag it all along - you never know what might come in handy.

advertisement

Water, restrooms, a volleyball court, and a seasonal concession stand are also available.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Another option is to bring your own lunch and dine at the covered handicap-accessible picnic shelter which accommodates up to 100 people if you have a group.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

However, reservations are strongly recommended to ensure the popular space for your special occasion.

Take a boat ride on a boat rental from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

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ncwetlands.org, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Folks can swim in the designated swimming area that is roped off for safety.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

But for those of us seeking a place to daydream - they also exist around the lake.

advertisement
alt
Kimberle McGill/AllTrails

Take a hike at the park with three options which you can find on the AllTrails website. These easy treks include the 4.3-mile Jones Lake Trail and Bay Trail Loop, the 1.5-mile Cedar Loop Trail, and the longest Salters Lake Trail via Bay Trail stretching 5.8 miles.

And the fun might be so rewarding that you'll want to stay overnight.

alt
Marty H/Tripadvisor

Campsites include six full hookups for RVs and 14 primitive tent sites.

While you're there, be sure to take in some exhibits at the Lake State Park Visitor Center open Monday-Friday.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Discover more about this natural water park in North Carolina on the Jones Lake State Park web page. While you're there, explore other fun things to do in Elizabethtown.

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Get the latest updates and news

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