Jockey's Ridge State Park

The tallest sand dunes in Eastern US are a beautiful sight to see. Been coming to Jockey's Ridge since I've been grade school and it nice to see that this site is being well maintained. These dunes are not an easy feat but well worth the uphill climb. Definitely a place to visit for nature lovers, very serene. Great free adventure for solo, couple, or family trips!

Such a massive sand dune! The climb to the top wasn't bad. If you're able to do it, I would definitely try! There is an observation deck, where you can see part of the dune. This is a great option for those with mobility issues. I also would not be bringing a stroller. We brought a boogie board and a saucer sled to try and sled down but we didn't have any luck with those.

Pleasantly surprised by this location! Went on a cloudy day so it wasn’t hot, super windy and VERY cool. Like walking on the moon! The views are incredible, so much space, and not a too far walk. Loved it! The visitor center is also super nice and informative and they had free stickers :) AND DOG FRIENDLY

This is a really cool place. I have a few tips after being here. Bring some kinda shoes that are throw aways. Crocs and sandals are useless in sand. The sand is not smooth like the beach it’s more gritty and sharp in places. Absolutely beautiful views from on top. We flew kites from on top and what a blast it was. Definitely can see why the Wright Brothers got flight near by. It’s a lot of walking here and it’s on soft sand so it really slows you down.

This is a beautiful state park!! You can get 'lost' from the rest of the world and have a lot of fun. It is very windy, which makes for great kite flying or hang gliding. They offer hang gliding lessons here. There is a kite store across the street to purchase kites!! There is a recently uncovered sand castle from a mini golf place from the 1970s. That was pretty cool to see. In the early, quiet mornings, you may see some wildlife or animal tracks in the sand, including foxes, coyotes, and opossums. I fly kites frequently, but have never visited a spot as great to fly as here!Additionally, this place is great to watch the sunset from

Looking to climb dunes. Taking 3 steps for every 1 step gained. Then thus will be the place for you. Once you reach the top you can enjoy the view, fly a kite, or watch others enjoy the area. Sand can be hot depending on the season so morning/evening is best in the summer.

Really cool place to explore natural world of sand, sea and sky! Kids had fun running through the dunes and chasing each other 😃 Glad we went on a breezy cool day though and not the hottest day of the week!

Free entrance state park with the largest sand dune in the eastern USA. The day we went there was a kites festival. Very colorful kites & of course windy. You can see the ocean at the top of the dune.

I went here to get some hiking in and to experience the tallest dunes on the east coast. To start off the park is free to enter, park, visit - nice! I'd never been here so I went inside to ask where to go. The person I interacted with was very friendly and helpful. I made my way down the boardwalk and onto the sand. A little hike from there and I could see the dunes. I spent my time hiking up and down the dunes, taking in the views and made it to the water. On the way back I took a detour into the wooded area - where it felt 20 degrees cooler! Overall I hiked only about two miles. Short, but fun and a good time. If I did it again, I'd bring a kite. It's a popular thing to do at the dunes!

For kids, adults, couples and the whole family this is a must visit! There are good walking trails, sand surfing, hand gliding, kite flying, remote control planes and relaxing. Climb the biggest dune and yell "Arrakis!" Make sure you stop by the visitor, where the staff is super friendly and helpful. They also have indoor restrooms and water fountains. They have beverage machines outside the visitor center too. Eat before hand or pack something to eat if you plan to make it an all day thing. Also, there are no entrance fees!

Took a short hike on the dunes on an overcast day (recommended). This is a great place to take the family to see the dunes. You can also take what is necessary to have a picnic on the top of a dune or fly a kite. Dog friendly too.

Beautiful state park, pet friendly, but they must be on a leash at all times. Great place to get your steps in. Yes there are public toilets, and a small Museum. Also drink machines at the boardwalk before you actually enter the dunes. Again wonderful place just to get out there, and beautiful views of the sound and the sea. One of the few places you can spend and view both.

Beautiful sandy area that is free. You can enter from the main road or opt to park at kitty hawk kites and walk across the main road. Best to pick a day after rain or go on a cooler morning so you don't burn your feet. Get ready for step forward, half a step back hiking up and down hills and views of the ocean and sound. You might also see hang gliding school in action. If you walk or opt to park in the state park lot, there is a museum center and boardwalk area to guide you to the dunes. We have had some success with boogie boards or something to slide on the sand but this does not always work.

Very unique history of the land formation and cool experience . We went on a beautiful 72 degree day and the sand wasn't hot and perfect for a dog but I could see how during the summer it could get very hot so just be mindful.

Always a great stop when you are at the outer banks. If you plan to do the Parasailing be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. We opted for sand boarding which was an absolute blast. Takes some getting used to but one board for three people for four hours is plenty. Just walking up the dunes is exhausting but the trip down in the board- whether standing or sitting- is loads of fun.

Beautiful, naturally occurring sand dunes where everywhere you look the sand just keeps going and going, it almost looks like you're in a dessert! A bit of a steep hike up the sand though which some children, older folks, and those with some physical disabilities may struggle with.

The largest naturally occurring sand dunes on the East Coast are on the Outer Banks, Dune County, North Carolina. They are in constant movement. With each nor'easters sands blows in from the surrounding beaches and piles up on the existing dunes. From our home in South Nags Head, we were minutes away, and often drove or biked there to watch spectacular sunsets from the rims, or see a morning sky fresh after a storm flash its panoply of colors. It is easy to understand why the Wright Brothers chose the sand dunes just to the north in Kitty Hawk to attempt the first manned flight of an aircraft. They succeeded, as do the many windsurfers who rake flight from Jockey Ridge to defy gravity of only for a few seconds and celebrate their exhilarating freedom. It is equally easy to understand how the forces of nature keep these dunes in slow and perpetual motion, so much so that these sands have buried a hotel built in the 19th Century, and many homes constructed too close to the shifting sands. Today, you can rent a windsurfer and a guide to teach you how to fly. When you're done, there are great taverns nearby to tell a tall tale about your defying gravity and almost reaching the beach. Everyone will listen. Everyone wants to believe you are telling the truth. These dunes have been in this area for over 5,000 years. With some luck and conservation, they will continue their sway over this little corner of the Outer Banks for another 5,000.

We tried to go hang gliding here twice and sadly it was too windy to go both times. However we were still able to go to the state park and walk around. It was so beautiful and the kids absolutely loved the sand dunes. They loved running down and around. It was such a sight to see!

Bottom Line: A big sand dune offering recreation and a nice little visitors center. I've had many fun adventures at Jockey's Ridge over the decades including rolling down the dune as a kid (yuk), taking a hang gliding lesson in my 20s and more recently, enjoying the sound side beach and kayaking behind the dunes. Perhaps one of the most popular activities at Jockey's Ridge is hiking to the top to watch the sun dip below the sound but this state park offers many more recreational opportunities. There are hiking trails, ranger led programs and in the right season unique sports like sandboarding. In 2023 Jockey's Ridge State Park opened a new visitors center which has some great exhibits. I really enjoyed seeing a pelican (taxidermy mount) close up. Did you know that they can hold two gallons of water in their mouths? I also enjoyed an exhibit that gave an overview of the wildlife that lives in the dune system. Near the visitors center there are some picnic tables in the shade, a few vending machines and a boardwalk that overlooks the dunes. Parking options at Jockey's Ridge include a large lot near the visitors center and a small lot near the sound side beach. The latter fills up quickly during prime times. Visitors may also park across the bypass (hwy 158) at the Kitty Hawk Kites shopping center and then take the pedestrian walkway across the highway to the base of the dune.

The largest sand dunes on the East Coast, great little hike and make sure to bring some water it is hot out on the dunes!!

Beautiful - a must see stop in the Outer Banks. Go a bit before dusk for the best experience and be prepared for a bit of walking up the dunes.

I've never felt compelled to review a natural site but good lord...I don't get the hype at this place. It's just a big hill and field of sand. Not exotic red sand or a hill the size of things you've seen in pictures or videos (or in person) in actual desserts. Just regular sand at an unimpressive height. To be fair, the views of the nearby rental properties, the sound from 158, and the litter *almost* make up for this being the most boring natural landmark I've ever been to, but not quite. You also have four choices when it comes to footwear: barefoot, but I understand it's too hot for that in the summer; flip-flops, but they aren't good for climbing the inclines; shoes/boots, but they fill with sand; or Keen-type sandals, but not everyone has those. This place does not hit the mark for enjoyable sand (desserts, beaches), nor natural beauty (surrounded by houses and roads), nor solitude (too many people), nor education (the visitor center was closed when we visited). I. Just. Don't. Get. It.

TLDR: 3/5 stars for inadequate signage informing visitors of the unsafe water conditions. We planned a trip to Nags Head Beach in Jockey's Ridge State Park after a local recommended it to us. We were looking for a calm place to bring our dogs swimming. I wanted to check out the rest of the state park earlier in the day, but Apple Maps listed the opening time as 9 am. The gates actually open at 8 am. We decided to check out some other spots and returned here around 11:30 am. The parking lot is small at Nags Head Beach, but we found a few open spots. After packing up all of our things, preparing our dogs, and walking towards the beach we noticed the sign. Although the first sign that catches your eye does not mention anything about bacterial contamination, a second sign off to the left of the stairs does. This sign is not easy to notice because it is smaller and off to the side. If you are walking onto the beach looking at the ocean you won't even see it. Plus it is only in English. The sound was full of people. I don't know if they didn't see the sign or didn't care, but we did not want to risk it. We got in our vehicles and drove across the way to the ocean. The park seems well kept and offers many activities. I just feel they should be more informative regarding the water test results and health department recommendations.

Not a thing would I change! Take your family and watch the sun set! This place was beautiful we stayed on the dunes side, we took our chairs and we enjoyed people watching and the views as the sun disappeared. This was really a lovely way to end our last day of vacation. We parked across the street and had no issues. I would definitely recommend.

Im not going to lie and say I wasn't skeptical or what I would really get out of sand dunes toting little ones no less. I was very wrong. Parking lot deceiving my looked as though not many people were there but this place is pretty big and all the people there still didn't make us feel like we were all on top of each other. Sand is absolutely soft and pillowy here. The views, sunset, breeze, and kites flying were spectacular. I def worked out my calves hiking some of those hills with my 20 lb little one. Tips: They've got restrooms at the entrance! Best to come here when the sun isn't beating down on you on a hot day (like in the evening after dinner during sunset) Bring your A-game because this is a photographers paradise

The parking situation is great. There are restrooms on property. We went when the center was being remodeled, so there was a ranger at a table under a pavilion, who wasn't very friendly towards us. We swiped map and headed out without much direction. We walked the boardwalk and then walked around some of the dunes. It was extremely hot when we went and after a half hour, and a few pictures later, we were done with the park. I saw some hang gliders off in the distance on top of one of the dunes, but it was so far away from us. It would have been cool to see, but I don't really know what area of the park is the best to view these because it seems so big, but the sand is hard to walk in, especially on a hot day. Maybe stop by during the colder months and you would have a better experience? I really wanted to love this place, and I just had an ok time. The trails are also hard to find and navigate and I don't go hiking enough to know what to look for, etc.

We've been coming to the Outer Banks for years and years now, and my wife has been coming since she was a little girl, and a visit to this amazing place to watch the sunset is always a must! It's a spectacularly different place to be, with huge sand dunes worth of a Star Wars movie set as the background for the visit! If there's a single place that I'd recommend as MUST.NOT.MISS, then this is it! All free by the way. Just park your car, walk via a variety of paths, take your shoes off (late evenings, as the sand gets very hot during the day) and climb a couple of dunes to the high point for a view of the West and hope for a green flash!

Absolutely loved this place. Reminded me of the Middle East but not as hot. Definitely worth the walk out there although we were not successful using a piece of card board, they have a pile of it prior to the dunes at the end of the boardwalk, to sled down the dune.

Lots of parking which is awesome. I was a bit confused by the concept of the park. Hand gliding, dunes, hiking? We wish the boardwalk was longer, but enjoyed the observation deck at the end overlooking "the highest dunes in the east coast." We then walked some of the dunes and walking paths and enjoyed the trees and nature. It was completely empty which made us hesitant to explore too much, so next time I'm there we may go at a different time of day to hopefully see some humans.

This state park was one of my favorite places in the Outer Banks. We were hoping to do some sand boarding, but unfortunately the weather didn't work out. The shop warned us that the sand was too wet for us to enjoy it which was nice so we didn't waste money. It's really easy to just wander around the dunes. We did the Tracks in the Sand Trail which wasn't much different than just wandering around. I am glad we followed it because it went down to the water and we would have missed the path to the sound if we hadn't been following the markers. We also did the Jockey's Ridge Soundside Nature Trial which is a separate parking area of the park. It's a short trail and not quite as exciting as the more sand duney part of the main park. The main part of the state park is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. We also watched the sunset at Jockey's Ridge Soundside which was more of just a normal beach sunset. We had just recently visited Great Sand Dunes National Park and these dunes definitely don't compare to those. It's still a must visit in the Outer Banks though!

Our favorite outing on the Outer Banks. Really peaceful and sublime exploring the dunes with our dog. Lovely views of sand, sound and ocean. We went twice and the dunes looked different in different weather and depending on the walking route. I appreciate that you can wander around at will and that most people seem to respect the dunes.

Jockeys ridge is a beautiful park. Unfortunately they were redoing the visitor center when we visited so we could not check it out. We took the boardwalk to the dunes. I would recommend going in the morning before it gets very hot. We also brought a kite to fly and my son had so much fun. I would suggest bringing a lot of water because walking on the dunes can make you very thirsty.

The East Coast's largest sand dune is pretty impressive. Rolling hills of sand make you feel like you could be lost in a desert. Hang gliders are off in the distance launching off of another hill. When you reach the top of the highest hill you feel like you've conquered a mountain that tries to crumble with every step you take. Scenes for a Star Wars movie could very well be filmed here. On a serious note, going to the Wright Brothers Memorial and visiting Jockeys Ridge will give you a whole new appreciation for the 250 times they climbed Big Kill Devil Hill to test glider flights.

We were not familiar with this park but were headed to the Wright Brothers Museum and spotted these giant dunes on the side of the road and made a quick stop. Pictures do not do this place justice---if you walk along the dunes you feel like you're on a desert planet and there are gorgeous views of the town and ocean at almost every angle. Free tourist attraction that is totally worth a stop if you're in the area.

Hidden gem in the OBX. Enjoyed an afternoon walking on the dunes and be amazed by the scenery of nature. Saw people coming with kites and slides. Plan to do it next time we are in town.

Such an amazing place, especially at night with the sunsets! Got here around sundown and enjoyed a wonderful sunset, but lost my way on the way back from the coast, walking about 3x further in the opposite direction. Then my phone died, so I was stumbling and bumbling around the sand dunes on a hurry to get back before the gates closed. At one point I ran up a dune in a panic to get to the parking lot faster, and hit a soft spot of sand, falling onto my knees (it was a super condensed version of Lawrence of Arabia). Dusting my self off, I managed to reach the parking lot by 7:40. Good lesson to bring the flashlight

We had no idea what Jockey's Ridge State Park was when we turned down the road after a trip to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, but we're so glad we stopped. Walking on the short tree-lined path and then coming to a clearing with a massive sand dune was a very memorable and cool experience! This experience was probably more enjoyable because it was a spontaneous surprise. There is a nice view of Roanoke Sound from the top of the dunes. We arrived to ample parking (Wednesday late afternoon in summer 2022), and it was a windy day. This could be a good activity for all ages, and there was no entry fee. There are bathroom facilities on site. Additionally, we saw a large group walking out to the dune to go hang gliding, but we had to leave before they took off. We did get a little lost going back to the car so make sure you pay attention to your path on the way out- things kinda look the same once you're out on the dune if you're not familiar with the area.

Absolutely beautiful! A definite MUST to come hike over the dunes at watch the sunset.

Beautiful spot to watch the sunset! The sand dunes are a must see! At times you feel like you are walking through the desert! It's about a 20 minute walk in from the parking lot to the dune with the best view over the water. COVID-19 times: A decent amount of people were wearing masks, but definitely a lot without. For the most part you can keep plenty of distance, it just gets a little busy towards the entrance of the trail going in, but that opens up more with plenty of space after just a few minutes of walking. I was nervous about so many people leaving at the same time, but again very easy to keep away from others.

Only sand dunes of this size on the east coast. Very unique. I suggest going on a day that may be more overcast. Hot summer days you feel like your baking.

The huge sand dunes are definitely worth a visit for kiting or watching others fly their kites. Given that there's no shade and you're directly under the sun, choose a warm day (sand can get hot) and bring plenty of water. Some people abandoned their footwear at the entrance of the park but we took our belongings with us. Your fun will depend on the temperature, how hydrated you are, and whether there's adequate wind. Intuitively, people buy kites at Kitty Hawk Kites strategically located across the street from the dunes, but if you don't want to spend $30 to $100 for a kite, then go to one of the souvenir shops (Wings, Sunsation, Ben Franklin) nearby, and spend the savings on your significant other instead! Get an ice cream scoop or fudge. Park across the street and be careful crossing. Cars come flying given that the dunes are right on a main road.

A my first park visit with a ranger guided hike, I have to say this was one of my best park visits in the NC system! I was initially worried because one ranger I spoke to at the front desk was particularly unfriendly. However, the guy who led the hike was very chill, easy going and able to interact with our small but well mixed group. He took us up over dunes and identified animal tracks, plants and historical differences in the landscape as the dunes shift, rise and fall over time. It's an ever-moving landscape and there's certainly a metaphor deep in all that sand about life being constant motion, etc. etc. We hiked to the top of the highest dune and got a great view of the sound on one side and the ocean on the other. He shared history of the businesses and homes in the area and stories of the military guys partying with the local gals out on the dunes way back in the day. After my hike and snapping a few photos of, well, sand, another ranger was conveniently on hand and happy to offer to take my photo in front of the park sign on the side of the building. It's not one of my favorite photos of me. That rounded out a perfect, if brief, visit to this great state park. It will be exciting to come back in 5-10 years to see where the dunes are then.

Such a great park to go to! I definitely suggest going to it if you love hiking! Jockey's Ridge feels like an extensive desert that never seems to end, but it's so beautiful! Just be prepared to go on the hike, bring water and tons of Sun screen! Also, unless you are going to stay in the sand for a short period of time, wear your shoes or bring them with you when you walk, because that sand can get hot very quick, and burn your feet, especially by mid-day and in the summer. Also, being a kite, because the wind is perfect on top of a dune for some kite flying. Overall, Jockey's Ridge is a must-do for anyone wanting to get the full OBX experience!!

The park offered a large parking lot area with lots of picnic tables spread throughout the grass areas, a hang glider for a fun photo op session, and varying paths to the sand dunes (including an outlook wooden path and a sandy wooden flat path). We opted for just taking the outlook wooden path, as the temperature was too hot to carry the baby and battle the hot sand. Apparently it is a very long trek to the dunes, so we were only able to see a very small area, but it was still a beautiful visit.

A must see! After a long day of laying out in the sun at the beach, the perfect way to have ended our day was to catch the sunset at Jockey's Ridge State Park. The mini workout to walk through the sand is worth it for these views! Entrance is free and there is plenty of parking.

We had a blast walking or running up and down the dunes. Made us feel like kids again, care free and no rules of where to go and be! Once at the top the view of the streets below, buildings/homes and ocean is awesome to see. It was sprinkling on and off the day we went but totally worth it. The sand is super soft to walk in so kick off your shoes and let your toes sink in and get massaged with every step. We brought our pup and he had the time of his life here! No crowds so no worries!

Can I just say I would give this place 100 stars if I could. It is hands down the most stunning park I've ever been in because it's so incredibly different and unexpected. The dunes make you feel like you've been transported to the scence in Aladdin or Arabian Nights. It's what I imagine Egypt to look like. You also see at the top of the dunes, people flying large beautiful kits. It's definitely a sight to take in and just feel how small we are compared to nature. We were lucky to have planned our trip on a cloudless day right before sunset and got to catch it going down over the horizon. It does get a tad chilly so definitely be prepared with a scarf or thicker jacket. Also beware walking in the sand can be quite a workout LOL. I know it says the park closes at 5:45pm but it doesn't seem to be strictly enforced.

Big giant sand dune in the horizon. This sand dune must have cumulate for long time. The sand dune is about 100 feet tall. I think it one of the tallest in Eastern Seaboard. The park is free. There is a visitor's center with boardwalk. The board walk only take you to the bottom of the dune. In order to experience the sand dune, I would suggest walk to the top. The view is amazing. You can arrange with the park ahead if you are handicap. All terrain vehicle can be arranged. Other activities you can do is sand boarding, sand sleigh, kite flying, hand gliding and more. We saw some one sand boarding. It is interesting. We also someone did an experiment on Wright Brother plane to fly it. If you visit, be prepared of comfort shoe or flip flop for easy sand walking. Morning may be the best because you can walk with your bear foot. Noontime the sand got hot.

This was a last minute stop after dinner on our last night. We had driven by it numerous times on the way down to Nag's Head and south for various activities, and it looked interesting to check out. Once you park in the large lot and take one of the paths a couple minutes out to the dunes, they just go in every direction, with matching views of the ocean and bay. There were plenty of people scattered all around, walking, sitting around, enjoying the coming sunset and flying kites. Within an hour, the sun started setting and everyone started to gather on the closest dunes for the best view. Unfortunately, our view of the actual sunset was blocked by some low-lying clouds, but the whole event was pretty neat anyway. You can go barefoot, with sandals, or even sneakers, although you'll get a decent amount of sand in your shoes no matter how careful you are. This is a nice stop, its free and you can spend as little or as much time here as you want. I can see it being a nice spot for locals who just want to meet up or relax and enjoy the views. I'd love to go back here and bring a kite next time.

The sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking! Walking on the dunes is tough for just about everyone, so be prepared for a good leg workout! This place feels like a scene out of a movie because it's so unique. Admission is free. The visitors center is currently closed due to the pandemic, but hiking the dunes is the real feature of this site. I would recommend this park for physically fit individuals.

Tip: Leave your sandals/shoes in the car or at the entrance before heading into the State Park. The walk starts with shaded trees then opens to wide dunes. Plenty of space and areas to keep distance away from others. Left fork of Jockey's Ridge entrance are public bathrooms and foot wash stations.

Such a cool place to check out. When you are surrounded by the sand dunes, it felt like being in a desert. It was a great scenery. It is a short trail to the water. Definitely check out this amazing spot.

Great place to have a stroll, especially at sunset for some good pictures. In the daytime my kids enjoyed the visitor center, lots of info about the dunes and local wildlife / plants. Then walk around the dunes. It's normally 2,000 degrees- tip don't wear flip flops - the sand is lava ! There is a hang gliding learning place at the edge of one dune- I've never seen anyone make it more than about 40 feet ha ha. Get off before it's dark as it gets pitch black(!)

Must do in the outer banks. The dunes are big. Nice size area to walk around and explore. You can also watch the hang gliders. Feels like you are walking in the desert.

You cannot visit OBX without a visit to Jockey's Ridge. Whether it is to hang glide or fly kites, this National Park will amaze you. Bring sunscreen and a hat. You'll feel like a kid again running through the sand.

Jockey's Ridge is a great example of how sometimes, the State Park can be better than the National Park. I suppose it depends though on what you're there for. I would for sure suggest pairing this park with Wright Brothers Memorial, because you can get a little bit of an idea of what the big hill where the Wright monument is looked like when the Wright Brothers were doing their flight tests. Anyway, pack some shoes you don't mind getting some sand in, and put on some sunscreen, because you really should budget some time to go walk out on the dunes. Sure, you can use the viewing platform (which is disabled friendly) but it's not the same as wandering around on the dunes. (There's also supposed to be a service where if you have limited mobility, they'll drive you out on the dunes, but you need to do this in advance.) Once you get out far enough, it's like being in a different world. It's one of the higher spots in the Outer Banks as well, so you get a nice view from the top of the dune complex. There's also a nice visitor center here, which has a nice history of the dunes and is definitely worth checking out.

Loved it here! Free park with huge sand dunes you can walk on. Great to explore and kill an hour. Beautiful views from the top.