Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags head, North Carolina is a 427 acre park that is home to the tallest living sand dunes on the East Coast. We had a wonderful 70 degree day to explore, our first warm day in North Carolina. We parked at the trailhead on the backside of the dunes. There was a beautiful protected cove where you can swim, paddle, kiteboard and windsurf. The park has three ecosystems, the dunes, maritime forest and the Roanoke Sound.
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| Boardwalk to the Roanoke Sound |
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| Beautiful Protected Cove |
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| Shallow Waters |
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| Beach |
Entry to Jockey's Ridge State Park is free. The dunes are a popular place for kite flying and hang gliding as well as hiking and sand boarding. There is a 1.5 mile trail that takes you over the dunes to the sound then back. We took the .9 mile Soundside Nature Trail through Live Oaks, Pines and Sweet Gum trees. Wax Myrtle and bayberry filled in the underbrush. Pets are allowed in the park but must be leashed. The sand was cool during our visit but signs warned that it can get extremely hot in the summertime. It is recommended to protect the paws of your pet when you visit.
We enjoyed our hike and the gorgeous views. We watched as a hang glider hopeful learned the ropes. Many people were kite flying while others rested on the peak of the dunes. We were amazed at the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the town of Nags Head. We heard that the sunsets are gorgeous! That alone, will bring us back to this amazing place.
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| Kite Flying at the ridge |
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| One of the highest dunes |
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| Heading for the Nature Trail |
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| Enjoying the view of the Atlantic |
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| First attempt at hang gliding |
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| The instructor runs alongside for the landing |
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| Kites and more kites |
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