North Carolina’s most visited state park, Jockey’s Ridge, saw an estimated 1.9 million visitors in 2020. The park is situated on the sound just across the street from the ocean in Nags Head, where a living sand dune estimated at more than 300 acres large ebbs and flows with the maritime winds.

On average, the dune climbs to anywhere from 80 to 100 feet in height, depending upon the maritime conditions.
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It's the tallest living sand dune on the entire eastern seaboard and visitors love the off-road technique of exploring on foot all it has to offer.
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From forested thickets to many wide-open expanses of space to traverse, the dune really is spectacular. It's no wonder Jockey's Ridge is year after year the most visited state park in the system.
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And from what was once an impossibility for those with physical disabilities, now, everyone can make the trip to the top of the dunes! The park now offers people with disabilities a ride on an ATV to the top of the dune to look out over the ocean and the sound. Rides on ATVs must be scheduled in advance. Learn more here.
The park also features three main trails, including a trek measuring 1.2 miles, a 360-foot boardwalk, and still another trail that travels to the water on the sound.
Google Maps/Nik Kei

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Of course some visitors make their own activities. Here's one that brought a skim board to ride down the hill!
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The park also features hang gliding lessons from an outside vendor. Yes, you can learn to fly on these massive dunes!
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If you have yet to explore the tallest sand dune on the east coast, then add this state park to your bucket list this year.
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The park is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day.
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The hours vary by season. You can see them, and learn more about the park, on the official website for Jockey’s Ridge State Park in North Carolina.

For another must-visit state park in the Tar Heel State: This Incredible Hike In North Carolina Leads You To A Waterfall, Over A Granite Dome, And Past An Old Homestead.

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Featured Addresses
Jockey's Ridge State Park, 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA