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The Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects the wild and windy shorelines of North Carolina's Outer Banks.
The roiling waters off the Outer Banks have wrecked more than 600 ships over the centuries, earning the moniker "Graveyard of the Atlantic."
Some wrecks are still visible. There are four historic lighthouses along the shore, including the 208-foot, candy-cane striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
The beaches are a breeding ground for many species, including the endangered piping plover and the 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle.
Visitor centers on Hatteras, Bodie and Ocracoke islands, linked to the mainland by bridges and ferries, offer programs for naturalists, historians and children.
The sandy beaches are popular for surf fishing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling and windsurfing. Nature trails traverse shores, salt marshes and coastal woodlands. There are coastal campgrounds at the park.
Touring bicyclists must negotiate a crowded and shoulderless Route 12.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse for a fee.
For additional information about visiting Bodie Island call 252-441-5711, for Hatteras Island call 252-995-4474, and for Ocracoke Island call 252-928-4531.
Outdoor Activities |
