Jockey's Ridge State Park

places where you won't be able to wipe the wag off your dog's tail - Nags Head NC

The Park

Jockey’s Ridge, with heights varying from 80 to 100 feet, is the tallest natural sand dune system on the Atlantic seacoast. The vast expanse of sand stays in place due to the shifting winds that blow the massive sand pile back one way and then back the other. Once discovered, the naked hilltops served as an important navigational landmark for European explorers. Its name is though to survive from wild pony races staged in the flats at the base of the dune. As access to the Outer Banks barrier islands increased after World War II development pressures galvanized local groups into action to save the dunes. In 1974 Jockey’s Ridge was designated a National Natural Landmark. The state park began taking shape the next year and today encompasses 420 acres.

The Walks

This is the closest thing you will find to mountain-climbing for your dog on the Carolina coasts - all on sand. Your dog is welcome to play anywhere throughout this vast sand box. The soft sands, steep dunes and stiff winds can make for invigorating canine hiking at Jockey’s Ridge. And avoid the middle of a summer day - the sands can be as much as 30 degrees hotter than the air temperature and can burn a dog’s paw pads. For dogs who like their walking more structured there are two interpretive nature trails marked by posts across the dunes. The 1.5-mile Tracks in the Sand Trail departs from the Visitor’s Center and highlights the signs in the sand left by small mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and even plants that have adapted to this desert environment. The 1-mile Soundside Overlook Trail explores the four different environments of the park including shrub forest and brackish marsh. Both trails lead to the sandy edge of the Roanoke Sound estuary where the gentle waters make an ideal canine swimming pool - or a cool walkway through the shallows.

Where The Paw Meets The Earth: Sand, sand and more sand

Workout For Your Dog - Absolutely

Swimming - If your dog finds the Roanoke Sound waters too tame the Atlantic Ocean is only a couple of blocks away - and dogs are allowed on the Nags Head beach year-round.

Restrictions On Dogs - Dogs can roam the dunes 

Something Extra

If you can divert your eyes from the ocean and sound views take some time to scan the sand for evidence of lightning strikes. When lightning scorches the sand at two thousand degrees Fahrenheit it fuses the sand grains together. The result of each strike is a glass-lined tube called a Fulgurite. If your dog sniffs one out, take a picture and bring it to the park office.

Phone Number - (252) 441-7132

Website 

Admission Fee - None

Directions - Nags Head; at Milepost 12 on the South Croatan Highway (Route 158 Bypass) on the Outer Banks.

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