Jockey's Ridge State Park, Outer Banks: beautiful natural sand dunes and sandboarding

August 17, 4:09 PMOffbeat Places ExaminerNeala Schwartzberg

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Sure you could go in search of the perfect wave and surf, but you could also take up the sport of sandboarding – doing it on a nice tall sand dune at Jockey's Ridge.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of the major attractions of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Located in the town of Nags Head it provides the perfect complement to the ocean that laps at the other end of town.

Yes, there’s plenty of sand by the ocean, but not the glorious dunes that stretch for 420 acres at Jockey’s Ridge. Jockey's Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States with peaks up to 80 to 100 feet, depending on weather conditions.

The park offers many pleasures, including a full program of ranger-led programs and activities free and open to the public. Some programs are accessible for the physically disabled.( Please call the park office about reservations at 252.441.2588)

Handicapped Accessibility The 384-foot boardwalk ends with a spectacular view of Jockey's Ridge. Along the tree-lined walkway are information panels describing the various plants and animals found around the dunes. There is a bench on the overlook for visitors who wish to wait for their families playing on the dunes. Transportation to the top of the dunes may or may not be available until 7 PM pending availability of a vehicle and 24-hour prior notice. Please call the park office for further details at (252) 441-7132.

But in addition to the hiking and climbing, the hang-gliding, kite-flying (it’s one of the best sites for kites  in the Outer Banks), and walking, there’s also sandboarding.

A growing sport at sand dunes across the country (where ever it is permitted), sandboarding is permitted at Jockey’s Ridge in a designated area of the park from October 1 to March 31. Some boards will require a permit, obtained from the park office. Parents have to sign for anyone under 18.

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