Cape Lookout One of a pair of North Carolina’s string of Outer Banks barrier islands to be des- ignated national seashores, Cape Lookout National Seashore (CLNS) is not nearly as well known or frequently visited as its neighbor to the northeast, Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The two parks are geographically simi- lar, comprised of slender slivers of sand facing the Atlantic Ocean to the east and
Information: 252-728-2250 www.nps.gov/calo. Cape Hatteras Stretching north to south across three Outer Banks barrier islands—Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke—Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) protects a 70-mile string of scenic beach, sand dunes, marshes, and woodlands. It was designated in 1953 as the country’s first
Noted for its epic winds and world- class waves, Cape Hatteras is a hotspot for surfing, windsurfing, and kite boarding. Fishing is excellent here, too. Information: 252-473-2111 www.nps.gov/caha. Assateague Island Best known for its herd of wild horses, Assateague National Seashore (AINS) is a 37-mile-long barrier island that sweeps
Left to Right: Kayaks are popular at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Sea oats defend against erosion. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tall- est brick lighthouse in the United States. Visitors enjoy life on the beach in a variety of ways. RV camping is inviting at Assateague Island National Seashore.
backed on the mainland side by shallow sounds, but CLNS is largely undevel- oped. Its three barrier islands—North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shakleford—offer 56 miles of white-sand beach, accessible only by ferry and ideal for sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. Ferries carry passengers and vehicles across Core Sound from the mainland to the islands. A ferry also connects the Cape Hatteras community of Okracoke and historic Portsmouth Village on North Core Banks. Cape Lookout Lighthouse is another major point of interest. Visitors can climb 207 steps to the top.
national seashore. Although the beach scene is quite similar to that of Cape Lookout, highway access to CHNS (via NC Highway 12) has resulted in much greater develop- ment, including motels, restaurants and other services. Once dubbed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” for its treacherous shoals, cur- rents, and storms, Cape Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to more than 600 shipwrecks—and the lighthouses built to help prevent them. CHNS has three lights, the renowned Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Lighthouse—the latter two open for climb- ing from mid-April to October.
south from Ocean City Maryland and well into Virginia. AINS is one of the most inviting of all the seashores and offers plenty to see and do. Cycling paths and hiking trails thread through both districts and canoeists and kayakers can ply the bay and marshes from designated launch areas. Surf and shell fishing are popular here and there are lifeguard-protected swimming beaches in both districts. Camping and vehicles are not allowed in the Virginia refuge. Go there instead to witness shorebirds passing through during their twice-yearly transcontinental migrations—or during the fall to see large flocks of snow geese that shelter in the
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