Getting there
As it was the end of the summer and it was a Monday night, hotel rooms were fairly abundant. I am intrigued by the renaissance motels or motor lodges are making and if I have a chance to stay at one, I will go out of my way to do so. Fortunately, I found the Heart of Manteo Motor Lodge – about 10 miles or 15 minutes across the Roanoke Sound to the entrance of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The rooms were pretty simple, and almost reminded me of a dorm room, but they were super clean, comfortable and had all the amenities I need for a one night stay. I will have to say the check-in process caught me off guard a bit, but it was fascinating. You walk into the first part of the lobby (the main lobby doors are locked and closed), you are directed to a kiosk. As you approach the kiosk, a live person pops up on the screen (most likely motion activated and the people are off-shore), and they check you in. Your ID is scanned, a key comes out of a slot, and a receipt is printed with WiFi info, an emergency number and your room number. I thought it was super cool and efficient – although lacking any sort of personal hospitality. Nonetheless, I think it was one of the highlights of my trip.
Pictures: Hotel Sign | Check-in Kiosk
Pictures: My Room | Front portion of the Motor Lodge
Lessons Learned
I really am trying to do a better job at researching parks and peaks, before I visit them, but I am still not 100% there. So a few lessons learned – Lesson #1, it was hot as heck out, and being a small park, I never thought about bringing water or a cold drink with me as I explored the dunes. I definitely could have used something to drink! Lesson #2 – Kitty Hawk is nearby and they have a hang-gliding school – so it’s a great place to fly things – like a kite! I should have brought a kite with me. Lesson #3 – be cognizant of sunrise and sunset. I need to make sure I am visiting the park or peak at the optimal time for views and either a sunrise or sunset. With any luck, maybe these tidbits will help someone as they explore.
Early that morning I headed to the park, but only after stopping at Dunkin’ Donuts for some morning fuel. With coffee in hand, I drove to the park. I should note there are two parking areas – the main parking area is off of S. Croatan Highway (where I parked) and the other parking area is off of West Soundside Road. I was also happy that there was no entrance fee for the park, making it accessible to all.
Pictures: Dunkin’ Donuts in Manteo, NC | Park Entrance
About the Park
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, situated along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, stands as a captivating natural wonder and a testament to the state’s diverse landscapes. Encompassing over 400 acres, it is renowned for hosting the tallest living dune system on the Atlantic coast. The park’s centerpiece, Jockey’s Ridge, reaches heights of up to 100 feet, providing a stunning panorama of the surrounding coastal scenery.
Visitors to Jockey’s Ridge State Park are drawn to its unique ecosystem, characterized by shifting sands and diverse plant and animal life adapted to the challenging conditions. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hang gliding, kite flying, and hiking across the undulating dunes. Sunset strolls along the ridge are particularly popular, treating visitors to breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sandy landscape. The park also marks the eastern terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.
Beyond its natural allure, Jockey’s Ridge State Park serves as an educational hub, with programs and exhibits exploring the geological history of the region, emphasizing conservation efforts, and highlighting the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem. Whether seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a serene escape into nature, Jockey’s Ridge State Park provides a dynamic and awe-inspiring destination for all who venture to North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Pictures: Visitor Center | Park Map
What’s in a Name?
The name, Jockey’s Ridge, is a mystery as to its origin. Perhaps it came from the practice of the early “bankers” who used the flats around the base of the dunes to race the Spanish mustangs that ran wild in the area while spectators watched from atop the dune. More likely, the name may have originated as a result of the ownership of the dune by a family with the name of, or similar to, Jackey. Personally, I think it is a combination of the two theories and someone “heard” Jockey because of the mustangs, instead of “hearing” Jackey.
Footwear Required!
I started at the Visitor Center to learn more about the park and the dunes. This is also where the hang-gliding school is located. From there I headed out to the dunes along the boardwalk – and yes I wore shoes. lol While strolling along the boardwalk, you’ll find informative signs about the local environment, such as the oak trees and mockingbirds. Eventually, you’ll end up at the observation deck, where you can walk down and explore the dunes.
Pictures: Hang-gliding School | Directional Sign | Entrance to the Boardwalk (not the footwear sign)
Pictures: The Boardwalk | A Live Oak Tree | About the Mockingbirds
Pictures: Observation Deck | View of the Dunes from the Observation Deck
What Trails?
From the map, you’ll see there are two trails – one to the Ridge Top and other the Tracks in the Sand. But as the park brochure notes: The nature of shifting sand prevents the construction of traditional trails in the park and so you just end up exploring and walking, which I had not issues with. However, with the heat, I thought I was wandering around aimlessly in the Sarah Desert looking for an oasis. The Tracks in the Sand is a 1.2-mile self-guided trail composed of 14 stations. (I didn’t do all the stations) The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours, beginning at the parking lot and meandering through the many environments in the park.
Pictures: Start of the Tracks in the Sand | There really is some elevation change here!
Pictures: The Sand Dunes
Pictures: Kite Flying on the Dunes
Pictures: The Dunes and Roanoke Sound
What are they looking at?
As I headed back toward the Observation Deck, I saw a family looking at something on one of the dunes, so naturally, I had to find out for myself. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to see a box turtle! But so far from any water. I felt bad, but live by the motto, leave nature alone, unless it’s the result of a man-made issue. I also saw a cool piece of driftwood as I meandered through the dunes. Eventually, I was back at the Observation Deck, a bit parched and ready for lunch!
Pictures: Box Turtle | Driftwood
Pictures: More Dunes | The Observation Deck from the Dunes
Lunch
After an exhausting day, I rewarded myself with a little lunch at Tortugas’ Lie in nearby Nags Head, NC. I should say literally up the street from the park entrance. I had the Catch of the Day Sandwich – Yellowfin Tuna – with Island Fries and a local lager. It was a pretty good place to recharge before I headed out.
Pictures: Tortugas’ Lie | Catch of the Day Sandwich – Yellowfin Tuna
Overall, Jockey’s Ridge State Park was nice. I would definitely combine it with a longer visit to the OBX (code abbreviation for the Outer Banks). And I would bring a kite, cold drink and stay for the sunset.
Date of Visit: 29 August 2023
