Jockey's Ridge State Park Reviews

Jockeys Ridge is truly a wonder to behold! The shifting sands, the incredible peaks and valleys! It was a cool Spring day that my family and I visited and after a short climb we were amazed at the vast dunes! Definitely worth the trip!!

Jockeys Ridge was a nice walk, but it was very very hot. plan on doing a fair bit of uphill walking because even though it doesnt look too high from the street or sound, it is a good walk up.

Enter the nature trail, traverse up a small hill and there they are, the dunes! It was like... where are we? So beautiful!

We were only here for about an hour and a half, but was impressed with the sand dunes. Pictures don’t do it justice, you have to see it

We enjoy going here, especially with our grandchildren. Have been here several times. The grandchildren are amazed at all the sand and hills. They enjoyed running and playing in the sand. Some people were doing hang gliding lessons and they enjoyed watching. It is always a good activity to do with children.

tremendous views of miles of hills and dunes.Not many sliding implements for dunes though which is main attraction.If you're a kiter this is a class A spot.

We bought kites and spend an evening waiting for sunset and running kites. It was amazing. a must do if you are in the are

I've heard about this place for all my life but never took the time to go. I was blown away by the majesty of a large pile of sand. We climbed to the top of the dunes and just stood there admiring the view. There is also a small museum area and a film about the origins of the park.

This is a must see. Be prepared though. If you are walking out in the hottest sun of the day, it is going to take a bit out of you. I made the mistake of taking my shoes off in the sand and walked for quite a bit since it was easier walking but the sand was hot and burned my foot. It is worth the walk though and it is a good hike. It should be done earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

Wow so beautiful! A dune park ! The entire family loved this it. It was exhausting running up and down the dunes but those views especially at sunset - worth it !

We always went at night close to sunset.

A visit is highly recommended. Take off your shoes and walk through the beautiful sand. The dunes are impressive. Once you reach the top you have a beautiful panoramic view. The park is free.

This is by far one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The sand dunes are amazing! A beautiful place to watch the sunset. We always visit this state park when we come to the Outer Banks.

Beautiful place to explore. You do not feel like you are in NC because of the unique, never-ending terrain. Make sure to watch the sun set, but don't get lost in the dark on your way back.

So lots of people write about the sand dune, which is cool to climb and you can see the ocean and the sound from atop the hill, the is a small sound access that has a great shallow water beach on the sound. Perfect for the little kids because the water is clear, the bottem clean and sandy and shallow for a long ways out. Parking however is extrememly limited

Our group was able to hike the large loop of the park fairly easily without confusion. It was easy for younger kids to blaze the trails but it seemed as if people did not listen to the shoe policy.

My husband and I enjoyed hiking around the state park. The sand dunes were amazing. Lots of places to explore. Excellent place for kids to roam around and explore.

Well worth the trip to check this out! We went on a cold, windy day and bundled up! We had a great time hiking all over the sand dunes, my 5 and 3 year olds loved it (and we loved the great naps that followed!) admission is free and the park rangers are super helpful with any questions. A must see!

Beautiful views! You can hike as much or as little as you want. Sand and dunes as far as you can see. Wonderful visitors center!

This place is amazing! It is such a cool place to bring the kids with their sleds and let them slide down the sand dunes. Just a perfect family friendly experience.

I went here to get some hiking in and to experience the tallest dunes on the east coast. To start off the park is free to enter, park, visit - nice! I’d never been here so I went inside to ask where to go. The person I interacted with was very friendly and helpful. I made my way down the boardwalk and onto the sand. A little hike from there and I could see the dunes. I spent my time hiking up and down the dunes, taking in the views and made it to the water. On the way back I took a detour into the wooded area - where it felt 20 degrees cooler!

Overall I hiked only about two miles. Short, but fun and a good time. If I did it again, I’d bring a kite. It’s a popular thing to do at the dunes!

Stopped here during the day around 1:00. Place was busy. Lots of things to look at in the center and then you can head out on the walkway and head down to the dunes and walk the many paths they have. Great place to spend the afternoon.

I really enjoyed my adventure at Jockey's Ridge State Park. It is free to go to and there are so many sand dunes to explore with all different views. It is a lot of walking so make sure to bring water and good shoes. You could also go barefoot if you want. It seems like a great location to learn to hand glide as well. I really enjoy hiking so it was a great time. There is also a really nice visitor center and places to refill water bottles.

Super cool experience. A free park where you can explore waterfront, “forest”, and feel like you are in a dessert in mammoth sand dunes. Amazing experience for our kids. It IS a lot of walking in high heat if going in summer, and a lot of walking up hill. You don’t need to work that hard to get nice views but if you are able it’s definitely worth the work. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Went in august and while air temp was scorching, the sand surprisingly was not. They do offer dune rides for those unable physically to make the treck. From the top of the dunes you can see to the ocean, the sound…a 10 mile view. I think this is a must do adventure if you are in the outer banks. (Depending on how young your kids are…you won’t be pushing a stroller through this park)

Beautiful sunsets...wonderful kites...amazing views...good smiles...friendly guides and attention to Covid protocols.

This is our second year visiting the Outer Banks and we loved this just as much as last year. Decided to bring entire family to experience this beautiful park. I originally scheduled a trip up the dunes during the day with the park ranger on an atv at 1:00 in the afternoon so our mother would be able to experience this. Well the week we visited was extremely hot and humid 9/7-9/15/22 and right in the middle of the day so we decided to cancel this. The park ranger stated they only do day trips. Anyway we ended up visiting our last night for the sunset. I was a little disappointed mom didn’t get to join us on the trek and was even more disappointed after seeing the ranger on the atv hauling people up the hills. Honestly maybe that was a tour as well, really unsure. Needless to say she was fine as she knew she wouldn’t be able to try it. The rest of us hiked to the top and saw the most amazing sunset you could imagine, just breathtaking. Couldn’t have had a better last night in the OBX!

Took a 2,7 and 7 year olds and flew kites. It was super fun. We kicked off shoes and flew kites! They have bath rooms and vending machines.

Was a little disappointed that the sand dunes are so much smaller then years ago. Not sure if it due to weather or the buildup of the city around it. Have hope that they will restore them to what I remembered from my childhood.

When you reach the center it feels like you’re on a different planet. We loved Jockeys Ridge so much, we went twice. Once during the day to fly a kite, and once in the evening to sit at the top of the dune and watch the sunset. It was an amazing experience!

So this attraction is some sand dunes and...ummmm.....that’s about it. I’m struggling to think of much else to say but if you have a sandpit of a limited size at home you might enjoy the large amount of sand here.

The largest natural shifting sand dune on the east coast is a phenomenon one needs to experience first hand. Natural beauty at its finest...

My family visited the park during our first trip to the OBX. The park is beautiful with lovely views of the water from the tops of the dunes.

This was a sick work out. We walked all the way to the water and back. Really enjoyed these views. This is a absolute Must see!

Amazing is not the word for it! The Dunes and the view from the top are just breath taking. Try to go close to sunset, it was magical. People were laughing and flying kites, for a little while I felt like a kid again. Prepare to walk quite a bit, but it is so worth it. We took boogie boards to try to slide on, that doesn't work, so don't bother with that. Heavy cardboard might work, but boogie boards do not. I can't wait to come back to this beautiful place!

Our very favorite place in the obx. Breathtaking views of the sunset. Fly kites, take pictures and just run free. An amazing treasure here. There are restrooms and water spouts for rinsing feet by the parking lot. Lots of free parking. Easy to get to if you can walk. Not for people in wheelchairs etc.

We have been visiting the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge since the early 1970’s and even though the height and mass of the dunes is not quite as huge, it is still an amazing feature of the Outer Banks. Our latest visit was Thanksgiving week when we had our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren visiting. We took the group down to the state park to enjoy the illuminated kite show. It was fun for everyone, young and older.

See the hang-gliders and the kites, plus the setting sun with someone special makes it a must do! Bring you some water and sandals cause the sand can get hot!

This is the largest dune area on the east coast. My teenage children like to sled on the dunes and build jumps here to sled down. This only works with higher-end Morey Boogie Board type boards and wax (wax is a must) -- and you can zoom down the steeps. There are also wooden boards with a string (to keep the nose up) for rent at the surf shop across the main highway. Our kids also like to run and jump and do flips and such down the hills. It can be very windy and the blowing sand can burn your legs as it whips by. You can fly a kite here too and take a hang gliding lesson.

We loved this place. So much fun climbing the dunes but it is exhausting and hot. This was our favorite state park on the Outer Banks.

The dunes are breathtaking. Seriously so beautiful. We watched people hang glide and fly kites while we were there. The big dunes surprisingly weren’t too difficult for my 3 year old.

had a good day to walk out to the ridge some hang gliders were taking off on the other ridge we enjoyed the view at the top

There are many places to see the sunset. This is just one of them. There is a lot of walking across sand dunes to get to the optimal sun setting location.

An awesome natural wonder for kids and adults alike. make sure you have the enough time and bring a drink or snack, too.

Free family activity. We went just days after a hurricane rain came through so the sand was more compact & made it easier to climb. These sand dunes have nothing on the dunes in MI. They were easy to climb but someone did mention that they change heights when hurricanes come through. It is a nice view from the top. There is a lot of sand to explore that we didn’t.

We went toward the evening time..wouldn't go on a hot day!! We walked up the sand dunes for amazing views of the water! Definitely worth getting a little sandy!! Easy to social distance.

Amazing. Didn't know what to expect. All I can say is, it's a must see! Just a heads up, you will be walking in soft sand and up and down hills. I didn't walk all of it, as I have a bumb knee, but was able to see and walk some. They do have a parasaling school there, and a little information inside.

Visited the Outer Banks with my wife in July. By mere chance, we stopped off at Jockeys Ridge Park to stretch our legs. Lucky we did. One of the most beautiful and different beaches we have ever seen. Soft sand as far as the eye can see, may well have been in a desert. Lovely 1 mile walk to see where it meets the ocean. An absolute must if visiting the OBX

Good little hike, take water if it’s warm, great view but let’s face it it’s just a giant sand dune so take a kite, a camera, or a snow sled.

A great place if you love sand. I do not recommend for smaller kids or people that overheat easily or have mobility issues.
My kids 11 and 8, didn't like it.
That said, if I had brought a boogie board or cardboard they may have thought different.

super easy to just park and walk up to any of the ridges and watch a beautiful sunset over the sound and we were lucky enough to be there during a mega full moon so as soon as the sun set we turned around and the moon was huuuugee coming up over the horizon behind us.

Ever since I was a little girl I dreamt of going to distant planets and exploring the terrain; I would seek unique life forms and communicate with them.  This year I went to North Carolina and the great sand dunes. The sand goes for miles and I imagined I was walking on Mars looking for civilizations. It was fun but my legs hurt.  For once I got to play the great adventuress.
 Gina Quartermaine

Worse vacation ever. Food is terrible, there is absolutely nothing to do!! Nothing!! Worse waste of money I ever spent.

There is not a lot to look at. I went decades ago and walked out to a huge sand dune. Maybe this time I went to the wrong place, but now the ridge is all over grown with shrubs and weeds so its not pure sand. There is a view deck we walked out to and thought, wheres all the sand. Maybe I'm missing something? People used to hand glide off the dune, can they still do that? Don't know where!

This state park is unlike any other in the US. The dunes were created ages ago and it's just a stunning place to walk and visit. The views from the top of the ridges are amazing with ocean views to the east and sound views to the west.

Its also great to stop and watch the hang gliders from Kitty Hawk Kites! Really excellent photo opps here. Well worth an hour or two to visit.

You should know in advance that this might not be an attraction for people with any health conditions that limit physical exertion. Walking those dunes from top to bottom is a workout even for those in good shape.

We loved our visit to Jockey's Ridge! We went on an overcast day after some rain, which was ideal. When we visited, several people were flying kites. It was a very unique experience that the kids and adults enjoyed!

Our family revisited in August 2020. Our first trip was about 23 years ago with our 2 kids. This trip included 2 of my granddaughters. Still magnificent! Closest to a desert they had experienced. We flew a kite and watched hang gliders. I recommend you visit early morning or at sunset.

If you’re looking for something to do on a beautiful day— the dunes will keep you outside all day.

We didn’t know what to expect, but the weather was perfect to spend the day outdoors so we decided to stop by.

The sign says moderate walking on the trail; however, you are walking in sand, so I’d add some difficulty to that. There are steep inclines, as well. Keep in mind that you have to trek back, so take your time. (Unless you are amazingly fit)

The experience is like no other. At times the scenery seems like you’re on another planet or the end of the Earth. It’s breathtaking. (Exhausting, but SO worth it)

Our family had a great time exploring the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge! As a free attraction, it is a must see for visitors who have no mobility problems. I would advise against making the attempt to see it if you have difficulty walking, as there is a lot to see and several hills to climb in the sand. My 7&9 year olds loved it and had no problems navigating the sand.

I highly recommend considering taking family photos here. It is a great place to have awesome backgrounds. Dress nicely and snap some good photos!

This is a very unique and awesome experience. You walk along the path and find yourself in the middle of sand dunes. The kids love to climb and run down over and over again. A lot of people also take boogie boards and ride down the sandy hills. Flying kites is also very popular. It is very windy at the top and the views are amazing of both the ocean and the sound. This is always a must do when we go to the outer banks.

Nice to walk in the woods at the beach, but go up the dunes to see a wonderful sunset and a view of Roanoke Sound. Stroll on the boardwalk with great signage indicating plants and animals that can be seen along the way. So fun to watch/or fly a kite and hang glide from the dunes.

Beautiful views, so easy to access the dunes. Lots of walking in sand so make sure you are ready for that. Had a blast!

Cool sight that you can zip through or take your time wandering around. Many families with babies and young kids. Go on a cloudy day and leave your flip flops by the stairs and enjoy the sand on your feet as you climb the dunes. Guessing it would be unbearable on a hot day so plan wisely. Too windy the day we went so we didn’t get to try hang gliding but still a fun venture.

This park was something that I’ve never seen before. I came at night when the sand was cooler and there were many things to do, like flying kites, racing in the sand, walking your dog, or just enjoying the sunset. I honestly felt that I was in a desert because of the sand dunes and open land.

Like everywhere else in the OBX, absolutely beautiful. Always enjoy my time here. I can't wait to move there!

This is a must see when visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina! Where else on the eastern seaboard can you feel as if you have been dropped in the middle of a sprawling desert? The views are beautiful at the top and if flying a kite is your thing, there is no better place than this. Kitty Hawk kites is across the street from the park where you will find every type of kite imaginable.

Beautiful 😍 place, remind me of the Salt flats. Wish I could come back again for another visit. Love the Jockey s ridge area

The vast sand dunes at the state park are a lot of fun and a sight to see. You can make this park what you want of it, and can do anything from roam free to sand board. Wildlife can be seen too sometimes. Check this park out.

I love this giant dune with a beautiful view of the sound and the ocean. Kids can slide down and don’t miss the sunset!

We loved Jockey's Ridge State Park! In fact, this was probably where we spent the majority of our one-week vacation in OBX. We started with the kite festival on 9/11 where we could join the fun of flying kites as well as watch stunt and show kites. There were also huge kites flying on display (including patriotic ones for 9/11). The stunt kites inspired us to buy a power foil and came back twice during the week to fly it. We topped the week off with a hang-gliding lesson from Kitty Hawk Kites. I highly recommend it!

Wow! I underestimated this place. Then we came up over the hill and ... Wow... The sand. My boys spent 45 minutes just wrestling and playing. It was 60 and windy-- perfect weather bc the dunes get got! I read the reviews avout spending 4 hours there. We spent 2 but had a blast. Everyone was tired and happy when they got in the car. Bring water

We try to visit Jockey Ridge whenever we are traveling to this area. This time we parking at Kitty Hawk Kites.There is a crosswalk with a cross signal light right there.Lat visited we parked in the state park parking lot.That was a much longer walk in the dunes. From Kitty Hawk Kites you walked across the road and were right into the dunes. Magnificent place!!

What is a visit to the OBX for the first time (or if you haven’t seen this) without stopping and hiking out to the top of Jockey’s Ridge. It’s only the largest sand dune on the east coast. The wind at the top is worth the sweat getting there.
Come see the people learning to hang glide. Come see the people with their sand surfing boards. Just come see what a mini-desert looks like.

If you are heading to the Outer Banks you have got to visit Jockey's Ridge just to see it. It was amazing to see such large sand dunes. It is fun to climb to the top and see the view. You can see both the sound and the ocean. We actually took kites because the wind really blows there. It was a fun excursion. I would suggest trying to visit when the wind isn't blowing too hard though. The sand can really blow and it does sting.

I guess I had no idea what to expect. Looking at the pictures, you just see sand. But being there and exploring is amazing. I guess it was interesting to be at a park that didnt have trails. It looked super busy since we went on a Sunday, but we never came close to others since you can go anywhere there. It was hard to get the hang of walking on the sand, especially uphill, but once you got to higher points it was so worth it. Also a heads up, we went on a very windy day due to hurricane sally and the sand cuts through you. So don't wear a backless shirt like I did! But we spent a couple hours there walking around and enjoying the scenery. There were bathrooms and vending machines when you arrive. Next time, I would totally bring a kite here!

This is a must do for the whole family! Amazing views from the top that everyone should experience! Sunsets are very popular because of the views. A nice seated area for those
Who don’t want to climb the sand hill. Kids of all ages will enjoy and it’s free!!!!

Our first time visiting Jockey’s Ridge. Wow!! The dunes were so neat to climb. It was fun watching the hang gliders. It’s really hard to believe the height of the dunes unless you are there.

This was our first time to the Outer Banks & we almost missed this but thankfully we didn’t. We tried to make it there for sunset on our last night & arrived at 8:15pm. It was a cloudy night & we almost didn’t even bother to get out of our car thinking we had missed it, but so glad we did. We ran up the dunes & saw the most beautiful sky just as the sun was setting. It was a short visit but so worth the effort. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s majestic. Can’t wait to come back for more sunsets. This was top of the list of favorites things about OBX. Our 10 year old son loved it too.

Wow! Never saw anything like this. Both my husband and I loved it. Would definitely come again. We went about an hour or so before sunset and the sun was glistening on the bay. So pretty. The sand dunes are amazing! Beautiful sand.

We wanted to bring my baby cousin to see the sand dunes and heard Jockey’s Ridge was the place. Forewarning: it’s windy, sandy, and it’s moderate trek to get to the dunes. It’s probably about a 0.5mile walk out there through sand and it’s also quite a difficult climb if you want to walk to the top of dunes however once you get around the corner/to the top it’s beautiful and the views are worth it. There’s a small visitor center. If you have a national parks passport they have a stamp (even though this is technically a state park - I added mine to my extra cancellation pages). The guy working there was friendly. If you’re visiting the area it’s definitely something to check out.

We had a lot of fun and good exercise climbing the dunes and taking lots of great photos. its like being on another planet! Really a must see!

Very unique area. They say it is constantly changing. Very hard walk and going u and down sand dunes. People flying kites, boarding and parasailing. I enjoyed it very much. No gift shop. So no souvenirs.

My husband and I visiting Jockey’s State Park in October about an hour before sunset. People started to gather for the sunset but there was plenty of space to keep social distanced. It is a beautiful sight and you have to watch the sunset on the dunes at least once!

love going here about an hour prior to sunset, flying kites, climbing the dunes - amazing display of God's creation!

We climbed the dunes early in the morning, but it was still very hot! Be prepared to climb steep sand dunes and take plenty of water. The views are awesome, though!

If you don't care about seeing the visitors center, you can shortcut the drive and entrance fee by parking at Kitty Hawk Kites and walking across the street to go up on the dunes. There is a crosswalk light. And there is a place to wash your feet when you get back.

Wear shoes you can take off and leave at the bottom and walk in the sand. We did it late afternoon and it wasn't hot, even at the peak of summer temperatures. Definitely worth trekking to the top for pictures of this otherworldly site and the hang gliders.

If you haven’t seen sand dunes. Check it out. Seen a few hang gliding lessons going on. Any hiking is in deep sand.

Large sand dunes overlook the ocean and the sound. Hang gliding is available. The park did not charge an admission, but a donation box was present. A friendly ranger staffed a display of wildlife that might be found in the area. He readily answered our questions, even about dining choices. The hike might not suit everyone but is not too strenuous.

We go here every time we come to OBX. Beautiful views from the top of the dunes! My kids love rolling down the hills. Cool to see some hang gliders out there too.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is a beautiful gem in North Carolina's state park system and is absolutely a must-do for anyone visiting the Outer Banks. Follow the trail along the dunes to enjoy views of the sound and the ocean, even better if you're there for sunset. Don't miss the separate soundside beach (not accessible through the main entrance, but check the park map online or stop at the visitor center for directions). The soundside beach is perfect for families with young kids as the water is shallow and the waves more gentle than ocean beaches. And best of all -- entrance to NC state parks is FREE!

A must see if you are in outer banks! Took family (2 adults/ 4 yr old). Great workout if you climb up the dune. Take a kite if you have one. Nice once in a lifetime experience!

We didn’t get the lure to this park. We did see some school children taking cardboard to slide down the dune. But we didn’t see the need to walk on soft sand to the top of the dune. They have hang gliding lessons here also. There’s no charge to enter.

If you like sand this is the place to go. The welcome center is very nice, tons of information plus restrooms and a couple drink/snack machines. There is a walkway from the center that leads to the dunes, about a quarter mile walk with informative signs on the way. Definitely worth stopping in and taking the walk to the end of the walkway to view the dunes.

The dunes themselves are great but the Visitors Center is really run down and dark. It was also pretty grubby.

Go in the morning befor it gets hot and busy. The vista is unworldly, if the sand were red, you could envision the moon. A great place for all, but especially families.

Stopped in for about an hour.
Great place to see the island, and to let the kids run around.
Huge sand dunes in the middle of the island. Park isn't that big, and you can reach the highest dune in about 15-20 minutes.

If you want, you can also learn to hang-glide there.

We went after a rain storm which compacted the sand, and made it easier to walk on.

The boardwalk was pretty cool, as there was tree and animal identification signage throughout.

Would recommend: Sure
Would re-patronize: Probably not

Starting with a broad walk and end with long sand dunes walk. You can leave foot ware at broad walk under the bridge. Be prepared for long walk.

It’s always fun to trudge up and run down! The view from the top is great - you can see the sound side and the ocean side.

We've been here twice now: once in the summer time and once in early November. In the off-season, it's a wonderful place for a peaceful walk with beautiful views and few people. We found the little path that takes you down to the sound where you can walk along the beach too. The visitors center is very nice as well.

Like being on another planet. So much sand. Fun to climb the dunes. If you only have a little time, arrive about 30minutes before sunset and trek out to the ridge and watch nature's light show over the sound

We spent a lovely 90 minutes at Jockey Ridge. The kids loved flying the kites and the parents liked the views. Bring towels to wipe your feet when you're done and plenty of sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses).

It's free and amazing. Take a kite and if you have kids a boogie board. It's like snow. You can climb to top of dine and slide down.

My favorite part of our trip to OBX! Beautiful place! Miles of amazing sand dunes! We saw an amazing sunset, it was quite a workout to get up these dunes, but well worth it!! Highly recommend!

We really enjoyed hiking the dunes (man it's a workout!), seeing the people learning to hang glide and watching the Osprey at the nest at the waterfront.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is accessible without fees. Thank you NC!

It has a clean bathroom with faucets to wash your sandy feet in front.

The board walk has trees on both sides. The end of it has a platform with three sides of benches for rest upon return from the steep dunes.

There is shade under one of the trees that has views of para gliding aircrafts for visitors who take paragliding lessons. From the peak of the steep dune, blue waters are viewable.

This place is so much fun! My family loved the dunes. Our kids are all older (teens & college student), so they were definitely up for the physical fun of this state park. We recommend you take a wave skimmer, boogie board, or even a pool float,,,but something you can use to sled down the dunes with. Also it is a great place for flying kites and seeing how REALLY high they can go! Lots of fun, happily tired kids, sand, the speeding down and climbing up of sledding, picnic lunch, great views...amazing time! One consideration...we were there in early May and the winds on top of the dunes were a bit chilly so a light jacket isn't a bad idea for some.

Beautiful elevation on top
Of the monstrous sand dune. Buy a kite across the street and fly it for a bit in the perfect breeze before enjoying the sunset. Requires a long walk over uneven footing, so be advised to wear shoes for sand or go barefoot.

Quick 15 minute hike to the top of the dune yielded gorgeous sunset views. You can see the ocean behind you and the sound in front of the sunset. Truly beautiful and well worth the short hike. Bathrooms available at the start of the trail. Free entrance. Can be windy at the top, may need a jacket. Went without shoes, but many leave shoes in the parking lot/ trail entrance. Our 16 and 17 year old girls were fascinated and had a great time taking pics.

This is a great park! It's dog-friendly so we brought our pups and they enjoyed the sand and the forest parts. There was a dog bowl station, near the feet rinse off, showers, water fountains and a soda machine for the hot summer day. If you plan on wandering around bring sunscreen because it gets really hot! However, there is plenty of shade and benches too.

I saw recommendations to visit this at dusk if possible. Our last night in OBX my adult family of 7 came here after dinner and was NOT disappointed. The dunes kind of take your breath away as it feels like you’ve landed entirely somewhere else.

We arrived as the sun was setting. There was a partial rainbow over the ocean side across from THE most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen! In fact the sky actually stole the show that evening as everyone around was looking up! The expansiveness of the rolling dunes along with the sky was a one of a kind experience. Fun to climb and run around barefoot together. For us, the evening was definitely more enjoyable than a hot day with a blazing sun and hot sand underfoot.

Great for everyone of all ages, except folks who have some instability walking on uneven surfaces may prefer to view from the opening area where it’s level, but still pretty to look at.

Plan on walking at least 15-25 min in the sand. We went for the sunset. Get there early to get a parking spot and just in case it’s goes behind clouds and not the water. Bring a kite leave the sleds it’s not steep enough to sled down. Wind was howling careful of the people that don’t know how to fly a kite. They will crash the kite on to you or you can get rope burn. Plenty of people watching.

Overall: Our family enjoyed this park so, so much. We went twice: once with the purpose to fly kites and the second time to hike. Our son loved rolling down the dunes and getting sand in every conceivable pocket and seam of his clothing. We went on two trails that were well marked and easy to get around. The dunes themselves were a totally new environment for us to explore and we were fascinated by the plants that could literally grow out of the sand.

Pro: Great spot to fly a kite and let your kids tire themselves out. Trail Center had clean bathrooms, maps, picnic areas, and a boardwalk leading out into the park. There is another entrance near Kitty Hawk Kites that leads straight to the dunes. There are a few picnic tables in the parking area as well.

Con: Some of the dunes can be quite a hike for those not in the greatest shape, really little kids, or elderly people. Make sure you take a strong friend to help you along or try the entrance over by Kitty Hawk Kites.

I visited about an hour before sunset and the views did not disappoint. Since it was later in the day there were very few people at the park. I hiked up to the top of the dune overlooking the sound to watch the sunset. Nice end to the day.

Never seen anything like it before in my life.

No matter how much sand you think it's going to be, or how large you imagine the dunes to be, it's going to be more.

There was sand in every direction, hills and seas of sand. And much of the dunes have trees and shrubs growing from the sand, which was very unexpected for me.

A bizarre landscape, making for a memorable visit.

There is a visitor center with history about the dunes as well as lessons about the animals and plants that call the dunes home. A helpful park ranger offered to answer any questions we had. I found the visitor center smelled strongly of mildew but it did have tons of interesting information.

I would highly recommend seeing this site for anyone visiting OBX.

Came here with my family and it was fun playing on the sand dunes and flying kites! Highly recommend this for families!

Loved that this place has been preserved and kept open for the public. We went at dusk to watch the sunset and it didn't disappoint. Park ranger greeted us as we exited. I'd go back every day if I could.

What fun to play on huge sand dunes with no restrictions on activities! We walked through an informational visitors’ center to a well marked boardwalk leading to an overlook. Then the fun began! We walked out to dunes that are wonderful for kite flying. There were beautiful views from the top. It was great to see kids running safely and freely ! They rolled, jumped, dug, and walked on shifting sands. It was a welcome free activity among all the commercial sites along Croatan Highway.

So much fun! Expansive sand dunes with clear views of the ocean and the bay. Bring water and sunscreen in addition to kites and plenty of time to enjoy the park. So fun!

I've visited this site on every trip to the outer banks, from a child to a grown adult and I still climb the dunes and view them with amazement. I am awed by their beauty! Thank you to those who came before and recognized the significance and necessity of maintaining this amazing site for future generations!

Me and my daughter loved the Dunes. It’s beautiful and it was a great workout for us the get to the top of the dunes in the sand!

Such a beautiful site. Unlike any other place in eastern USA. We visited one day for sunset. Worth a view. Visited next day for a try at hang gliding. It was a little cooler and cloudy but beautiful regardless! Has nice locations for picnic lunches under shade trees and small pavilions.

My friend and I made sure to ask a park ranger at Bodie Lighthouse for advice on places to visit, and one of the recommendations was to head over to Jockey's Ridge State Park for the sunset. And so we RAN (okay, JOGGED) over the sand dunes to make it out just in time to see the sun set over the Sound. Absolutely beautiful and worth the trip, even if we were a little out of breath.

I suggest going in the morning or after 7 PM during the Summer, too hot during the day. Bring water! It was worth the walk for the views, you can fly a kite and experience a beginner's class of hang gliding. Worth it!

Very cool and quite a hike to get to the top. We are seniors so we didn't make the trek to the tip top, but we enjoyed our time there. Lots of hiking trails, dunes, wildlife, and just plain good old southern hospitality.

This was so much fun walking on the sand dunes, everywhere you looked was sand. There was also a lookout if you did not want to go on the sand

This place was amazing! The size of the sand dunes is breath-taking and other-worldly. It rivals some of the vistas we've seen on the West Coast.

We first went to the park in the evening to see the sunset over the sound, which was fantastic (lots of other people had the same idea, but fortunately, there was plenty space to spread out). We returned the following day and saw the small, but informative museum in the visitor center then returned to the dunes for the best kite-flying we've ever had. I would recommend finding your way to the water on the other side fo the dune to see some adorable little beaches, which would be good for a picnic.

Tip: Be ready for sand in your shoes. We were there when the weather was cool and you could walk barefoot, but in the summer, the sand will get scalding hot. Also wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is not much shade. Finally, be ready for sore legs the next day after going up and down the sandy hills.

It's a fun place to visit. You can go for a walk, hike, fly kites, hang glide, or just wander around and take some cool pictures.

It's really fun to walk around on these sand dunes- worth about an hour visit I'd say, something you don't see all the time. I recommend coming here if you're in the area

What an awesome experience! We were able to get to the park in time to watch the sunset from a top the ridge. Be prepared to walk a lot and go up some very steep ridges. Didn’t think I could do it but I did. The soreness today from all the walking was so worth it. Can check this off the bucket list.

We don't climb Jockey's Ridge every year but it's always beautiful. We were there at sunset, this year, and it was amazing!

This is definitely a “must do” if you are in the area! It does not cost anything to visit the dunes. We went on our way home, trying to make our mini-vacation last longer! It was overcast and had been raining. The temperatures were on the cooler side for June, so it was perfect weather for a visit! The sand wasn’t hot. We’ve been before on a sunny day and the heat from the sand was almost unbearable! We had fun climbing the dunes and running down them! It was great fun to see people flying kites and hang gliding! We even saw some folks picnicking on the dunes! The views are amazing! Each dune we climbed brought even more amazing views than the last! Definitely check this place out if you are in the area!

If you are visiting OBX you must take a trip to the HUGE sand dunes! The dunes are beautiful and impressive - and I believe they are the largest on the east coast!

The park has a welcome center/nature center with kind rangers and exhibits - our kids enjoyed this part. Then, you can make your way back to the dunes! The walk back to the dunes in by boardwalk, then you're lead right to the base of the dunes. We had toddlers with us and they required carrying - so keep that in mind.

I would suggest going on a cloudy or more chilly day as the sand gets hot. Also, there are hang gliding activities available for a fee.

"This is one of the few few places where we tell people to walk on the dunes," the park ranger told us. Jockey's Ridge State Park is a different park, one not to be missed. It's more than 250 acres of sand dunes, with some as high as 80 feet, nestled between Croatan Highway and Roanoke Sound. The sand on the dunes is tightly packed, so it's not difficult to walk on. The views from the top of the dunes is nice: ocean to the east, sound to the west. The rangers can tell you which birds are in the area and where they've been sighted. A great place to wander and explore. And it's free!

My family of 4 visited the Jockey State Park and "The Sand Dunes" July of 2019. My first suggestion is to visit the park during the morning or evening hours due to the hot temperatures during the summer months and take water. The next suggestion is really dependent on how much time you want to spend at the park walking, taking in the sights, taking pictures, etc. Due to a lack of time we did the express version of spending less than an hour walking to the top of the dunes and back to front entrance. You can take some great pictures and see some great views at the top of the dunes. Last suggestion, (I have teenage boys) is be aware that it may be more difficult for small children, but small kids can still have fun (just have an awareness). I do recommend visiting if you are in the area even if you are short on time.

We went around 7 pm to try and slide down the dunes. Although the sliding part didn't work out due to the wet sand situation, the sunset hike was beautiful. Don't follow the crowd, pick your own trail. The park is much more than just one dune. Take your time and don't forget your camera. Unforgettable photo opportunities!

The dunes are beautiful! This hike was mostly on soft sand; we went at 4:00pm which I'd recommend because otherwise I think the sand might be hot?! I did nearly the entire hike barefoot. It definitely works your glutes and calves a bit when you walk uphill in the dry sand. The dunes make for beautiful photographs; there was thunder rolling in and we had to rush out because you are very exposed! Would definitely come here again just to take in the site.

We visited twice on our visit - once in the morning for the full hike and once at sunset to take pictures. The morning was definitely a workout and if you wait too long, the sand gets very hot on your feet! At night, you can park across the street and go directly to the dunes. At night, the sunsets are gorgeous and the dunes are full of families - taking pictures, sliding down the sand, and flying kites! Highly recommend!!

Our friends all told us to walk the dunes here when they found out we were visiting the Outer Banks for the first time. My wife and I did just that, early in the evening after dinner, when the sun was weaker and the temperature was cooler. We trudged our way to the top...and the vista was amazing! Definitely worth the climb!

We were just looking for a place to see the sunset and Jockey’s Ridge was recommended and are we ever glad we chose it!!! Wow! So cool! This is our first visit to the OBX and we had no idea a place like this even existed on the East Coast! I’m not going to say much except, GO! Experience it!

We climbed up the dunes and saw the sunset after enjoying ice cream, absolutely gorgeous! We also did the hike another day and the kids loved playing in the sound, water was warm and clear and we saw beautiful birds. A highlight of our trip.

The views are fantastic! Even just watching other people flying kites was enjoyable. Our kids loved running up and down the sand dunes. We walked to the warm shallow water on the far side of the park which was calm and quiet and a great place for pictures. I would imagine a great place for sunset pictures also as it is on the west facing side. Those with physical limitations should be aware that the climb up and down the sand is extremely strenuous. As an asthmatic I found myself using my rescue inhaler and stopping part way. That could also be due in part to the fact that the temperature was so high. This park is a must see for anyone visiting OBX!

Great views of the sound and ocean from the peaks of the dunes. The dunes seemed to go on and on. Lots of activities to rent or purchase like kites, sand boards and more.

We loved Jockey's Ridge, but will visit in the spring or fall next time!! Way too hot on a sand dune that size in summer. We had a great time flying our kite and the view from the top was gorgeous.

We've come here every time down..just for the walk and to see people make fools of them self's falling down the dunes..(most yankees)

Two moms and our teenage sons. It was so fun to climb to the top, have a picnic dinner, fly a kite, and watch the beautiful sunset. Lots of smiles and laughs from us all. Priceless family time!

We weren’t sure what to expect for the sand dunes but we are so thankful we took time to go here. The staff was very friendly and helpful to all visitors. There was a nice little visitors center with information about wildlife and the sand dunes. The walkway to the sand dunes was easy to follow and at the end...wow! You are free to walk all over the dunes. There are easier and more rugged paths that give options for everyone to see the dunes. We walked up the the top for an amazing view of both the ocean and the sound. It was a clear blue sky-ed day with a bit of wind. The sand did hurt when it blew against your legs but it was worth it. Jockey’s Ridge is a don’t miss location!

This unique place with the largest sand dunes in eastern US is well worth a visit. It is free, and open until 8.45 pm, so that you can see the sunset if you like. You feel like being in a desert, and once up on the ridge, you can see the ocean on both sides of OBX. Apparently lots of people fly kites there, but we didn't see any when we were there in the evening.

You start off by walking on a boardwalk. You then will climb up and over sand dunes until you reach the top of Jockeys Ridge. Wear comfortable foot wear as the sand will be warm this time of year. Bring plenty of fluids, you will need them. Consider your overall health before attempting this. Consider the health and safety for young children. It is beautiful to see, not worth risking your life/health.

Not to be confused with Jockey Hollow National Park in NJ. Jockey Ridge is a natural wonder — sand dunes that take you by surprise as you hike into the space. We went on a non windy 50 degree day. Do not attempt this park when it’s warm outside. There is only sand, no shade and a full exposure to the elements. Breathtaking views, not to be missed in your out of season travels.

A lot of places to explore. Trails are easy to follow and you can also wander around easily. Can walk barefoot if the sand is cool enough.

This was a great outing! We loved the views. It was beautiful! Kids from 12-21 had a great time. Of course the adults did too.

The place is amazing. The dunes are the largest on the east coast. . The kites are beautiful and you can actually learn to hanglide

Lots of free parking. The hike from the educational center to teh top of the dunes was only 15 minutes and an easy one. Wear a hat and bring some water. Very impressive sand dunes.

We had a blast walking or running up and down the dunes. Made us feel like kids again, care free and no rules of where to go and be! Once at the top the view of the streets below, buildings/homes and ocean is awesome to see. It was sprinkling on and off the day we went but totally worth it. The sand is super soft to walk in so kick off your shoes and let your toes sink in and get massaged with every step. We brought our pup and he had the time of his life here! No crowds so no worries!

Always fun going to Jockey's Ridge. Not only are the views amazing, but you will usually get enough wind any time of the day to fly a kite. Although parts of the dunes may be a little difficult to climb, it does give you a good workout.

Decent side foray to the largest dunes on the east coast. Good exercise to ascend to the top to gain a nice view of the area. No facilities past the visitors center so take water along with you.

Super fun park with lots and lots of sand dunes. Went with the whole family and everybody was amazed at the views. We had never seen sand dunes like this before. Also a great place to fly a kite! The kids loved it, and we went after it had rained, so the sand was easier to walk on. Must-see when visiting the area!

Great views from the dunes! Definitely a hike with many hills but worth it for the view on the top! A must see for sure! Make sure to bring some water!

What a nice diversion from the shops beaches and restaurants. Beautiful and scenic. It was cool enough to walk barefooted and the fine clean sand felt great on our feet. Also, nice views of the sound.

To get here, you have to walk down a half mile trail to the dune. One part consists of climbing up a dune that is not real steep but for those out of shape like me, it can be a bit of a challenge. It is nice but not like the beauty of national parks like Bryce Canyon. My husband enjoyed flying his kite there. The next day, my back and legs were sore. There is a gliding activity there. Our friends who went with us were awed by it. I was underwhelmed. But still interesting. We went later so it was free.

If you want to see and climb the OBX dunes, this is the place. The du es are beautiful. It is difficult climbing because the sand is very soft. The day we were there it was also HOT. If your traveling schedule oer.its, best to go in the evening when it cools off.

A must see place , beautiful sand dunes and sunset . It has parking is free and there is no entry fee .

If you're in the area, this is a must-visit! Sand dunes are way tougher to walk on so have good walking shoes and have good calf muscles as you will put these to good use! Love the scenery especially when you reach the top of one of the dunes because it appears as though the clouds are touching the sand. It's a great way to spend a few hours if you don't mind the climbs and getting some sand in your shoes.

This is a free attraction and it does not take long to do. The clime to the top of the sand dune can be a little strenuous so take your time and take water. Some small children may not be able to clime the dune. Once to the top there is a beautiful view of the sound and the ocean. I am told a lot of people go to Jockey Ridge to see the sunset.

I have always loved hiking up the dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park, and have been visiting since the 1980s. That is why I included the dunes in my novel, "Legend: An OBX Novel," writing a suspenseful scene set late at night on the back of one of the dunes.

I’m in love with this place! It’s so peaceful and beautiful! Our little family had such an amazing time there! I would love to go back soon!!

This is the perfect beach for kids. It is very shallow and the waves are small. This whole inlet in very shallow. You can walk out very far. They also have GREAT sand dune hikes.

Walking on the dune trail was a lot of fun. It felt as though you were in a desert when you saw the big sand dune. Plan to do this walk during the cooler time of the day, not at 12:00 pm.

I had Jockey's Ridge as a potential activity for our OBX trip, but sadly waited until our last day/evening to actually visit. It was our last day there and I wanted to see a world famous OBX sunset, so after my first visit to Five Guys (the grandkids screamed 5GUYS every time we passed ), decided to head over to Jockey's Ridge for our last stop.

I did not know what to expect, so followed the many visitors as they headed through the trees and onto the sands. The cloudy evening blocked our sunset, but the (major) trek up and over the many dunes thrilled the grandkids. There were hundreds of people spread out among the vast sandy area - flying kites, running up and down, perched on blankets, napping... a very festive atmosphere. My grandkids loved racing, doing cartwheels, etc., while I sat on my blanket and hoped/prayed for the setting sun to peek out from behind the clouds, which it never did.

One thing I would say is that the sand at 8:00 was nice and cool, since the sun had already moved off, but if it were broad daylight, imagine it would have been unbearably hot. Loved the interpretive cards that offered diverse activities for children along the well marked trails!

We were not able to explore the entire park, due to the late arrival, but noted a large foot washing station, clean restrooms, and cool water in the fountains. Will definitely return here next trip, fly some kites, maybe try hang gliding, and actually take in a sunset or two.

The dunes can literally be seen from the main road. You can drive back to Jockey Ridge State Park and park and walk or you can do what we did and park at Kitty Hawk Kites and walk over. I recommend tennis shoes as the sand does get hot. Also, water. It’s pretty easy to walk on since it’s packed down pretty good. The views are amazing and it’s definitely a must see. And for the price of FREE, why wouldn’t you?!? Also you can fly kites and take some hang gliding lessons.

Beautiful views. The sand dunes are amazing. The nature trail hike is an easy short hike. We went back more than once. A must see!

I was here about 25 years ago and was excited to come see the dunes again. Not disappointed. Still such a beautiful natural wonder!

quite an 'Saharian like experience' walking to the top of the dune to enjoy a spectacular view. definitely bring water, sunscreen and lots of patience to trek up the soft sand dune.
Hang glider were waitng for the right wind which would have been fun to watch them hurdle off the dune and over the water.
free fun must do stop.

Luckily we changed our plans at the last minute and arrived at Jockey's Ridge right before sunset. As we reached the top of the short hike up the dunes I was completely surprised and awestruck by the beauty that I saw. The moon was also visible and nearly full and Jupiter and Venus were shining bright which added to the beauty. The dune area was so large that when you first reach the edge you can't see the commercial area that surrounds the dunes and feel like you have completely been transported to somewhere else. All in all, this was my favorite activity on our trip and was equally enjoyed by the adults and children in my family. This is well worth your time and I'd recommend it to anyone that is able to hike the dune.
Of note, the parking lot is not gated or well lit and there were signs stating that there were recent car break-ins. For this reason it may be wise to avoid having valuables in the car. This is what prompted our last minute hike, we originally planned on going to the beach in the park that is by the sound to watch the sunset, which apparently is also a great place to watch a sunset, and hiking up the dune the next day after checking out of our hotel.

This was my 2nd visit to Jockey's Ridge with the most recent being within a group of families with small kids. We were here to fly kites on what was probably the hottest day of the year.

From the parking lot it's about a 10-13 minute walk to the tallest dunes. You'll see hang gliders in the distance along with people flying kites. The sand was pretty darn hot and by the time we got to where the others were flying kites, we were already drenched in sweat. We flew kites for about 30 minutes before the kids began to complain about the heat. (Mid June) I experienced better winds in 2012 the first time I visited. It looks like the restrooms are open again so keep in mind if you have little ones.

If it's gonna be hot be sure and get a spot under one of the huge trees in the parking lot. There's a picnic table underneath one we were lucky to grab for refreshments afterward and just get out of the merciless fury of the sun's rays. Some of the dunes are quite steep so I don't recommend this for the elderly or those with mobility issues.

A must just to see how immense the sand dunes are! Be prepared for a steep hike in some parts of the dunes. When you think you are at the top, you realize there are more in front of you that are higher. Beautiful at sunset, bring a kite!

We visited Jockey's Ridge for dune hang gliding. Once we crested the first hill and were able to look out at the dunes, everyone just paused in silence. The rolling sand hills....looked alien or at least like something out of a movie where the hero is wandering through the desert and climbs one dune only to see more dunes. Except here, you can see the water on both sides once you climb the dunes. Great for climbing, kite flying, hang gliding, or sand surfing, and learning more about the ecosystem plants and animals that call this sandy patch of land their home.

BEAUTIFUL sand trails to walk your dog! Also pet friendly!!! Always love that! Gated beach area and is kept super clean! The spots in the parking lot do fill up very fast. There are easy accessible ramps for buggies to haul your beach things! 10/10 would go back again!

If you ever get the chance to visit, take a stroll out onto the sand dunes at Jockeys Ridge State Park. Beautiful vistas, unusual sand dunes, and a really cool experience awaits. I took my best friends last year (both had lived in NC most if not all of their lives) and they were astonished. If you like nature and seeing something beautiful nestled in the middle of a cool beach town, it is worth stopping by. Note: if you are physically unable to climb/hike/walk in sand, the park has a lovely deck walkway to accommodate. You may not get the full grandeur of the place, but it is still worth the stop.

Outer banks is beautiful I have been here 3 times. It isn't crowded the riptides are strong so best not to get out too far. The surrounding lighthouses are beautiful I've been and climbed 5 of them.

Very beautiful and unique area. Plus, it's free! Definitely worth checking out. Gets fairly warm so go when it's cool.

You may consider bringing a kite, toys to play with sand, and something to sled down the hills. Or you can enjoy the walk. It's also a great spot to catch a sunset.

I think my seven year-old enjoyed this about as much as seeing the horses in Corolla. We had fun walking the dunes and watching the hang gliders. The tops of the dunes offer great views of the sound and ocean. Its a really cool place.

This place is a must see. It is a challenging walk to the top but so worth it. Lots of space and not crowded at all. The views are amazing. If you are in OBX this should be on your to do list. And it’s free…

This is a must do when you go to Outer Banks. It’s great exercise and wonderful photo ops. Our dog loves digging in the sand.

This is a must visit for any first timers to the Outer Banks. Get there by 8pm during the summer to watch a beautiful sunset. Kids will have a blast running up and down the dunes. Flying a kite is also a great thing to do while waiting on the sun to set.

Take a brief walk, but come prepared with water, sunscreen, hat, etc. It is hot. If you want to explore longer, come prepared with more water and supplies. Also, wear the right kind of shoes to walk on sand. However, this was one of the coolest things I have seen. You feel like you are in a desert, sand just continues on for as far as the eye can see. The dunes are so expansive. There is also an accessible trail (built like a boardwalk) to a lookout.

My family enjoys coming to Jockey's Ridge Park. Great views and a good workout! The sunset is breathtaking

Perfect for kids of all ages. If you need shade their is a nice walk on the boardwalk. There are two entrances so check which location you want, otherwise you will be out on the dunes.

The reason you go to Jockey's Ridge is to walk to the top of the sand dune along the rim overlooking both ocean and bay. It's a spectacular view and an easy climb. Be aware of the temperature though. We visited on a day when it was in the low 90's at 9:30 in the morning. By 10:30, it was hard to walk on the sand because it was so hot. An employee told us that the sand can be 30 degrees warmer than the air. I think it was that day. Try to go when it's cool.

A trip to the beach is not complete without driving to Jockeys Ridge State Park and taking our kites out and enjoying the view of the ocean from the top of the dunes. The bathrooms are clean and we felt safe to leave our truck in the parking lot. The park is free of trash and we heard laughs from this family friendly park. Will be back!

When you go here they have a great little nature center it’s a must to stop in there and see everything that is available at the park.

1st time in the Outer Banks. Wanted to watch the sunset somewhere and this place had been recommended. It did not disappoint! The dunes are massive and you can’t really see them from the road so they are really a hidden gem. Of course, the history of the Wright Brothers flying their planes in the area adds to the experience. Some helpful tips for watching sunset: wear sandals or prepare to go barefoot if you don’t want to get sand in your shoes. You’ll have to walk quite a ways to be in a good spot. Recommend bringing a blanket to sit on as well. Enjoy!

If you want to enjoy calm, warm waters with kids or dog, try the Jockey's Ridge Sound access. The dunes and trails are also fun.

We were kind of tired from running around all day and having just done the Wright Brothers Memorial, but this turned out to be worth the effort. It's quite a walk on sand dunes but very cool due to its unique geology and views. There is a path of 1.5 miles, but we lost the established path up in the dunes. This is Kill Devil Hills, from where hang gliders launch. There are crazy beautiful views and my boys enjoyed racing down hills on the way back.

Fantastic walk after dinner (to walk OFF dinner) at Mulligan’s across the street...Need I say more!?!

Coming back from dinner in Manteo, we stopped at the kite store across the street and then walked over to the park. If you spend any time in the Outer Banks, be sure to check out this park and the sand dunes...very impressive! The views are spectacular, it’s neat to see the kites and other activities going on, and the dunes are the largest I’ve ever seen at the beach. The evening we were there, there was a thunderstorm out at sea and another way inland making for one heck of a view.

I’ve been wanting to stop and see what everyone has been talking about and finally took a right turn and drove in. Being from Massachusetts I am just amazed how the outer banks has all these amazing parks and literally free. We walked in through a building which housed a museum and informational area, national park employees. Then we proceeded out to a wooden deck walkway that leads you through the trees identifying all species, very interesting. At the end of the walk you can sit and admire the beauty or you can step onto the sand and walk up to the top of the dune and look beyond. It’s absolutely magical and I would recommend this to anyone that can endure the tough walk through the sand. Do not forget the camera!!

We came in from the street at Kitty Hawk Kites. It was a hike! You definitely feel like you’re walking through the desert. It’s beautiful and a great experience though!

You must visit here to fly a kite and sandboard when in the outer banks. It was truly a great memory

Good hike and good views up the dunes. Be prepared to get lots of sand in your shoes! It was worth the view.

A must go to for anyone with children, grandchildren or a heartbeat! Because it is a natural sand dune it is constantly changing from the wind, storms & erosion. You can race up the dune & slide down it. At our age we take the easiest route to the top!

I was rushed and did not believe I would make it to see the dunes at Jockey Ridge before dark. However, I made it and had plenty of time to hike in the park. Loved it. I actually liked this park better than Indiana Dunes NP. Highly recommend visiting.

Beautiful visitors center with informative displays and clean bathrooms. Nice hikes around and over dunes! Can see both the ocean and the sound from the top of dunes. Beautiful views. Foot washing stations at the end when you arrive back.

We visited on a cloudy day and were amazed at the view as soon as we got to the top of the hill to overlook the park. I truly felt like I was in a whole different country. We came back the next day to watch the sunset and it was absolutely stunning. I HIGHLY recommend. It was one of the highlights to our trip to OBX.

Once in the park, it feels like you’re in a desert with sand everywhere. It’s a bit of a hike to the top of the dune (in sand) but we did carrying a one year old so don’t let that stop you. Definitely bring water and I wish we had brought boogie boards to slide down the dunes! We will need to go back!

I visited this in anticipation of a dune system much larger than this is. Granted, it is the largest area in the East, but I've lived in the West and wasn't too impressed. We now live on the Coast of North Carolina, and this isn't much larger than many of the barrier Islands we see every day. One highlight is what appears to be the remnants of a small castle disintegrating in the dunes near the road. Someone said it was part of an old mini golf attraction.

Nice walk through beautiful dunes. Also very interesting to watch people with kites and hang gliders.

Jockeys Ridge State Park is the largest active sand dunes in the Atlantic coast. Recommend going g early in the day before the sand heats up! Another advantage to getting there early is that you can see lots of animal tracks left from all the inhabitants of the dunes the previous night before wind and trampling feet destroy them. We toured the visitor center after the dunes and it was interactive and very informative!

It was a great walk, nice views and a learning experience. Flip flops don't work well. Go barefoot or tennis shoes.

We loved Jockey Ridge State Park. It is fun hiking on the dunes. Our favorite part of going here was that we did the sand boarding. You can rent a sandboard from kitty hawk kites. I forget the price but it was reasonable and they give you wax which is essential in getting the board to work. I also took a skimboard. We used the wax on that and it worked as well. The sandboard you rent allows you to stand up or sit down. Its almost like sledding on sand. You can also watch the people learning to hang glide. Its free to get in so I think its a must see place if your in the area. It can be tough walking in the sand but it is fun.

We went there to fly kites but lacked a pervailing wind to get them aloft. No barefeet here as there is tons of hot sand to trudge through to get to the dunes.

This is a nice find. The walk is strenuous since it is all on sand, but the views are worth the effort.

We went early in the morning and took our dogs. There were several other visitors, many with dogs, too.

Our third time here. It was a wet one today! We kind of got lost, so try to keep to the paths (everything looks the same). We were soaked, but it’s an adventure. This is a must-do while in the OBX.

Had not knowledge that this place existed. I've been to the Sahara Desert in OMAN, but I never expected to see a very tiny desert here in the USA.

I got a trail map that was a tad difficult to follow, so I just followed others who seemed to know where they were going. The goal was to the top of one of the sand dune mounds. After finally achieving that, I think the wrong one, as I had a view of the highway, and a farther off view of the inlet, it was a pleasant view never the less.

The walk back to entrance in slightly wet sand gave my feet an extra message.

Great place to visit. I was completely impressed and happy we stopped. From the road it doesn't look like much and when you are walking up to the first dune it looks like it's just going to be a sandy bit of land but as soon as you clime the first hill it's all worth while. this is a must stop if you are in the area.

We wanted to check out the hand gliding classes that are taught on the sand dunes. We thought that we would have an opportunity to be towed by an airplane at thousands of feet in the air, but we were mistaken. These classes on the dunes only allow you to get 5-15 feet off of the ground on a windy day for a few seconds. You get like (5) tries for around $200, which is not worth the money to be honest. Little kids looked like they enjoyed it, but not sure if adults would. The views are great though.

After vacationing at Nags Head for over 40 years, we discovered this beach. We spent several hours at the beach behind Jockey's Ridge, on the sound. There were a lot of families, but the little beach wasn't crowded. The water was calm with no waves to knock me down. I enjoyed that, since I had 2 knee replacement surgeries last year. There is no restroom or changing space, so we had to get out of our clothes & into our bathing suits while standing beside our car, and hoping that nobody walked by. There was a porta potty in the woods, but nobody in their right mind would attempt to change clothes in there. A suggestion would be to build a shelter where clothes could be changed, just something simple with a floor with cracks for the sand to fall through. Not a bathhouse or restroom necessarily, just a floor with walls. That way, maintenance wouldn't have to spend a lot of time.

Amazing to see up close and personal. It's quite a walk though. I got some awesome photos and enjoyed just watching the wind clow over the sand and see it changing right before my eyes. So relaxing. Watching folks flying kites, seeing the sun start to set....really a lovely experience!

This was an interesting visit! A sand dune in the outer banks! I would say one needs to be in pretty good shape to manage climbing the dunes. There are markers to follow a guided path, but most people just walked all over the dunes. They are pretty high and we got a great workout and a pound of sand in our shoes. When you reach the highest dune you can see all around. People were flying kites, great wind! There were some hang gliders, but no one was flying. There is a boardwalk exit from the dunes, that gives you an overlook, plus interesting facts about the dunes, plants, and animals of the area. I would recommend visiting!

Such a beautiful, tranquil area for walking and exploring. The natural beauty was everywhere. It wasn't easy walking the dunes in sneakers, but it was fun nonetheless!

There is no charge to enter the park or to park.

We went to try sand boarding. It was more successful for some in our family than others. We found waxing the board after each slide worked best. It also seemed as though the heavier the surfer the better success they had. It cost $25 to rent a board for 4 hours. The sand gets very hot so make certain you wear shoes.

We also flew kites from the top of the dunes. Great wind. Great flying. We saw some people trying hang gliding but we did not try that.

Another day we went there to the sound side beach to swim as the ocean side was very windy and rough. The beach and the water was very calm. However it was very shallow when we were there. It did not get deep for almost 1/2 mile out. It was mostly knee to waist deep on an adult. There were also times when the water had quite a bit of grass floating on it near the shore areas. However, beyond the grass it was lovely to float in the water especially with a noodle or tube. It would be a great place to take young children or someone who needed shallow quiet water for any reason.

Beautiful dunes... well worth the hike to the top
Could be daunting on a sunny day... all sand... many hills... we had cloud cover and were still pretty tired after the hike
Loved the views!
Short boardwalk gives a nice view of one side of the dunes if you aren’t up for the sandy hike

Okay, this was so cool. I’ve never seen anything like it and pictures don’t do it justice. This is gorgeous and feels like another world. Yet it’s fairly easy to get to/climb, for all ages. So worth a stop (evening time is best for less sun/heat)

Very nice state park with a very informative nature center. The grounds were quite unique and the dunes are truly impressive. Nature can really do some wonders!

When in Kitty Hawk you will see masses of people head to Jockey's Ridge around sundown.....join them! The view is amazing, running down the dunes is fun and you truly feel love for humanity, standing on top of those incredible dunes! Definitely worth the walk up!

This is a unique place. Our dogs love it. It's a huge park with beautiful views and water access. We hiked here for a couple days and set on the sound side one day for relaxation.

While the actual sand dunes are largely the main offering, there are a lot of interesting sidepaths and areas you can investigate off the beaten path. Be careful to mark where you came from though, a lot of sand dunes look alike.

Jockey's Ridge was a recommended must-see in the Outer Banks, and did not disappoint. Large, unspoiled sand dune area that shows what the Outer Banks once were. Take your shoes off, walk in the sand, and enjoy views of ocean and sound. Near the Wright Brothers' Memorial and worth the stop.

The dunes are really nice and it was a fun place to walk and just sit and enojy the natural beauty.

Also as others have said the Sunsets here are unbelievable!! Totally worth the short trek in and waiting, people seem to start setting up for the sunset about an hour before hand.

Not to exciting for me. It is a pretty area, I just would not go out of my way to see it unless you have kids or love to fly kites. Now they do offer hang gliding which could be neat.

We watched the hang gliders and enjoyed the reception office that housed a large taxidermy selection. The facility is due for an upgrade soon but we enjoyed the comfortable, casual facilities. The dunes are amazing and you could really spend time hiking and enjoying this park.

We went in the evening to catch the sunset. It did not disappoint. Beautiful sunset from the ridge. Loved walking the dunes.

We arrived at Jockey Ridge around 7pm to hike and enjoy the views. Perfect time to go to get some beautiful photos and not in the heat of the day.

Not for the faint of heart, for real, but quite an adventure for the active. The climbs and long strolls over the dunes will get the blood pumping, but the breeze and views are so worth it. Register in advance for a Hang Gliding lesson and this will be a trip you will never forget!

This was our first visit after several years of going to just the beach! Well worth the trip. Sand dunes may be difficult for smaller kids, but try if you can!

I heard about this place on Instagram years ago and forgot about it. I bought a travel action and this place was on the list so I had to make the trek. It was certainly worth it. It was a cloudy and cold day when I visited but still good. If I'm ever in that area again, I'll make the trip there, hoping it'll be better weather.

One of our most favorite places to visit! We love walking the sand dunes. The views are gorgeous. Great place for all ages. The children enjoyed being able to walk through the sand barefoot.

A great and convenient stop while traveling through the outer banks. I recommend a stop at this state park. Parking was a breeze and there is a nice lookout point.

Really amazing vistas across these huge sand dunes. Whole family really enjoyed it, even cynical teenagers.

Jockeys Ridge was beautiful! We went twice at sunset and can’t wait to go back! A bit of a hike but worth the effort for the view of the ocean and the sound for an incredible sunset! Lots of others flying kites and having fun. What a great experience!

We went here on a morning that was too cold and windy for the beach. We didn’t expect much, and were at first concerned that we had not worn proper footwear for walking. Without researching much, we followed the signs on the wooden walkway that led toward the dunes. At the end of the walkway, which isn’t very long, we were delighted to see that we had worn just the right shoes, since walking barefoot is best in this beautiful, soft sand. We made our own trail going “up.” It was lovely to be out of the wind for a bit. We got to observe the hang gliding lessons at the top and were generally amazed with the topography and view. What a delight to play on the dunes when, normally, we are told to stay off the dunes! After our self-guided walk we realized there is a marked trail that takes you down to the vernal pools on the inlet. We gladly followed this path and were not disappointed. I think we were there about 1.5 hours and could not believe this beautiful place is free. Thank you, state of NC!

Stopped in during our Spring Break and enjoyed the sand. Lots of walking but the view from up top is amazing! Also a great place to fly a kite and lots of people were. Do bring water as it can get hot and it is really a walk to the main top ridge. Still a fun activity. Also, there are restrooms and a visitors center if you need a shaded break. Stop by and see the largest sand dune in the east coast.

I've climbed Jockey's Ridge every summer for the past 45 years. No summer would be complete for me without a trek up and down the dunes. Every first-timer to OBX should stop here. It's free to the public, and the dunes are too huge to aptly describe. You just have to experience them for yourself. This month, I descended the back of the dunes and found trails leading to the sound; had never noticed them before in all my years of visiting. There are also trails at the entrance to the dunes by the parking lot, if you go to the right, which I had walked through before, but to access the sound, you have to ascend 2 dunes and go down the back side of the farther one. Very cool! When my kids were younger, we used to roll down the steep side of the dunes. We always came home covered head to toe in sand, and exhausted from going up and down, up and down, but everyone always slept well after a good shower!

Visited this place to take some Senior photos at sunset and it was Gorgeous. The sunset and background was amazing. Also purchased a kite and the wind was perfect for this. We could hardly hold the kite down to assemble it and once it was up and flying it was so FUN!! Take time to stop here. You can park across the street at Kitty Hawk Kites and walk at the crossing like we did or enter the park area entrance. Most beautiful place we visited and softest sand. It is alot of walking and if you have problems with that, you may want to stop the the first dune to get the view.

If you are going to this park to lay on the beach or play in the water there is a parking lot down around the corner and its not so far to walk to get to the water. The sand is very deep and hard to walk in, but beautiful all the same. At the front parking lot there is a board walk out to the dunes but you cannot see much. They have board rentals and a snack shop but they were not open when we stoped by.

This was great! Felt like I was in a desert. Such a fun and different experience hiking up the sand dunes. Great photo opportunities and great exercise! Beautiful views. There were people of all ages at the top. Definitely do not miss this attraction during your trip!

Got to step foot on the ever changing Jockeys Ridge. Make sure to wear shoes if its hot outside cause just like the beach, this sand can get super hot. Have a race up or down a ridge, watch sand boarding, watch hang gliding, walk the trails, check out the buried put-put golf course. You haven't experienced all of OBX without experiencing Jockeys Ridge.

What better way to see the outerbanks than from the top of the dunes! Soft sands and nice breezes make the walk not too difficult....and so worth the sights! Nice free family entertainment and lots of kite flying!

Went up for the sunset over the sound and it was so beautiful! The moonrise over the ocean behind us was incredible too! Take a blanket and a frisbee-or a picnic. Just expect a little sand in your shoes, but super fun. Super neat!

Easy parking, but the dunes are a bit of a walk, some of it on a board area, some hard pack sand and the rest soft, in the open. bring water and sunscreen.

This sand dune is lots of fun to climb. The highest sand dune has shifted considerably in the past twenty-five years and is not nearly as high as it used to be. It’s still a great place to fly a kite, roll down the hill, slide down on a plastic sled, or watch a sunset. You can also take hang gliding lessons in the morning. Don’t try to go in the middle of a hot summer day, it is just too hot up there then. A great time to climb is early in the morning or at sunset in the summer season. It’s a real treat to see both the ocean and sound while on the top of the dune. There are ranger programs provided throughout the day. A must see for first time visitors to OBX.

Hot, hot ,hot! Visit to Jockey's Ridge was included on our group tour. This is a must if visiting the Outer Banks. We only ventured on the board walk to the sand. Lots of sand (no big deal). I've seen sand on Long Island, NY.

The short walk out to the dune isn’t bad. Even if there are lots of people there, there is still room out on the dune to enjoy the day.

Jockey's Ridge is a hidden gem. You only get small glimpses of the dunes from the highway, not enough to see what is really there. Admission is free (state park). This year only my adult son went to the park - He'd been there 10 years ago, and this is the one activity in the OBX he didn't want to miss on our family trip. (Skipped a steak dinner to go to the dunes alone!) He returned with some beautiful sunset photos and full of joy! From a previous visit, I can say that this can be quite an exertion - you will be climbing mountainous dunes of loose sand. You will want good walking shoes. (I kicked off my beach flipflops and climbed barefoot but had to put them back on when I reached the hot, flat top.) The views are spectacular - can see both the ocean and the sound. But the feeling of being in the middle of that great sandy mass is amazing - It is seriously like Star Wars' Tatooine! We saw hang gliders and kites, and we wrote in the sand. My son also went down the "back side" of the dunes to the sound, where he was able to wade pretty far out. Just remember you have to climb back up over the dunes to get back to the parking lot!

Great place to get a view of the sound and surrounding area. Would not recommend with young kids on a hot day.

The Park is well-maintained with easy access. Due the nature of sand dunes, it is the accessible to wheelchairs. Great place for photos and family fun with kids and pets. Great place to fly kites and watch sunset.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is one of the best spots to visit in the Outer Banks. The massive dunes are incredible to see and fun for kids to climb, run around, or roll down. It's the tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast, and the views from the top are amazing, especially at sunset.

The visitor center has some neat exhibits about the history and ecology of the dunes, and the rangers are helpful with tips on where to go. People are out there flying kites or even taking hang gliding lessons, which makes it a lively place.

Admission is free and it's a unique experience you don't want to miss.

Im not going to lie and say I wasn't skeptical or what I would really get out of sand dunes toting little ones no less. I was very wrong. Parking lot deceiving my looked as though not many people were there but this place is pretty big and all the people there still didn't make us feel like we were all on top of each other. Sand is absolutely soft and pillowy here. The views, sunset, breeze, and kites flying were spectacular. I def worked out my calves hiking some of those hills with my 20 lb little one.

Tips:

They've got restrooms at the entrance!

Best to come here when the sun isn't beating down on you on a hot day (like in the evening after dinner during sunset)

Bring your A-game because this is a photographers paradise

They should pay you to go there. The best part was wind blowing sand in everyone’s eyes so they didn’t want to stay long.

This was probably the highlight of our trip to OBX! My teenage son was impressed and said this was the best part of our trip. My 11 year old truly enjoyed playing in the sand. It was nice to see them acting like kids again! Truly a great experience!

I was there this pm. My first trip. Had no idea the physical effort required. Had no idea how far you had to walk and climb. I was alone , my husband not able to climb. The sun had just gone down, there was still plenty of light.. Had I not seen other people up there I would have gotten lost. Had no idea how to get back, there were no lights , no signage. I followed them back. Never saw a ranger. Thank goodness my flash light on my phone worked. Couldn’t have gotten back to car without cell light. Parking lot had no lighting either. For a state park I would have thought, if it was open until 9 that there would be some lights . I would have thought there would have been solar lights on boardwalk and getting to car. There needs to be a flashing light at observation deck at night to keep visitors from getting lost.

This sand dune is breathtaking and a great place for kite flying. We visited Nags Head every year as a child and this is one of my most fondest places to visit. As a mother with a wonderful extended family, we are carrying out the tradition.

We love visiting state parks and this is no exception. We were amazed at the vastness of the sand dunes and the spectacular view from the top where you can see 360 degrees ocean and sound. It was hot and windy so it made a great place to fly a kite. We went without shoes in the soft sand but it could be hot enough to burn your feet depending on when you go. I recommend going late afternoon and watching sunset across the waters of the sound. It is steep so use common sense if your not physically able to trek through the soft sand. Take your time and enjoy the view.

A must visit if you are going to OBX! A lot of people were there to see the sunset but we did not. Doesn't matter what time you go there because the views are beautiful!

Jockey's Ridge was a cool experience! It rained in the morning, so the sand was wet and wasn't blowing too much with the pleasant wind. We traversed the whole dune area down to the water, and the views were breathtaking. I would highly recommend going for an hour or more. There is an area to clean the sand off when you come back in with a restroom and a little ice cream shop where you can pay to take hang gliding lessons.

Great hikes to see the sunset and view the bay. Good place for kite flyers. Lots of picture opportunities and family fun.

Great place and a must visit when in the OBX. The largest east coast living sand dune. Awesome views from uptop!

Jockey's Ridge State Park is a wonderful place to visit with your family. States. Located in Nags Head, North Carolina, it covers a 427-acre area, and includes the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States.

The visitor center and museum were closed due to CoVid19 on our August visit. The park rangers were available to give information and a map. You should plan to add this unique park to your itinerary.

Make sure you wear shoes or sandals, the sand gets hot !

Plenty of reviews to see about this park. So, bottom line, go if for no other reason to catch the sunset while standing or sitting on top of a huge sand dune. We did and loved it. We took bag chairs with us, sat and watched the sun go down over Manteo/Roanoke Island. It was great. Don't leave early, as the glow will get better and better right as it gets dark. Worth it. Cooler months a no brainer. Hot months, better take some water and wait until later as that sand will be hot. Nice visitor center with restrooms too.

We wandered around Jockey Ridge and enjoyed the views. Nothing to get too excited about but it was fun to do and see

Jockey Ridge in Nags Head is a great park with gorgeous sand dunes...so much fun for kids and adults. Our visit was brief but enjoyable. Be sure to include this on your vacation. Picnic tables and shady areas available.

On Jan 1 2020 I went on the first day hike at Jockey's Ridge. It was infformative the ranger talke about the history and wildlife on the ridge The best part is that I was able to bring my dog

One of our favorite things of the trip. It is sooo surreal to walk on the dunes. We took the tracks in the sand trail out to the sound which was really nice as well. We had our puppy so we went early in the am. There was only one other person there until more came as we were leaving. Definitely go in the am if you have a pup with you. He had a blast running on the dunes. I think if he could talk he would give it two paws up. They even have a little dog parking sign which was cute. Bathrooms on site too.

Unlike any place you have ever seen. SO much to do from a peaceful picnic, walk, or sand surfing! Accessible to everyone, and something to do for everyone.

We take the family here whenever we visit OBX. It is free to enter and walk the dunes. You can do as little or much as you like. There is a boardwalk to the dunes area so handicapped or strollers can go some of the way and at least see them.
We saw a large snake this last time, so keep your eyes open for exciting wildlife.

Wish we would have brought some boards to go down the dunes but they are beautiful! Easy to walk out the boardwalk to see the first set then do a little climbing to see the others. Definitely recommend for couples or families.

Excellent views! Sand dunes! I wish we had visited when it was full moon for the guided evening walk. Bring your kites. Take hang gliding lessons (on my bucket list). We saw kids rolling down the sand dunes. Kids just running with a safe place to fall. Gymnasts practicing back flips in the sand. And fortunate enough to be there when there was a hang gliding competition. Fascinating for us to watch. We also saw and talked to people who were bored and expecting more than just a big sand dune. Manage your expectations and make the adventure your own.

Neat park to fly kites. This is also the start to the Mountains to Sea trail. My son really enjoyed taking his kite and flying it.

On a trip with family the younger ones chose to take hang gliding lessons we watched 🤓. The dunes were beautiful and they had fun. Be prepared to walk uphill in sand. It’s a workout!

We first visited for the hang gliding lessons which we loved. We returned for a cooler visit to watch the sunset and were not disappointed. It is not difficult to social distance in this HUGE park of beautiful sand dunes. We saw people flying kites and sliding and jumping around on the dunes. I enjoyed seeing the many interesting plants and the gorgeous views. We walked down to the sound - so peaceful. Take water and be ready to walk some hills but this place is a must see! There is a place to wash off the sand when you leave and there are bathrooms at the entrance.

Jockey's Ridge State Park protects the largest active sand dune system on the east coast. Located in Nags Head in the Outer Banks, it is one of the most popular NC State Parks. Two short trails lead around the dunes, through maritime shrub thickets and to Roanoke Sound. The top of the dunes has great views of both the ocean and sound, and give perspective to how narrow this barrier island is. In addition to hiking the dunes, hang gliding lessons are available through a private outfitter.

To be honest I hate the beach. This place is a large beach with no water. Kids wanted to go but once we got there they changed their minds. Wind was strong and was blowing sand on everyone and getting everywhere. This was enough for the kids to not want to go. I do believe though that if you like this stuff then this place is awesome for you. Just not my thing to do.

We will definitely come back to check out this massive set of dunes. So amazing that our state has such an amazing spot!

Two families w kids came here to hike around dunes and watch the kite/hang gliding school. Very warm - bring water and proper shoes to protect feet but able to walk in all the sand. Very kind volunteer who gave the kids water bottles stickers at the entrance. We brought a picnic lunch and ate the the shady picnic tables near the parking area.

We were here with Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding school. Great way to see the dunes while engaging in an activity. They remind me of the dunes between Phoenix and San Diego.

Be prepared to walk a lot! We went in the early evening after it wasn’t so hot and sunny. I don’t think this would be enjoyable in the heat of the day. Enjoyed watching kite flying and hang gliding lessons going on. Great views from the top of the sand dunes. Some children brought boogie boards to slide down the dunes and it looked like they were having a great time. Definitely a must do in the Outer Banks. The views are memorable. Bathroom facilities were available and open near the parking lot.

Went there to go hang gliding and absolutely loved the dunes!!! A must see for anyone on the OBX! You don’t have to hang glide to climb the dunes but definitely make sure you take water

Love to hike Jockey ride to see the amazing views and get some exercise at the same time. On this visit we also watched a kite festival that included some amazing demonstrations.

On top of the HUGE dune is a perfect place to watch the sunset! Such a fun and unusual experience! Websites all said the park was open 8 AM to 8 PM - but it was open to 9 PM, allowing time for us to see the sunset. A little bit of climb up to get there, but totally worth it!

Beautiful place to visit - lots of "this is so cool!" and "wow" to be heard as you enter the park. One of the few places you can climb sand dunes and even play on boogie boards. And the ocean breezes keep you relatively cool even though you are pretty exposed to sun.

This is fun and free. Great view of both the sound and the ocean from the top. We are fascinated with how the dunes change shape and size from year to year. Last year they were relatively flat but this year there were 3 HUGE steep dunes to climb. We were rewarded with great views. Go early in the morning when the sand is cool.

The entire family (Grandparents, parents, dogs and kids) enjoyed this park. There is a handicap accessible boardwalk out to the dunes. You can then get off the walk and climb the dunes. It looks like a landscape out of Starwars! We had a couple of great visits and took our boogey boards to do some “sledding”. Dogs are welcome.

Free family adventure. Take an hour or two out of your day to explore one of two living dunes in the obx. Yes it can feel like you are in the desert. Climb on top of the dunes and get a birds eye view of the ocean and landscape around you. We went in the early morning. I checked my shoes and went barefoot. The dunes look larger than they are —go ahead you can climb.
Coming down the dunes I went heal first.
The sand was beginning to get hot so I imagine later in the day , barefoot is not the way to go. :) Free family memories. Must do.

Such a great time for the whole family! We’ve been coming here for years and have learned a few tricks... First, bring PLENTY of water. Second, be prepared to walk/ hike up & down the sandy dunes. Third, have a bit of fun & roll down the dune like a kid! Sure you’ll have sand in places you didn’t even know you had, but it’s a blast!

I was absolutely floored by the immensity of the dunes - once I managed the first sand hill, it was nothing but stunning views. This is quite the hike and if during the day in summer - that sand will be hot, but we went after an afternoon storm so it was relatively cool out but this does soak up your energy. We were unable to "surf" the dunes, but the views were so worth the hike! All free too with easy parking and bathrooms nearby.

Wow! Truly a unique experience. Worth every step of the climb. Great for flying kites! Views of the ocean and the sound.

Jockey ridge is just a nice walk-on huge sand dunes. The dunes are nothing like the ones that go for miles in Cali or the desserts. Teenagers may whine but little kids will be in awe. Overall a good way to spend 2hrs or so.

This was probably my favorite place on the Outer Banks. We went close to sunset and it was such a peaceful, beautiful place. It was so calming to walk barefoot across the dunes, watching the kites and seeing the sunset. Definitely a place to spend some time at.

Very interesting and pretty Park to see. It is a must when you are in Nags Head! There is a gift shop and a neat indoor display.

So much fun running up and down, leaving only footprints. Feels like you are on a different planet. I highly recommend making the Dunes part of your OBX vacation plans!

Can't see how anyone can really have a negative experience with this. First of all, it is free and although it may be a little work to get to the tallest dunes, it is nothing strenuous (my 3 year old walked up by himself just holding my hand). Great views on both sides and we saw people hang gliding while we were there (or at least taking lessons). There's an area where people will just leave their sandals while they walk on the sand. Sand wasn't crazy deep or anything, below my ankles everywhere I was (although with the wind, not sure if that is the case everywhere). This place doesn't sound like much, but would definitely recommend making time. We went at 8:30 in the morning and sand wasn't hot yet, so would recommend that if possible.

Sunsets are amazing. We have been here many times, sledding down the dunes and flying kites. The sunsets are amazing! A must do if you come to the outer banks!