Is Cape Lookout National Seashore worth visiting?ĭo lighthouses, beach activities, surf fishing, and wildlife viewing like wild horses sound fun? If so then it's definitely a yes! Mice, rabbits, and raccoons are the most common wildlife sightings outside the Shackleford Horses and the abundance of Birds.

There is not a huge variety of wildlife on the island as the outer banks do get hit pretty hard with waves from the Atlantic Ocean. They are what you would have seen over 100 years ago. These islands are not filled with man-made objects like resorts, roads, bridges, etc. Once you arrive at Cape Lookout, you will find that the National Park Service maintains these islands as much in their natural state as possible. Here you will find breathtaking beaches, lighthouses, shipwrecks to explore while diving, tons of great restaurants, and much more. The three islands are undeveloped except for the small areas surrounding the ferry landing areas.Ĭape Lookout is located in a very popular tourist destination called the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

There are two park visitor centers that can be visited off of the islands, one at Harkers Island and one in the town of Beaufort, North Carolina. There are no roads that reach the islands of Cape Lookout. The park can only be reached via a commercial ferry or on a private boat to one of the three islands (Shackleford Banks, South Core Banks, North Core Banks). You can only access the Harkers Island Visitor Center and the parks only two designated hiking trails without taking a boat or ferry. Parks near Cape Lookout National SeashoreĬape Lookout NS is located across Ocracoke Inlet south of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.Where to stay when visiting Cape Lookout National Seashore.Hiking in Cape Lookout National Seashore.Visit the Portsmouth Village Historic District.Hike to the top of Cape Lookout Lighthouse.Best Things to do in Cape Lookout National Seashore.Getting to Cape Lookout National Seashore.Where is Cape Lookout National Seashore?.Details about Cape Lookout National Seashore.Things to know before your visit to Cape Lookout National Seashore.Is Cape Lookout National Seashore worth visiting?.RV hookups and cozy cabins are also available throughout the area. You could find yourself planted by a beautiful river, on an herb farm, or surrounded by oaks. If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near the Cape, check out available options on Hipcamp. Make sure you bring shade as well since the sun beats down hard here. You'll need to bring your own food and supplies to the island, though you can buy water at the Visitors Center during opening hours. Bring your camera to commemorate the beautiful views. You can also buy a ticket to climb up into the lighthouse. At low tide, you can wade over to the tiny Shark's Tooth Island for a little even more shell hunting. All that surf washes incredible shells up on the beach. Most people don't think of the East Coast as a surfer's haven, but if you've got your board, this is the place to hit the waves. Horses on the beach, dolphins in the water, and wild turtles living in their protected nests.

You'll find yourself surrounded by delightful wildlife. Just taking the ferry over to Harkers Island helps you feel as if you're starting an adventure.

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