Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects part of North Carolina’s barrier islands. While one of the more famous attractions, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, draws many visitors, there are actually two other lighthouses in the park boundary--Bodie Lighthouse and Ocracoke Island Lighthouse. Both of these are also well worth a visit if you enjoy lighthouses, though due to disrepair, neither of these lighthouses is open for climbing.

Visitors can also enjoy walking along the beach or trying to catch a glimpse of a piping plover or a sea turtle. Beach access may be limited in some areas for the protection of wildlife species like nesting birds and sea turtles.

— Alissa McMahon

Did You Know?

In order to save the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse from rising sea levels and shoreline erosion, in 1999 the lighthouse was moved just over half a mile inland!

caha.jpg

Threats

The beaches and lighthouses that bring millions of visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore are in danger of disappearing.  Due to global climate change, rising sea levels threaten to make Cape Hatteras National Seashore an underwater national park.  You can learn more about this threat by reading NPCA’s report Unnatural Disaster.

State:

North Carolina

Acreage:

30,350.65

Category:

National Seashore

Established:

08/17/1937

FIND A PARK:

FIND BY LOCATION:

FIND BY CATEGORY:

FIND BY THEME:

BROWSE ALPHABETICALLY:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Beachroamer

November 10, 2011

Cape Hatteras is especially dear to my heart. Its one of the most beautiful lighthouses and parks I have ever seen. All the efforts that go into protecting the lighthouse from destruction during hurricanes is a tremendous effort and much appreciated. Once you see it, you will never forget the experience, its one of my favorite lifetime moments.

Jenny

November 10, 2011

This area is special to me.I thank the NPCA for the time and effort to help protect the lighthouses and the nature that surrounds it especially the beach and those live or nest on it including the birds and se turtles.

Post a Comment

Share your park story today. Post your park experiences, recommendations, or tips here.*

Nickname
Comment
Email
 
Enter this word:
CAPTCHA image
Change image Visually impaired? Click here to have an audio challenge played. You will then need to enter the code that is spelled out.

* Your comments will appear once approved by the moderator. NPCA staff do not regularly respond to postings. We reserve the right to remove comments that include profanity, personal attacks, or are off-topic. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the position(s) of NPCA. By submitting comments you are giving NPCA permission to reuse your words on our website and print materials.