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Cape Hatteras National Seashore

, North Carolina

NPCA REGION: Southeast Regional Office

Acreage: 30,350.65

Category: National Seashore

Date Established: 08/17/1937

More Info: http://www.nps.gov/caha

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 2000 the lighthouse was moved just over half a mile inland!

Threats

The beaches and lighthouses that bring thousands of visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore or 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.

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Comments

The loss of beach access during the nesting season is unnecessary and hurts the local economy. The spoil islands created by dredging the channels in the sound produce successful nesting sites that are not counted by the park system. These islands should be propagated for the wildlife. The"recreation" component of the park that was originally established has become endangered, and animals and certain birds are killed by the park service to protect others (piping plovers) when other alternatives exist!

Submitted by Dave at: January 28, 2009

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.

Submitted by Beachroamer at: June 24, 2008