- State: NC
- NPCA Region: Southeast
- Est. Date: 1937
Air Quality Conditions
View the Polluted Parks ReportVisibility
Unsatisfactory
Health
Unsatisfactory
Nature
Significant Concern
Climate Change Threats
This classic tourist destination became America's first national seashore in 1953 and covers more than 70 miles of coastline and 30,000 acres of beaches, dunes, marshes and woodlands in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The seashore preserves three iconic lighthouses, constructed to aid sailors navigating the cape’s perilous coastline. Visitors will also find a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including more than 360 documented bird species, and a range of historical sites commemorating maritime traditions, Civil War and World War II battles, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service, a predecessor to the Coast Guard.
A feathery refuge
The piping plover is a federally protected species at Cape Hatteras, threatened due to habitat loss and a past demand for its feathers, used in hats in the 1900s.
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Blog Post
Collapsing Homes Threaten One of Our Most Popular National Seashores
Coastal erosion is destroying beachfront houses near Cape Hatteras, creating dangerous debris and compounding problems for park staff.
My Park Story
Greetings from Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Have you ever seen heaven? I think I have, and those who come to Cape Hatteras National Seashore might even consider me to be some kind of 'Guard'-ian angel. Cape Hatteras has a long history of guardians. From the Lighthouse's to the Lifesaving Stations, I'm not really looking to fill…
More about Cape Hatteras
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Read more about A Reporter 'On the Brink' at Cape Hatteras
Podcast Episode A Reporter 'On the Brink' at Cape Hatteras Near Cape Hatteras, the rising ocean is causing homes to collapse, creating devastating losses and dangerous conditions. Journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan shares what she learned while reporting on the crisis.
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Read more about The Rarest Sea Turtle in the World
Blog Post The Rarest Sea Turtle in the World Staff at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina found three nests belonging to the rarest sea turtle species in the world — an animal not commonly found in the state.
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Read more about Get Your Binoculars: The 25 Best National Parks for Birding
Blog Post Get Your Binoculars: The 25 Best National Parks for Birding Find out which national park sites have the most bird species, with a highlight of what you might see at each place.
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Read more about Opposition to Legislative Proposals at Cape Hatteras, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton
Letter Opposition to Legislative Proposals at Cape Hatteras, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton NPCA urges Members of the House to Oppose H.R. 2954 when it comes to the House floor tomorrow. Specifically, NPCA opposes provisions to remove protections at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Title V) and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (Title VII).
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Read more about Conservation Groups Defend Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Press Release Conservation Groups Defend Cape Hatteras National Seashore New National Park Service rule protects visitors & wildlife, allows responsible beach driving
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