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Cape Lookout National Seashore |
Description:
The seashore is a 56 mile long section of the Outer Banks of North Carolina running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast. The three undeveloped barrier islands which make up the seashore - North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks - may seem barren and isolated but they offer many natural and historical features that can make a visit very rewarding
Designations:
National Seashore (March 10, 1966)
North Carolina Natural Heritage Area (May 23, 1986)
Carolinian-South Atlantic Biosphere Reserve (June 16, 1986)
Accessibility:
Visitor Center on Harkers Island is accessible. Access to and on the banks is limited. Ferries are partially accessible, contact the individual ferry service for details. On the banks soft sand may hinder walking or wheelchairs. Steps in the historic buildings at Portsmouth Village and in the Keeper's Quarters may prevent easy access. At the southern end of the park there is a wooden walkway from the ferry dock to an observation platform at the beach and to the Keeper's Quarters by the lighthouse. Ease of access to this walkway is dependent on the phase of the tide.
Getting Around:
Most people walk although personal 4-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on North Core and South Core Banks subject to State of North Carolina laws. All vehicle operators, ATVs included, must have a valid drivers license in their possession while driving a vehicle in the park. For those without a vehicle there are limited privately operated beach shuttle services available during the summer months.
Activites:
Boating | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Hunting | Swimming | Wildlife Viewing | Bird Watching | Stargazing | Kayaking | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Lodging | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Cabin Rentals | And more.
Nature: Endangered Animals | And more.
Directions to Cape Lookout National Seashore
Car:
Cape Lookout National Seashore's Visitor Center is located on the eastern end of Harkers Island, approximately 20 mi (30 km) east of Beaufort, NC and 30 mi (50 km)south of the Cedar Island terminus of the North Carolina State Ferry route from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island.
From Beaufort: Take U.S. 70 east to Harkers Island Road (SR 1332/SR 1335).
From Cedar Island: Take SR 12 south past the Atlantic turnoff to US 70 west. Continue on US 70 to Harkers Island Road (SR1332/SR 1335) .
Follow Harkers Island Road until it terminates. On the left is the two-story visitor center.
Public Transportation
Cape Lookout National Seashore is accessible only through private ferries leaving from Harkers Island, Davis, Atlantic, Beaufort, Morehead City and Ocracoke or your personal boat.
Ferries leaving from the communities of Harkers Island, Beaufort, Morehead City and Ocracoke, NC carry passengers only. The ferries from Davis and Atlantic, NC can transport passengers and 4-wheel drive vehicles. For additional information call (252)728-2250, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET. After hours a recording will give you a list of the ferry operators.
Nearby Parks:
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
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