Jockey's Ridge

The entrance to Jockey's Ridge State Park from Route 158 near Nags Head. (Photograph by Blair Tormey. More about the photograph)

Jockey’s Ridge is the largest of the four remaining large dunes on the Outer Banks. The dune’s immense size and its proximity to economic interests such as Route 158 have resulted in various attempts to control its migration. But the planting of American beach grass and construction of snow fences have had little success. In fact, near the intersection of Route 158 and Soundside Drive, a miniature golf course has been almost completely buried by the migrating dune.

Like Run Hill Dune, the landward portion of Jockey’s Ridge is flanked by a maritime forest. The forest contains loblolly pines, live oak, and well-developed thicket. It flourishes in the lee of Jockey’s Ridge, protected from harmful sea spray and storm-force winds. At the same time, though, the unchecked migration of the protecting dune threatens to bury entire portions of the forest.

Jockey’s Ridge has played a key role in the legends and lore of the Outer Banks. As one story goes, during the days of pirates such as Blackbeard, the early settlers of Nags Head would ride a mare around in circles on the crest of the dune at night with a lantern tied around the horse’s neck. Sailors on passing ships would often think the light was coming from a nearby safe harbor, approach the shore, and wreck on the shoals. The next day, the locals would walk down to the beach and collect the wares that had washed ashore from the wreck. Hence these locations earned the names “Jockey’s Ridge” and “Nags Head.”

Because Jockey’s Ridge is the largest sand dune on the east coast and is an important part of Outer Banks history, the entire dune has been designated as a state park. It is a favorite place of visitors to the Outer Banks and offers great hiking and scenic coastal vistas.

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