Cape Hatteras National Seashore
When visiting the Outer Banks, most people come for the dining, golf, shopping and other fun activities. While all those activities can keep you busy your entire stay, you should make time to check out the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This section of land stretches 70 miles from South Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet, covering more than 30,000 acres.
The first designated National Seashore in the country offers more to do at a fraction of the cost of other activities. Spending a week on the seashore would not be enough time to experience it in its entirety. There is no fee to enter the park which is open everyday except for Christmas Day. Strolling the white sand beaches bird watching and enjoying the scenery is complimentary.
There are fees for some activities such as a guided lighthouse tour, reserving a campground or docking your boat. The fees are nominal and this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying all activities that the park has to offer. Activities include camping, bird watching, lighthouse tours and more. If you plan in camping you should make plans to arrive at the camp site early, as most do not take reservations. They are on a first come first serve basis. Depending on which location you choose, camp fees range from $4 per person per night, or flat rates of up to $20 per night. More information about campgrounds and fees can be found here:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
One of the best ways to enjoy this National Seashore is by brining your own boat. This can give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and enjoy the activities on the water that interest you most. Dock service is available at Silver Lake on Ocracoke Island. Rates are as follows:
$1.25 per boat foot/day, cap at 80 feet or $80/day
$3 per day - 110 volt electric service
$5 per day - 220 volt electric service
-Winter Rates (no electric service available):
60¢ per boat foot/day, cap at 80 feet or $40/day
Another favorite activity to enjoy is climbing the stairs of the Cape Hatteras Light House. The light house is rich in history and a great day activitiy. Fees are $3.50 for children under 12 and seniors 62 and older, $7 for adults, or $3.50 for those with a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access pass.
Labels: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Lighthouses, OBX
The Cape Hatteras Light Station
Beyond Cape Hatteras lies one of the most dangerous sections of the Atlantic Coast. Many currents converge in this area that can drive ships into a dangerous 12 mile long sandbar. Because of this dangerous stretch and the countless shipwrecks in the area, it has been named the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
In October of 1803 construction of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was completed. Congress felt it was necessary to build this warning tower to protect ships moving through this dangerous section of the sea. The original tower was 90 feet tall and the light used Whale oil to stay lit. Later it was found that this light tower was unable to effectively warn ships of the dangers of the sea. It was too short and the sandstone it was made of lacked sufficient coloring to be most visible by ships.
It wasn’t until 50 years later in 1853 that additions were made to the lighthouse. The Lighthouse Board decided to add 60 extra feet to a new height of 150 feet. The top half of the tower was painted red and the lower half white to make it more visible to passing ships. At this time, a new lens was used to better refract the light to make a much stronger beam.
By 1870, the original lighthouse was in need of serious repair. It was decided that instead of retrofitting the old structure, a new lighthouse was to be constructed. The new lighthouse was lit on December 1, 1870 and the old lighthouse was demolished in 1871.
Due to Beach erosion, the beacon was moved to a different location and a skeletal steel tower was used. The beacon resided here from 1934-1950 until it was moved back to the tower that was built in 1870. Beach erosion had subsided due to much construction and rebuilding efforts.
In 1999 the lighthouse was moved to its present location. It was moved 2,900 feet and now sits 1,500 feet from the shoreline.
The tower is managed by the National Park Service.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a great place to explore when visiting the Outer Banks. Tours are available for a small fee. Adult tickets are $7 and children and seniors are $3.50. For more information about the lighthouse please visit
http://www.nps.gov/caha/historyculture/lightstationfaqs.htm.
Labels: Cape Hatteras Light Station, Lighthouses, Outer Banks
Lighting up the Outer Banks
Part 2
As a continuation from last week’s blog, I will discuss the three remaining lighthouses in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Last week I reviewed the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This week we will take a look at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.
Located on the shore of Corolla, North Carolina and standing at 163 feet tall is the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Construction on this Lighthouse was completed in 1875. The light from the tower is visible for 19 miles under clear conditions. The Currituck lighthouse is an all brick structure that has never been painted in order to help distinguish it from other nearby lighthouses. It is the only lighthouse in North Carolina to remain in its original structure. Currently, the lighthouse is open to visitors between Easter and Thanksgiving.
The oldest Lighthouse on the shores of the Outer Banks is the Ocracoke Lighthouse. It is also the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. The first creation of the Ocracoke Lighthouse was built in 1803 on Shell Castle Island. It lasted only 15 years until it was destroyed by lightning. In 1823 the second Ocracoke lighthouse was built which still stands today. The Ocracoke Lighthouse stands only 75 feet tall and its light can be seen for 14 miles.
The original Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse was constructed in 1857 and was better known as the screwpile lighthouse. It lasted until 1955 when it was decommissioned. In September of 2004 the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse was reconstructed on the pier of the Manteo Waterfront. The Lighthouse is the newest in the Outer Banks area. Its design is unique and modeled after the original, a small cottage with a light tower on top. Due to its design, the peak of the Lighthouse only reaches 75 feet.
These lighthouses play a very important role in keeping our shores safe. Thanks to the lighthouses in the Outer Banks, countless ships have steered away from danger.
Labels: Lighthouses, Outer Banks
