A Fun Look at the History of Jockey’s Ridge State Park
If you've ever driven through Nags Head and caught sight of a giant sand dune rising like a golden wave beside the road, you've seen Jockey’s Ridge — the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast and one of the most iconic sights on the Outer Banks. But did you know this sandy giant has a wild history that’s still shifting (literally!) today?
Let’s take a fun stroll through time and learn how Jockey’s Ridge went from a natural curiosity to a protected playground for adventurers, nature lovers, and sunset chasers.
A Natural Marvel — Millions of Years in the Making
Jockey’s Ridge wasn’t built in a day. In fact, it formed over thousands of years as winds swept sand inland from the beach, gradually piling it into dunes. The result? A 400+ acre sandscape that’s constantly changing with the wind — rising, falling, and even walking across the land over time.
The tallest dune can reach heights of 80 to 100 feet, depending on the season and weather. It’s so dynamic that park rangers don’t even give it a permanent measurement!
What’s With the Name “Jockey’s Ridge”?
There’s a legend behind the name. Back in the 1800s, locals say the area was used for horse racing. Spectators would climb the dunes to watch the races below — and jockeys, of course, were the stars of the show. Hence the name “Jockey’s Ridge.” Whether or not this tale is 100% true, we love the image of dune-top derby fans cheering on their favorites.
A Park Born from Passion and Preservation
By the 1970s, Jockey’s Ridge was under threat. Developers had their eye on the land, and the dunes were starting to disappear — literally. But the Outer Banks community wasn’t about to let that happen.
Enter Carolista Baum, a local mom turned environmental activist. When bulldozers showed up to flatten part of the dune, she parked herself (and her children!) in their path. Her bold move sparked a wave of community support. Thanks to Carolista and countless others, the land was protected and eventually became a state park in 1975.
Today, a memorial in the park honors Carolista’s fearless fight to save this natural treasure.
Fly Like a Bird (Or at Least Try To)
One of the most unforgettable ways to experience Jockey’s Ridge? Hang gliding off the dunes!
Thanks to the steady coastal winds and soft, forgiving sand, it's one of the best spots on the East Coast to learn. In fact, Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching beginners to fly here since the 1970s.
Whether you're a total newbie or looking to check something off your bucket list, you'll get expert instruction and jaw-dropping views as you fly down the ridge like a modern-day Wright brother. It’s part thrill, part awe, and 100% Outer Banks magic.
More Than Just a Giant Sand Pile
Jockey’s Ridge isn’t just for looking — it’s for doing. Visitors come from all over to:
Take hang gliding lessons
Roll down the dunes like kids (or with kids!)
Fly kites in some of the steadiest winds around with views for miles
Catch epic sunsets over Roanoke Sound
Swim in the Roanoke Sound on the Soundside Beach
Explore the new Soundside Nature Trail for a peek at coastal ecosystems
The Dunes Live On
What makes Jockey’s Ridge so special is that it’s alive — not in the usual sense, but in how it’s shaped daily by the wind and weather. No two visits are ever exactly the same. One year, you might see the sand swallowing up trees and hiding old buildings; the next, it might uncover them again.
So if you haven’t been in a while (or ever!), this is your sign to go. Climb to the top, breathe in that salt air, and take in one of the best views on the Outer Banks.
You can visit year-round, and admission is totally free. The Visitor Center has cool exhibits, and the boardwalk makes it easy to access the dunes.
Pro Tip: Wear shoes — the sand can get hot! And bring water, especially if you're planning to explore during summer.
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