ORV Night driving restrictions go into effect May 1, and other National Seashore updates for the week of Apr. 29
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates and news items related to recreational activities and seashore conditions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.
News items and events related to the National Seashore for the week of April 29 include the following:
Seashore Updates
- Night driving restrictions on ocean-side beaches begin this Saturday at 9 p.m. From May 1 through July 31, priority off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps close at 9 p.m. and reopen the following morning at 6 a.m. All other designated ocean-side ORV ramps close at 9 p.m. and reopen at 7 a.m.
- Night driving restrictions help protect nesting sea turtles.
- Priority ORV ramps are ramps 2, 4, 25, 27, 43, 44, 48, 49, 70 and 72.
- While night driving restrictions are in place, visitors may still park their vehicles in parking areas and walk on the beach at night.
- Sound-side ramps, Inside Road and Pole Road do not have night driving restrictions.
- For current beach access information, go to http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
- Before you visit the beach, go to www.weather.gov/beach/mhx to view the daily rip current risk level and beach conditions forecast. Visitors can sign up to receive Outer Banks beach safety text messages by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295
Special Events
Public Meetings to Discuss Ocracoke Light Station Preservation Ideas
Read more about the public meetings in the Seashore’s recent news release.
In-person meeting
- Date: Thursday, May 6 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Berkley Barn at Berkley Manor, 58 Water Plant Rd, Ocracoke, N.C.
Virtual meeting
- Date: Monday, May 10 from 6-7 p.m.
- Location: Online meeting link. If you have issues with internet connectivity, use the audio only option: 202-640-1187, 38403551#
- Attendees are encouraged to use a computer or smartphone to connect via online meeting link
Upcoming Events
Bodie Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Shaping these Barrier Islands
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m.
- Location: Meet on back patio of the Double Keepers’ Quarters
- Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to this islands.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse – Lighting the way for almost 150 years
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 2-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet on the back patio of the Double Keepers’ Quarters
- Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.
Hatteras Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Lighting the way for over 150 years
- Dates: Monday-Sunday (Daily) from 11-11:30 a.m.
- Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and provide information about current restoration efforts.
Shaping these Barrier Islands
- Dates: Daily from 2-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to these islands.
Ocracoke Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Ocracoke Island
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m.
- Location: Meet outside visitor center
- Description: Learn about the location and legacy of Ocracoke Island. From serving as an early port village and primary point of entry to North Carolina to Blackbeard’s final battle, Ocracoke Island possesses a unique heritage resulting from its continued remote setting.
Shaping these Barrier Islands
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 2-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet outside visitor center
- Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to these islands.
