Cape Point and South Point on Ocracoke Expected to Open Mid-August; Seashore Updates for July 18

Per the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) Update for July 18, the tip of Cape Point as well as South Point on Ocracoke Island is expected to reopen to the public in mid-August.

Access to the tip of Cape Point remains temporarily closed due to a Least Tern colony in various stages of nesting and chick-rearing. Staff continue to monitor the area daily, and will restore access when possible. Based on current activity, CHNS continues to estimate that access to the tip of Cape Point will be restored around the middle of August, and South Point on Ocracoke Island is expected to be reopen around the same time as well.

The entire route between beach access Ramps 27 and 30, (which is located in between Avon and Salvo), has also reopened to pedestrians this past week.

Additional National Seashore updates for the week of July 18 include the following:

•    The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open to the public for viewing this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and this Sunday from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

•    The park will start publishing an email newsletter starting next Thursday. The newsletter will focus on recreational activity updates, interpretive programming schedules, and other interesting topics across the entire National Seashore.

•    Visitors are still encouraged to sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890. Subscribers will also receive beach related weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service for Currituck, Dare, and Hyde Counties. Ocean rescue service providers may also share current/changing beach conditions. Once you no longer need updates, simply text STOP to 30890.