Villages Open to ORVs: Beach Access Update

The beaches were a little busy on Sunday, October 15, as it marked the opening day for the villages of Hatteras, Frisco, Avon, and the Tri-villages to allow seasonal ORV vehicles. In addition, seasonal ramps such as Ramp 34 north of Avon opened to ORVs and pedestrians as well. 

Currently, there is no night driving (9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) permitted between Ramp 43 and Ramp 44 due to a sea turtle nest, however, night driving is still available all the way to Cape Point from Ramp 44 via the bypass road.

Ramps 48, 49, and 55 are all open to night driving.

Ramp 38 has night driving south for 0.61 miles.

Overall, Hatteras Island has 13 turtle nests remaining (8 in hatch window, 2 of 8 are hatching now). Additional night driving opportunities along ORV routes will become available after the nests hatch. Make sure to check out the Seashore’s Facebook page for updated status of beach access ramps.

Visitors should also be advised that at the end of Ramp 55, past the third access road on the beach, the route changes to a vehicle free area. Due to changing tides, it is difficult to keep the signage up at all times, but Rangers are working hard to keep the route posted, especially with all the changes in the area.

Upcoming fishing tournaments include:  October 21 – 22, Capital City Four Wheelers Club Fishing Tournament; October 25 – 28, NCBBA Red Drum Surf Fishing Tournament; and October 28 – Nov 4, Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament.