Night driving reopens, and other National Seashore updates for the week of September 15

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 September 15 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• Night driving (24 hours a day) will be allowed at many designated off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps beginning this evening. To find out which ramps no longer have night driving restrictions, and which ramps still have opening and closing times due to sea turtle nests, visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. To purchase a Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV permit, go to www.recreation.gov.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore hosted 427,384 visits in August 2021, making it the busiest August since 2002. This year continues to be the busiest start to any year on record at America’s first national seashore.
• A project to increase parking capacity and renovate restroom and shower facilities at Frisco Beach Access begins today.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore will host drop-in volunteer beach cleanup efforts at Coquina Beach Access and Ocracoke Beach Access this Saturday from 7:30-11 a.m.
• An ORV caught on fire near Ramp 38 last Friday morning. Beach drivers are strongly urged to lower vehicle tire pressure to at least 20 psi before entering designated ORV ramps.
• 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.

Upcoming Events

Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing

• Dates: Monday-Sunday (Daily) through Oct. 11. First climb at 9 a.m. and final climb at 5:30 p.m.
• Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased the day of intended climb and are only available for purchase online at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143. Tickets go on sale daily at 7 a.m.

Bodie Island Educational Programs/Activities (Sept. 7-Oct. 11, 2021)

The Bodie Island Lighthouse – Lighting the way for almost 150 years

• Dates: Daily from 11-11:30 a.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.

Shaping these Barrier Islands

• Dates: Daily from 2-2:30 p.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.

Hatteras Island Educational Programs/Activities (Sept. 7-Oct. 11, 2021)

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Lighting the way for over 150 years

• Dates: 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 2:30-3 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.

Especially for Kids

• Dates: Every Monday-Friday from 12-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Learn about seashore animals through hands-on games and activities for kids and families.

Surf Fish with a Ranger

• Dates: Every Tuesday from 8:30-10 a.m.
• Description: Ever wanted to try your hand at surf fishing? We bring the poles, you bring the bait. Registration is required. Visit the Hatteras Island Visitor Center to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Dark Skies Over Hatteras

• Dates: Every Thursday from 9-10 p.m.
• Location: Meet at off-road vehicle ramp 43
• Description: Bring blankets and chairs for this evening of stars and stories on the beach.

Ocracoke Island Educational Programs/Activities (Sept. 7-Oct. 11, 2021)

Ocracoke Island Discovery Center

• Dates: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

View Inside Base of Ocracoke Lighthouse

• Dates: Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday-Monday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stories of 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.