NC - Cape Hatteras Light Station

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Day two of exploring the Outer Banks of North Carolina and yet another day of experiencing Tropical Storm Julia. Again, as we are having breakfast at the hotel, we are disappointed that the storm is lingering over the northern reaches of the OBX. So we decide to explore Roanoke Island in the morning, have lunch there, then travel down to Hatteras Island Light in the afternoon. With the choppy waters of the channel, we refrain from taking the 45-minute ferry over to Ocracoke Island to see the light and visitor center. We will save that for another trip. We proceed to Fort Raleigh NHS and are the sole visitors of the park as it opened just 30 minutes prior. The remnants of TS Julia upon us, we don't linger and proceeded up the road to the US Fish and Wildlife Services Visitor Center.

While not part of an actual Wildlife Refuge, this center was a long-time dream for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and many refuge and wildlife supporters on the Outer Banks and in eastern North Carolina.  Once at Pea Island, the Center was open, so we stopped in and looked around. Having already received the stamp at the Gateway Visitor Center, we stopped to take a few photos, then proceeded back on Route 12 for Hatteras Island..

Once at the Complex, we get out of the car and the same ranger that was a Bodie Island the day before was there, only he was not taking photos for the visitors. We proceeded to the Visitor Center, where I make a purchase and receive a coupon for a FREE Shutterfly Photo Book (Woot, Woot!) After doing the stamp thing, we pass the lighthouse for some photo ops then visit the Museum of the Sea, yes it is air-conditioned. After we walk back, the ranger talk is over and it is now free for photo taking, so that is done and we return to the car and head back to the Northern Beaches.

Lighthouse Synopsis

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast. Offshore of Cape Hatteras, the Gulf Stream collides with the Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada. This current forces southbound ships into a dangerous twelve-mile long sandbar called Diamond Shoals. Hundreds and possibly thousands of shipwrecks in this area have given it the reputation as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Lighthouse Information

About 50 miles south of the seashore's north entrance is the Hatteras Island Visitor Center and Museum of the Sea in Buxton, NC. The visitor center offers orientation information, off-road vehicle permits for purchase, and a bookstore. Just beyond the visitor center is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse ticket booth, a pavilion for ranger programs, and restroom facilities. Ranger programs are scheduled during spring, summer, and autumn months.

The Museum of the Sea is within the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Double Keepers' Quarters. The two-floor museum contains exhibits on Outer Banks history and natural history. A small audiovisual room provides a video presentations, available upon request. Between the visitor center and the museum stands the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has 257 steps from the ground to the balcony level, equal to climbing a 12-story building. The narrow stairs have a handrail only on one side, two-way traffic, and a landing every 31 steps.

Climbing the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a unique experience. The climb is self-paced and provides views from the tallest brick lighthouse in North America.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is normally open from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day. Climbing hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm daily. Tickets are required.

Tickets

Climbing tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for senior citizens (62 or older), children (11 and under, and at least 42" tall), and the disabled. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can only be purchased in-person at the site the day of the climb. There are no advance ticket sales for regular climbs.

Ticket sales begin at 9:00 am and climbs begin at 9 am, running every 10 minutes with a limit of 30 visitors per climb. Ticket sales close at 4:25 pm. Ticket holders should arrive at the base of the lighthouse five minutes prior to their ticketed climb time.

School Group Climbs

Climbing tours may be booked in advance for some school groups.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse climbing fees may be waived for educational groups visiting the park as part of their accredited curriculum. The fee waiver application and associated materials must be submitted at least four weeks prior to your visit.

Full Moon Tours

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Full Moon Tours can be reserved via Recreation.gov starting at 10:00 am three days before the tour date. You must have a Recreation.gov account established before you can purchase tickets. 

Passport Information

Stamp is available at the NPS visitor center permit desk:
46379 Lighthouse Road
Buxton, NC, 27920.  
Website: www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm