jockey's ridge state park

really neat park with wonderful views from the "big sand dune" we loved it. can be a little hot walking on the sand so go early!

Great fun to hike up the dunes and see the ocean on one side and Roanoke Sound on the other. Several adventurous people trying out hang gliding off the dunes. You feel like Lawrence of Arabia.

Jockey's Ridge was a great experience we had. Other than being in a literal dessert I've never seen something like this, It as a pretty amazing sight/experience and awesome to just walk around, explore, take in the views as well as take some pictures. I would return again, I visited during the winter so the area wasn't busy at all.

Plants, bugs, animals, sand dunes, the sound, scrub pine, etc. make this is an interesting state park. There's little shade in the summer so be prepared for that or visit during the cooler season-like we did this weekend. Also, check out the online map of the park (http://ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/jori/pics/parkmap.pdf) to decide where you want to explore. We think it's best to start at the visitor center and decide what to take in from there. We did the soundside nature trail this (sunny but cold) weekend and it was very nice. The parking was easy because of the time of year and cold weather. Be prepared for crowds during the summer season and plan accordingly. If you're up for it, you/the kids can take a hang gliding lesson or go sandboarding or kiteboarding. We hope this is helpful to you/yours.

Highly recommend just plan as can be cold and windy. Great to see and explore with kids who enjoy the outdoors.

One of the most interesting and largest sand dunes in the US. Even in the dead of winter it looked and felt like a Sahara dessert kind of place. If not for being able to see other things nearby, it would be very easy to get lost and freak out here.

Kite flying, sledding down the dunes, walking thru the reserve. Truly an amazing place. We spend hours there every time we go.

It's a BIG sand dune! Too bad I was there on a cold, damp January afternoon. Otherwise, I would have been able to see the hang gliders as they sailed from the top of the ridge.

This is a MUST for anyone traveling to the area. We came during the off season so there were not many places open, so we decided to spend a few hours hiking around the sand dunes. Although it was quite windy and chilly during our stay (low 30s with windchill), we had so much fun. It was a perfect spot for my fiance and I to spend some time as we both love to be outside s much as possible and taking in nature's beauty. It's definitely not an easy hike with the soft sand and wind, so just be careful with what you wear and who you bring with you. We saw several dogs and small children though and everyone looked like they were having fun!

This sand dune at Jockeys ridge should be on everyones list of things to do while on vacation.The first time we hiked to the top was incredible.It was raining that day but we hiked anyway.When we got to the top,there was beautiful double rainbow..So many great memories.

we walked up to the dunes with our dog in the sand,it was breathtaking! liked the walking up the sand.

Worth a walk if you haven't seen big dunes before. When I say big I mean over 100 feet. Not the Sahara but the highest you'll see in this area. Wish I was there in season because they do hang-gliding off of them.

Well worth it. Don't miss it. Dogs are allowed too! Many kids brought sleds to sled down parts of the dune. Very good idea.

We Love Jockey's Ridge State Park. Awesome place for family. We go there every chance we get to relax and see the true beauty of outer-banks.

The climb to the top of the highest sand dunes on the East Coast is well worth it. One can see from the ocean to the sound. The view is spectacular and literally takes one's breath away.