Cape Lookout

https://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Lookout_National_Seashore Cape Lookout National Seashore preserves a 56-mile (90-km) long section of the Southern Outer Banks, or Crystal Coast, of North Carolina, USA, running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast. Three undeveloped barrier islands make up the seashore - North and South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks. The seashore includes two historic villages on Core Banks, Shackleford's wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, which has a black-and-white diamond pattern. A visitors center for the seashore is located on Harkers Island. A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches. Only two areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island and the Visitor Information Center in Beaufort, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531 Great Island Cabin Office Located at Great Island on South Core Banks, this area is only reached by either the park ferry or your personal boat. The vehicle ferry coming from Davis, NC lands here, dropping off 4-wheel drive vehicles and passengers. The Office is open seasonally from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily. Available facilities: First Aid, park passport stamp, free Jr Ranger booklet, beach wheelchair (free rental), recreation permits The Great Island Cabin Camp can be reached by ferries leaving from the town of Davis, NC. These ferries can carry both passengers and four-wheel drive vehicles. Harkers Island Visitor Center Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, ferry ticket booth, picnic area, and a kayak launch site. Programs and Amenities: Exhibits on island history and ecology including the Shackleford Banks horses; interactive map of the park; Discovery Room with sounds of the seashore game, a touch table and other kid friendly activities; the park film is shown upon request; book store; Ranger programs and free Junior Ranger and Junior Ranger Adventures activity guides This visitor center is located on the eastern end of Harkers Island, approximately 20 mi (30 km) east of Beaufort, NC and 30 mi (50 km) south of the Cedar Island terminus of the North Carolina State Ferry route from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island. This visitor center is one of two Ferry Gateways to the Cape Lookout Light Station and Shackleford Banks. Light Station Visitor Center Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, shade shelter, water fountain. Purchase tickets for climbing the lighthouse at the ticket window. Also available: park passport stamp station, free Jr Ranger & Jr Ranger Activity guides, bookstore, beach wheelchair (free rental) Located on South Core Banks near the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this visitor center is reached only by the park ferry or private boat. Open from mid-March through October, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily. Located on South Core Banks 3 miles offshore from the Harkers Island Visitor Center, the primary way to reach the Light Station Vistior Center is by the passenger ferry or taking your personal boat. Visitors with 4-wheel drive vehicles may take the vehicle ferry from Davis to the Great Island Cabin Camp on South Core Banks and drive the 10 miles down the beach to the entrance from the "backroad" between Ramp 40 & Ramp 41. Portsmouth Visitor Center Located in the historic Theodore & Annie Salter House (The first house on the right of the path from Haulover Dock) in Portsmouth Village on North Core Banks. Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, park passport stamp; Exhibits on maritime history and village life Portsmouth Village is located on the northern tip of North Core Banks adjacent to Ocracoke Inlet. Currently the only way to reach Portsmouth Village is by passenger ferry from Ocracoke, NC. This 30 minute ride across the 5 miles from Silver Lake Harbor on Ocracoke down to the ferry dock in the village is done by small, flat bottom boats. Great Island Cabin Camp Great Island Cabin Camp offers 23 rustic, wooden beachfront cabins with porches for individuals and families or small groups of up to 12 people. Cabins range in size from 288 to 960 sq ft., and Cabin 2 is accessible. All cabins are wired for generator use, needed to power electricity. Guests must provide their own generators, no larger than 5,500 watts or equipped with a GFI. 4-person cabins 80.00 Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin. 6-person cabins 120.00 Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin. 8-person cabins 155.00 Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin. 12-person cabins 180.00 Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin. ADA/Wheelchair accessible cabin (sleeps 6) 120.00 Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin. Great Island Cabin 5 Cabin 5 in Great Island showing the screen porch The screen porches on the cabins are a favorite spot to catch the breeze Great Island Cabin -- sleeps 12 Rustic wooden cabin sitting in the dunes Cabins in the camp are various sizes -- this one sleeps up to 12 people Great Island Cabin interior Rustic cabin interior showing bunk beds, kitchenette and doorway to restroom Although plain, the interior of the cabin is comfortable for those staying here Great Island Cabin office Two wooden buildings sit side-by-side At the cabin office questions can be answered as well as ice and emergency gas are for sale. Next door sits the cabin for the Volunteer caretakers. Island Roads a sand trail on the island shows the tracks of vehicle use The only "road" on the island is the one we call the "back road" as it runs down the island behind the dunes. It is a single lane wide and is unpaved throughout its length. North Core Banks - Beach Camping Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20- barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, there are no camp sites. This area is reached only by ferry. Both tent camping and vehicle camping is allowed. Vehicles -- 4x4 highly recommended -- must be able to drive on the soft sand of the beach and the sand trail behind the dunes known as the "back road". There are no hard surfaces on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles. No Fee Camping 0.00 There is no fee charged for camping South Core Banks -- Beach camping Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20 mile long barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, there are no camp sites. This area is reached only by ferry. Both tent camping and vehicle camping is allowed. Vehicles -- 4x4 highly recommended -- must be able to drive on the soft sand of the beach and the sand trail behind the dunes known as the "back road". There are no hard surfaces on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles. No Fee Camping 0.00 There is no fee charged for camping South Core Banks -- beach camping area Open beach with dunes on the right and ocean on the left Pick your camping spot -- primitive style dispersed camping is allowed on the beach, seaward of the dunes South Core Banks -- open beach for camping wide beach with dunes on right and ocean waves on left Where would you like to camp? This wide beach allows for dispersed camping seaward of the dunes along its length. South Core Banks -- wide beach for camping Sandy ocean beach with dunes on left and ocean waves on right The wide beaches of South Core Banks allow for dispersed camping directly on the beach. Choose your spot on the beach, seaward of the dunes, and relax. South Core Banks -- camping area wide sandy beach with dunes on left side and ocean waves on the right Picked your camping spot yet? The wide beaches of South Core Banks allow for dispersed camping between the dunes and the high tide line Cape Lookout Lighthouse : Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud f The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is still an active aid-to-navigation, warning ships of the nearby shoals. Climbing to up to see the view from the gallery level, 14 stories above the ground, is also a popular activity by visitors during the summer. Sea Oats Mature sea oat plant seed heads gracefully drooping in the sun In late summer, Sea Oats are the most conspicuous plant growing on the sand dunes with their graceful, drooping seed heads. Sanderlings small sandpipers poke their bills in the sand while waves break in the background Small sandpipers, called Sanderlings, are common sights on the ocean beach as they search for food in the sand between waves Relaxing by the Ocean 2 ladies sit in beach chairs on the sand with their feet in the water Watching the waves, feeling the cool sea breeze and the warmth of the sun make for a relaxing day. Surf fishing A surf fisherman stands in the water holding his surf rod and watching the waves Surf fishing is a popular pastime at the beach NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. aerial view of inlet Shark Awareness Before heading into the ocean, review some safety information to further minimize the chances of a shark encounter. Shark and fish in the blue ocean waters Southeast Coast Network News July 2018 Southeast Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network newsletter for July 2018. 2012 Cape Lookout National Seashore (CALO) Excavations Excavating a sand dune Excavating a sand dune 2014 Colonial Waterbirds Annual Report Cape Hatteras 2014 annual report on colonial waterbird monitoring at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Black skimmers in their nesting colony 2014 Sea Turtle Annual Report Cape Hatteras 2014 annual report on sea turtle monitoring at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Green sea turtle returning to sea after laying her eggs. 2014 Wilson's Plover Annual Report Cape Hatteras 2014 annual report on Wilson's plover monitoring from Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Wilson's Plover showing US Life-Saving Service The United States Life-Saving Service (USLSS), the predecessor to the United States Coast Guard, formed in 1878. The story of the USLSS dates to almost 100 years before the service became an official agency, to the noble efforts of the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a group of affluent individuals seeking to prevent needless deaths from shipwrecks. A black and white photo of seven men wearing uniforms and standing in front of a boat house. SEAC Zooarcheologists Combine Sciences to Study the Past Diagram of great auk skeleton Diagram of great auk skeleton Monitoring Estuarine Water Quality in Coastal Parks: Fixed Station Monitoring Estuaries are the convergence of freshwater, delivered by rivers, to the ocean's salty sea water. The result is a delicate ecosystem providing existence for a multitude of fish and wildlife species. we have created the story map to help you learn more about how these estuaries formed, the potential issues they face, and the process of monitoring the water quality utilizing fixed station monitoring. Waterbirds congregate in an estuary at sunset. Monitoring Estuarine Water Quality in Coastal Parks: Park-wide Assessments Estuaries located in national parks provide recreational experiences such as fishing and boating for park visitors. Therefore, knowing what's in the water can assist the park in its mission of managing such a critcal resource. The Southeast Coast Network monitors water quality through fixed station monitoring and park-wide assessments. While the former is conducted on a monthly basis, park-wide assessments are completed every five years. Learn more with this story map. Dock stretching out into an estuary as the sun sets over the water. A Whole New World Does your family use olive oil? Many things that we use in our homes today have their origins in the Old World. When Spanish explorers and colonists came to the New World, they brought many things from their homes, and ways of using those things. Artist's painting of a ceramic olive oil jar and a glass jar of olive oil Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Outside Science (inside parks): Sea Turtles and Shorebirds at Cape Lookout National Seashore This episode of Outside Science (inside parks) takes us to Cape Lookout National Seashore just off the coast of North Carolina where interns and park staff build habitat for sea turtles and document shorebirds. a screengrab of a person's hands holding a shorebird on a beach. text reads Cape Lookout Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. At-Risk Turtles - Ongoing Research Spotlight Parks are a great place to appreciate turtles in their natural habitat. NPS is now studying at-risk land turtles in the Mid-Atlantic to better understand how to help them survive into the future. A turtle with bright orange chin and neck peers upward from a woody wet spot Guide to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) Southeast Region Collection This finding aid describes the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) Southest Region Collection, part of the NPS History Collection. The Shipwreck Tagging Archaeological Management Program (STAMP) Climate change compels National Park archeologists to use science to save valuable data from deteriorating and disappearing back into the sea. In response, the National Park Service’s Submerged Resources Center (SRC) and its partners are expanding their shipwrecking timber tracking initiative, the Shipwreck Tagging Archaeological Management Program (STAMP), to encompass all national parks with bodies of water. Person attaching a tag to a timber Project Profile: Reverse Seagrass Meadow Decline: Identify Heat-Tolerant Variants, Seed Sources and Outplanting Sites The National Park Service will identify seagrass meadows and map optimal areas for future seagrass restoration to support decisions that will enhance restoration and resilience of seagrass meadows. The goal of the project is to develop scientific information needed to chart a course of action in effort to reverse declining seagrass meadows that harbor biodiversity, strengthen shorelines, improve water quality and are vital to fish nurseries at coastal parks from North Carolin Scuba diver transplanting seagrass New Research Shows How Parks Can Support Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Use Sunscreens help prevent skin cancer, but some can harm the environment. Three recent behavioral science papers describe ways to boost visitors’ use of eco-friendly sun protection. Adult in a NPS diving uniform with a child snorkeling and pointing at colorful corals. Secrets of the Marsh: Eastern Black Rails and Other Elusive Birds Detected Through Inventory at Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras National Seashores   Eastern black rails serve as valuable health indicators of the salt marshes at Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras National Seashores (NS). The biggest threat to eastern black rails is rising sea levels since they occupy a narrow window of elevation in the upper zone of marsh habitats. Staff conducted surveys to find out the status of secretive marsh birds at the Seashores. A scenic view of saltwater flowing amongst green grasses under a blue sky. Dark Night, Safe Flight At night, birds use the stars to find their way (pretty cool, right?). But bright lights from buildings, towers, and houses can confuse them. That's why national parks are so important - they're like bird hotels! They give birds safe places to rest and eat, especially after flying across the ocean.

Cape Lookout Cape Lookout National Seashore North Carolina National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Black skimmers (above) © BRITT BROWN A Loggerhead turtle hatchling crawls to the sea. (above left) Red Knots (above right) stop here during spring and fall migration. © BRITT BROWN Surf fishing is a popular activity. Knobbed whelk shells (top right) and horseshoe crabs are sometimes washed ashore. HORSESHOE CRAB © PAUL OESCHGER FISHERMAN © BRITT BROWN The present lighthouse, completed in 1859, can be seen 15 miles out to sea. Its diamond pattern (day mark) and flash pattern tells mariners their location. Fishing was the main occupation of the islanders. Shackleford Banks is home to more than 100 wild horses. People have been returning to these islands for generations. Clam and cockle shells ALL IMAGES NPS UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED © BRITT BROWN Looking towards Portsmouth from the top of Cape Lookout lighthouse. © BRITT BROWN A n d so in my min l e i d os c op i c p a t t er n a k , g n i t f i h s f i x e d r e a l i t y - Ea r t h b e c o na d’s eye these c i d n a d e n t e a l b m i t d l n min g f l u o a s t a l fo r m s m er g e a in which there i s no finality, no ui d a s t The Edge of the Sea Rachel Carson Cape Lookout National Seashore is wild, beautiful, and remote. This isolated strip of sand is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier island systems in the world. The rhythm of nature is evident here. Waves crash, winds blow, currents shift, and storms batter this dynamic landscape, where change is certain and survival difficult. The last residents left in 1971, but some of their homes can still be seen, and their sense of community and love for this place can still be felt. In the midst of this changing landscape connections to the past and the renewal of life are evident. Sea turtles, piping plovers, and American oystercatchers return, laying eggs on the same THER A E W WIND, This 1780s map shows Shackleford Banks connected to Cape Lookout and Portsmouth. beach where their lives began. People travel back to visit historic villages, cast their lines, and swap stories about the catch of the day and previous generations who fished from these shores. he Sea it self. your toes in the sand, gather shells, and surf cast. Watch the sunrise and sunset and see one of the best night sky views on the east coast. Connect with the rhythms of nature on the southern Outer Banks. Step off a ferry and into a world where birds outnumber people and wild Shackleford horses roam. Enjoy the beach and ocean views, wiggle , A N D WAV E S Stand anywhere along North Core, South Core (named for the Coree Indians), and Shackleford Banks and you can be assured of one thing—it is changing. Undeveloped and controlled by the forces of nature, inlets open and close, shoals advance and retreat, sands shift, and islands roll. Sometimes the change is small, other times dangerous, dramatic, and life-altering. Waves, currents, tides, winds, sea level, and storms continually build, erode, and sculpt this ribbon of sand. Barrier islands are the first line of defense during storms; absorbing the impact of surges, they protect coastal communities and marine life. At Cape Lookout National Seashore beaches, dunes, grasslands, maritime forests, and salt marshes provide home and refuge to a rich variety of vegetation and wildlife. Oysters filter water as they feed in the intertidal zone, the area covered by water at high tide and exposed at low tide. One oyster can clean 50 gallons of water in 24 hours. Fisherman harvesting oysters © NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM Eastern oyster © SMITHSONIAN MARINE STATION USMA LIBRARY, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS SHARE Loggerhead hatchlings Sea turtle hatchlings head straight to the ocean. Closing beaches to vehicles, about 10 days before hatches, smooths ruts helping the hatchlings reach the ocean. © BRITT BROWN American oystercatcher chick THE BEACH Shackleford horses need protection too. Please stay 50 or more feet away to avoid disturbing these wild horses and endangering yourself. The beach is a special habitat. People come here for recreation, but for wildlife this is home, a place to find food, rest during long migrations, and have their young. Sea turtles and shore birds build their nests on the beach. It’s their nursery. Park staff monitor the shore and set up buffers to preserve nesting sites. © BRITT BROWN Help us protect their babies: • Respect protected areas and follow regulations. • Pets must be kept under control on a six-foot leash at all times. • Dispose of fishing line properly. Thanks for caring. Thanks for sharing the beach. Piping plover chicks and eggs © BRITT BROWN © BRITT BROWN Shore birds build their nests in the sand, making them difficult to see. Closures help protect these nests, eggs, and baby birds. “You have to go out, you don’t have to come back,” was the unofficial motto of the US Life-Saving Service that rescued shipwreck