Jockey's Ridge State Park is located in Dare County on the Outer Banks. It is open all year round except from Christmas Day and it covers an area of 426 ac /1.72 km². In order to satisfy your curiosity, visit this park and enjoy yourself performing hang-gliding.
Jockey’s Ridge contains three unique ecosystems: the Ronake Sound, the dune system and the maritime forest. For your friends and your family, the park offers picnic facilities, visitors Center, Auditorium and Museum. There are many reasons why you should visit this park. Firstly, Jockey’s Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States with peaks up to 80 – 100 ft/24 – 30 m. Secondly, during summer months, the sand on the dunes is incredibly hot. On average, the sand’s temperature will be from 25 to 30 degrees hotter than the air temperature.
Another major reason you should visit this place is the fact that high winds, extreme temperatures, shifting sands and lack of water, will make you feel like you live in desert. The temperature can reach 43°C/110°F. Visitors are kindly requested to bring water with them. In such a particular spot, the best thing to do is to perform one of the most popular activities, Hang Gliding. Year-round winds, blowing up to 10-15 mph/16-24 kph, make the place ideal for this exhilarating activity.
Bear in mind that only gliders with a USHGA 1 are allowed to perform on the spot. All Hang Gliders must register with at park office. Furthermore, Hang Gliding activity stops one hour before the park closure. The park also provides outside bathrooms facilities.
