Park Archives: Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow, ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet to the southwest. These barrier islands—56 miles long—consist of wide, bare beaches with low dunes covered by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vegetation, and large expanses of salt marsh alongside the sound.

Wind, waves, and currents are continually at work reshaping these low-lying islands; one big storm can bring about extensive changes. In such an environment only the most tenacious plants can survive the constant battle. The grasses are the most important plants because their deep roots help anchor the sand. All plants in the park are protected by law. Please do not pick them.

Humans, too, have found this environment difficult but protective and bountiful. A 1590 map of Cape Lookout calls the area promontorium tremendum—"horrible headland"—in recognition of the area's treacherous shoals. Behind the islands are sheltered anchorages that can shield a vessel from a Northeaster or, as in World War II, an enemy submarine. For centuries whaling and fishing were important industries on the Outer Banks. In the 1800s the settlement of Diamond City on Shackleford Banks was famous for the excellent salted mullet it shipped. The secret lay not in the quality of fish but in the care Diamond City processors took in cleaning, salting, and packing the fish. Today, commercial fishing continues even as the forces of nature shape and alter these islands.

From the large whelk to the five-petaled sand dollar, shells are abundant in number and variety on Cape Lookout's beaches. Seashells are made by living animals. If you find a shell with a live creature inside, please put it back in the same spot—this is that animal's home.

Loggerhead sea turtles—a threatened species—thrive in the waters of Cape Lookout. Sections of the beach are closed to vehicles during nesting times.

Since 1859 the Cape Lookout lighthouse has guided mariners through hazardous waters. It served as the prototype for all of the Outer Banks lighthouses.

Chartered in 1753, Portsmouth Village was one of the first settlements in the region. It once was home to more than 500 people; today it is uninhabited.

Seagulls are among the more than 275 species of birds that can be seen in the park.

Grasses such as sea oats act as an anchor of the islands. Without their root system protective dunes would quickly erode, and the land would wash away.

Plants and Animals Near Portsmouth Village much of the land is awash at high tide; only a few areas support vegetation. Scattered groves of trees grow on Core Banks, particularly at Guthries Hammock. The Cape Lookout Bight area and Shackleford Banks have large dunes, and at Shackleford you will find the park's most extensive maritime forest. The abundant vines seem to be at war with the trees. The island's changing geography produces strange and beautiful "ghost forests"—trees killed by advancing sand and salt spray leave their sun-bleached skeletons protruding from the sand.

Rabbits, river otters, and raccoons are some of the native mammals found here. On Shackleford Banks horses have become wild and adapted to their environment over the past centuries. The islands are an excellent place to see birds, particularly during spring and fall migrations. Occasionally an arctic bird appears, and a few pelagic (birds of the open sea) visit the area. A number of tern species, egrets, herons, and shorebirds nest here. On Core Banks are Fowler's toads, tree frogs, and diamondback terrapins. Loggerhead turtles climb the beaches at nesting time.

People on the Islands From the time of the first human settlements, local inhabitants were interested in trade and fishing. Portsmouth Village was established by the North Carolina assembly in 1753. The village served as a lightening port for the heavily loaded ships that could navigate the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean but not the shallow waters of the sounds. Goods were unloaded at Portsmouth Village, stored in warehouses, and transported to mainland areas by smaller boats that could navigate the shallow sounds. Marking the shoals and safe channels was important to fishing and shipping. Lighthouses were crucial to this effort. The lighthouse at Cape Lookout was completed in 1859 as a replacement for one built in 1812. It has survived hurricanes and war.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a changing environment where nature, when left relatively undisturbed by humans, maintains a balance. You can be a part of this balancing act by observing park regulations. Please help us protect this park for you and for future generations.

Start your visit to Cape Lookout National Seashore at the visitor center on Harkers Island, open daily except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. From I-95 take US 70 east to Otway, NC, and follow the signs to the visitor center. No roads or bridges go to the national seashore islands; all access is by toll ferry or private boat. Passenger ferries leave from Beaufort and Harkers Island, 4-wheel-drive vehicles ride the ferries leaving from the towns of Davis and Atlantic. A North Carolina state ferry goes between Cedar Island and Ocracoke. For ferry schedules and toll information contact the park or check for "Ferry Services" at www.nps.gov/calo.

Facilities: The park is undeveloped and has no maintained roads. A picnic area is on the mainland by the visitor center; restrooms are few and far between. Supplies: Be prepared to carry with you everything you need. The islands have no stores or restaurants. Nearby mainland towns offer most supplies.

Clothing: There is little shade or shelter on the islands, so bring protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Water: Take it with you! Water is a necessity; you can dehydrate quickly on the islands in hot weather. Insects: From May to October insects can be a problem. Cape Lookout has mosquitoes, sand gnats, and chiggers. Bring ample insect repellent. Ticks live on Shackleford Banks; check yourself often. Trash: Carry all trash out with you. Do not bury trash; this harms the natural environment. Pets: Pets on a six-foot leash are allowed in the park. The park is a sea turtle and shorebird nesting area, and pets can threaten or harm wildlife. At certain times of year sections of beach are closed to protect shorebird and turtle nesting. Please observe posted regulations.

Camping: The park has no developed camping facilities. Camp near the beach in insect season to catch the ocean breeze. At other times, shrub and grassland areas offer more pleasant camping. Make sure your tent is strong, can withstand wind, and has adequate mosquito netting. Carry extra-long pegs that hold in sand. Swimming: There are no lifeguarded beaches. Rip currents occur along the beach, creating dangerous water conditions. Never swim alone. Use caution in and around the water, and watch children closely. Boating: Make sure you have current navigational charts aboard and follow marked channels. Because the sound is shallow, it is easy to run aground.

Accessibility: We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For information go to a visitor center, ask a ranger, call, or check our website.

The contents of brochures, site bulletins and trading cards (denoted with a colored caption) can be viewed by clicking on the cover. Most modern-day brochures, however, are cover only (denoted by a white caption) due to photograph copyrights. These items are historical in scope and are intended for educational purposes only; they are not meant as an aid for travel planning. The dates under each brochure do not reflect the complete range of years that a particular brochure was issued.

Date Unknown, c1970s
cover only 1981		1984-1989		cover only 1992-1993
cover only 1997		cover only 2000		2004-2014
2015-2018

ATV Use on Cape Lookout National Seashore 2/2006	Birds of the Cape Lookout National Seashore August 2004	Birds of the Cape Lookout National Seashore 2011	Cabin Vacations at Cape Lookout National Seashore Date Unknown	Climbing Cape Lookout Lighthouse Date Unknown	Keepers of the Light 08/2011
Beach Camping 8/2005		Beach Camping 8/2007		Beach Camping 3/2019
Beach Driving North Core Banks Date Unknown	Beach Driving South Core Banks Date Unknown	Beach Driving 6/2009		Beach Driving 2/2017
Off-Road Driving 2000		Beach Safety and Survival Guide 2/2002		Backpacking and Camping 8/2007
Beacons of the Coast Date Unknown		Cape Lookout Kids Date Unknown		Cape Lookout Lighthouse 08/2006
Cape Lookout Lighthouse 08/2011		Cape Lookout Lighthouse 07/2013		Cape Lookout Lighthouse - For Kids Date Unknown
Hunting on the National Seashore 11/2003		Hunting on the National Seashore 08/2011		Biting Insects of the Seashore 2000
Henry Piggot 2000		Horses of Shackleford Banks 1/2004		Horses of Shackleford Banks 4/2018
Protecting Our Local Wild Horses April 2013		Protect Our Local Wild Horses Date Unknown	Shackleford Banks Horse Lesson Plans Date Unknown	Frequently Asked Questions About the Local Wild Horses March 2017
Keeping Wildlife Wild 2002		Keeping Wildlife Wild 08/2011		Personal Watercraft Use at Cape Lookout National Seashore 10/2006	Personal Watercraft Use at Cape Lookout National Seashore 2018
"Saints in Sou'westers": The U.S. Life-Saving Servie Date Unknown		Lightkeepers Date Unknown		War on the Outer Banks - For Kids Date Unknown
Portsmouth Village - For Kids Date Unknown		Historic Portsmouth Village 8/2004		Historic Portsmouth Village 8/2007
Historic Portsmouth Village 08/2013		Portsmouth Village Lives 05/2011		Historic Portsmouth Village Date Unknown
Sea Turtles 2000		Sea Turtles 08/2011		Sea Turtles 03/2018
Willow Pond Loop Self-guided Trail Soundside Loop Self-guided Trail Date Unknown		North Core Banks Date Unknown		South Core Banks Date Unknown
Trading Cards