National Seashore Cape Lookout U.S. Department of the Interior

Sky, Sea, Shells, and Sand Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow, ribbon of Humans, too, have found this environment difficult but pro- sand running from on the northeast to Beau- tective and bountiful. A 1590 map of Cape Lookout calls the fort Inlet to the southwest. These barrier islands—56 miles area promontorium tremendum—“horrible headland”—in long—consist of wide, bare beaches with low dunes covered recognition of the area’s treacherous shoals. Behind the islands by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vege- are sheltered anchorages that can shield a vessel from a North - tation, and large expanses of salt marsh alongside the sound. easter or, as in World War II, an enemy submarine. For cen- turies whaling and fish ing were important industries on the Wind, waves, and currents are continually at work reshaping . In the 19th century the settlement of Diamond these low-lying islands; one big storm can bring about exten - City on Shackle ford Banks was famous for the excellent salted sive changes. In such an environment only the most tenacious mullet it shipped. The secret lay not in the quality of fish but plants can survive the constant battle. The grasses are the in the care Diamond City processors took in cleaning, salting, most important plants because their deep roots help anchor and packing the fish. Today, commercial fishing continues even the sand. All plants in the park are protected by law. Please as the forces of nature shape and alter these islands. do not pick them.

From the large whelk beach are closed to 1,000 people; today to the 5-petaled sand vehicles during nest - it is uninhabited. dollar (left) shells are ing times. abundant in number Sea gulls are among and variety on Cape Since 1859 the Cape the more than 275 Look out’s beaches. Lookout lighthouse species of birds that Sea shells are made has guided mari ners can be seen in the by living animals. If through hazardous park. you find a shell with waters. It served as a live creature inside, the prototype for all Grasses such as sea please put it back in of the Outer Banks oats act as an anchor the same spot—this lighthouses. of the is lands. With - is that animal’s home. out their root sys tem Chartered in 1753, protective dunes Loggerhead sea tur- Portsmouth Village would quickly erode, tles—a threatened was one of the first and the land would species—thrive in the settlements in the wash away. waters of Cape Look - region. It once was out. Sections of the home to more than

Loggerhead sea turtle Lighthouse Portsmouth Village

Seagulls on pilings Sea oat grass Varying Worlds Plants and Animals Near Portsmouth Village much of the People on the Islands From the time of the first human set- land is awash at high tide; only a few areas support vegetation. tlements, local inhabitants were interested in trade and fish- Scattered groves of trees grow on Core Banks, particularly at ing. Portsmouth Village was established by the North Carolina Guthries Hammock. The Cape Lookout Bight area and Shackle - as sembly in 1753. The village served as a lightering port for ford Banks have large dunes, and at Shackle ford you will find the heavily loaded ships that could navigate the deep waters the park’s most extensive maritime forest. The abundant vines of the Atlantic Ocean but not the shallow waters of the seem to be at war with the trees. The island’s changing geogra- sounds. Goods were unloaded at Portsmouth Village, stored phy produces strange and beautiful “ghost forests”—trees in warehouses, and trans ported to mainland areas by smaller killed by advancing sand and salt spray leave their sun-bleached boats that could navigate the shallow sounds. Marking the skeletons protruding from the sand. shoals and safe channels was important to fishing and ship- ping. Lighthouses were crucial to this effort. The lighthouse Rabbits, river otters, and raccoons are some of the native mam- at Cape Lookout Bight was completed in 1859 as a replace- mals found here. On horses have become ment for one built in 1812. It has survived hurricanes and war. wild and adapted to their environment over the past centuries. The islands are an excellent place to see birds, particularly dur- Cape Lookout National Seashore is a changing environment ing spring and fall migrations. Occasion ally an arctic bird where nature, when left relatively undisturbed by humans, appears, and a few pelagic (birds of the open sea) visit the area. maintains a balance. You can be a part of this balancing act A number of tern species, egrets, herons, and shorebirds nest by observing park regulations. Please help us protect this here. On Core Banks are Fowler’s toads, tree frogs, and dia- park for you and for future generations. mond-back terrapins. Loggerhead turtles climb the beaches at nesting time. There are no known venomous reptiles.

Spiny sea star and quahog clam ALL PHOTOS: NPS Exploring Cape Lookout

VIRGINIA Clothing: There is little shade or shelter on the islands, so bring NORTH CAROLINA 17 protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Water: Take it with you! Water is a necessity; you can dehydrate quickly on the 95 158 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 64 Raleigh Shackleford Banks; check yourself often. Trash: Carry all trash 70 Cape out with you. Do not bury trash; this harms the natural environ- 264 Hatteras Goldsboro National ment. Pets: Pets on a six-foot leash are allowed in the park. The New Seashore park is a sea turtle and shorebird nesting area, and pets can Bern 12 Morehead threaten or harm wildlife. At certain times of year sections of City 12 beach are closed to protect shorebird and turtle nesting. Please 70 Cape Lookout Jacksonville National Seashore observe posted regulations. 24 Otway Visitor Center 17 Beaufort CAPE LOOKOUT Activities Camping: The park has no developed camping facilities. Camp near the beach in insect season to catch the ocean breeze. At Visiting the Park other times, shrub and grassland areas offer more pleasant Start your visit to Cape Lookout National Sea shore at the visitor camping. Make sure your tent is strong, can withstand wind, center on Harkers Island, open daily except December 25 and and has adequate mosquito netting. Carry extra-long pegs that Jan uary 1. From I-95 take U.S. 70 east to Otway, N.C., and follow hold in sand. Swimming: There are no lifeguarded beaches. the signs to the visitor center. No roads or bridges go to the Rip currents occur along the beach, creating dangerous water national seashore islands; all access is by toll ferry or private conditions. Never swim alone. Use caution in and around the boat. Nearby towns offer ferry services to these islands. A North water, and watch children closely. Boating: Make sure you have Carolina state ferry goes between Cedar Island and Ocracoke, current navigational charts aboard and follow marked chan- N.C. Some park-concession ferries carry 4-wheel-drive vehicles. nels. Because the sound is shallow, it is easy to run aground. For ferry schedules and toll information contact the park or check for “Ferry Services” at www.nps.gov/calo. For More Information Cape Lookout National Seashore Conditions on the Islands 131 Charles Street Facilities: The park is undeveloped and has no maintained Harkers Island, NC 28531 roads. A picnic area is on the mainland by the visitor center; 252-728-2250 restrooms are few and far between. Supplies: Be prepared to www.nps.gov/calo carry with you everything you need. The islands have no stores $GPO:2007—330-358/00717 Reprint 2007 or restaurants. Nearby mainland towns offer most supplies. Printed on recycled paper.

To Nags Head OCRACOKE Natural areas within Water depths 12 Cape Lookout NS Ocracoke D Lighthouse N y Maritime forest 0-6 feet Ranger station Drinking water r A r L (0-2 meters) e S F I

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A North Rock R Tidal flat Toll ferry Lodging Gas station C Shell Castle O Life-Saving Service Station (Historic) PORTSMOUTH VILLAGE (Historic) Casey Ocracoke Open seasonally Island Inlet Babb-Dixon Cemetery There are no roads within Some land within the park National Ocean Survey Methodist Church the national seashore; a remains private property; charts are indispensable Community Cemetery 4-wheel-drive vehicle is please respect the owner's for safe navigation in Schoolhouse highly recommended for rights. these waters. driving on the beach. Sheep Island Tidal flats may flood quickly at high tide— depending upon winds North 0 5 Kilometers and seasons. ) y r y r r e 0 5 Miles r F

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B S Loo t ANK kout CITY e D B Big a Mullet FOR Zone ht u LE erness Fort Macon f Pond CK ild o A sed W Power Squadron Spit Catfish Keepers’ Quarters open seasonally r SH opo t Pr Pt Morehead City I Jetty 70 nl to New Bern Fort Macon et 51 km/32 mi y wa 58 State Park CAPE U.S. Coast Guard Station (Historic) er S at NK Passenger ferries depart from Morehead BA LOOKOUT l W City, Beaufort, and Harkers Island to sta ATLANTIC BEACH oa Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout. Cape Pt ac tr UE Check with the park for authorized ferry In G BO providers.