Inside Road to Cape Point

Total Miles
5.1

Elevation

5.06 ft

Duration

1.5 Hours

Technical Rating

6

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Lighthouse road is a beach access road between Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Frisco Campground that offers challenging deep sand and whoops in some of the most remote areas of the island. If driving in the morning or evening hours, lots of wildlife can be seen along the road and dunes. If coming from Frisco, you can watch the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse appear from the dunes and continue driving out to the tip of Cape Point during low tide. 4WD is highly recommended for this route, along with quality aired-down tires to 20psi or less with recovery ramps and a shovel as a backup. ORV permits need to be purchased to drive the many designated beach access points. Annual and 10-day permits may be purchased at Recreation.gov. A list of required safety equipment must be met before driving on the beach, and a visual printed or filled out permit must be displayed in the windshield.Required Equipment: Low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack and jack support board, 20psi minimum tires.Optional Equipment: full-sized spare tire, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, trash bag, flashlight, tow straps, recovery boards.

Photos of Inside Road to Cape Point

Inside Road to Cape Point
Inside Road to Cape Point

Difficulty

Very deep loose sand is present with soft stretches and whoops. The sand can become more challenging in the warm times of the day.

Technical Rating

6

Access Description

ORV permits need to be purchased to drive the many designated beach access points. Annual and 10-day permits may be purchased at Recreation.gov. Permits can be purchased through QR codes on site and permit forms are available for display at the many campgrounds and lighthouse visitor centers on the island.

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