Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
-
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (NC)
The refuge includes miles of trails, with opportunities to see a myriad of rare and not-so-rare animals species, including the endangered red wolf. Hunting and fishing opportunities are also available.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Milltail Road East Lake, NC 27953, west of US 64.
-
This lighthouse was built in 1872 to replace the one that was destroyed in the Civil War.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Along the byway on Bodie Island.
-
The 198-foot Cape Hatteras lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, is the nation’s tallest brick lighthouse. Moving the lighthouse due to shoreline erosion was a 1999 engineering marvel.
Distance from byway: 1.2 mi / 1.9 km Travel time: 5 minutes Directions: In Buxton, turn south off NC-12 at the signed entrance. Proceed about 1.2 miles to the parking area for the visitor center and light station district. [NOTE: As of 2009, Google Maps instructions and mapping have not incorporated the roadway change since the 1999 move of the lighthouse although the underlying satellite image is correct. The name “Forest Rd” given to the entrance road is not recognized locally or by signs.]
-
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (NC)
Enjoy a day at the nation’s first national seashore, which today protects more than 72 miles of barrier islands, three lighthouses, and a life-saving station.
Location: On Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke islands
-
Completed in 1859, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is fully operational and takes an active role in modern nautical navigation.
Distance from byway: 3 mi / 4.8 km Directions: Visitors reach the Lighthouse district by boat. Check http://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/ferry.htm for NPS concession ferry operators’ contact information, hours, reservations, and fees.
-
Cape Lookout National Seashore (NC)
Hunt for shells or spot a whale along the Cape Lookout National Seashore, now a International Biosphere Reserve.
Distance from byway: 3 mi / 4.8 km Directions: Visitors reach the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore by boat. Check http://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/ferry.htm for NPS concession ferry operators’ contact information, hours, reservations, and fees.
-
Cape Lookout National Seashore Harkers Island Visitor Center (NC)
Explore this national seashore with an introductory 26-minute film and exhibits on the seashore’s wild horses, historic villages, Cape Lookout lighthouse, barrier island ecology, and natural resources.
Location: Located on the east side of Harkers Island at the end of Harkers Island Road
-
Cedar Island was once home to a large Native American village, evidenced by artifacts housed in universities.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: On the northeast end of NC 12 in Down East.
-
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge (NC)
This national wildlife refuge is noteworthy for its beauty and grandeur. Viewing this marsh enables visitors to see the challenges and beauty of living in this isolated coastal environment.
Location: Boat ramps afford safe viewing locations.
-
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station (NC)
This lifesaving station is famous for a rescue that occurred in World War I.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Rodanthe
