New hunt preview · not yet adopted
A walking hunt · Jockey’s Ridge, Nags Head · Kids + family
Small clues. A big landscape. Explore the visitor-center exhibits, then follow the boardwalk into the dunes. Five discoveries unlock five letters and one final word. No driving between stops, no purchases, no dune climb.
Start: Main access visitor center, 300 W. Carolista Drive. Park once. This hunt does not use the separate Soundside access or the 1.2-mile sand loop.
Cost: Free public day-use entry and parking; no paid lessons, rentals or reservations needed. Official park information & current hours.
When: The visitor center is currently open daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET; begin by 2:30 p.m. ET for the full hunt. The park is closed Christmas Day. Check current hours and closures before visiting.
Allow about 20–30 minutes in the exhibits, then 40–60 minutes for the boardwalk, clues and return. Restrooms are near the visitor center. The newer boardwalk is reported accessible, but approach conditions and the endpoint marker should be checked locally.
Preview researched Nov 7, 2026. Exhibits and the endpoint approach still need an on-site check before this hunt is adopted.