One of the most beautiful natural treasures on the Crystal Coast is Cape Lookout National Seashore, 55 miles of unspoiled barrier islands with unparalleled fishing and shelling stretching from Beaufort Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet.    Three undeveloped barrier islands make up the seashore - North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks. Accessible only by boat, the undeveloped Cape allows primitive camping, has renovated lighthouse keeper’s quarters, boardwalk to the ocean beach, daily summer ranger programs and facilities in summer; no guarded beaches or maintained roads. ATV’s and 4x4’s are allowed.

Remnants of old gun mounts are visible on an ocean side walk between the rock jetty and Cape Point. The islands are protected loggerhead turtle nesting areas. The highest visitation to Cape Lookout is during October and November, with summer months the next highest. Primitive cabin rentals are available from mid-March to the first weekend in December.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, landmark for the coast since 1812, is now operated automatically by the US Coast Guard, Ft. Macon group. The tower, the second to stand at Cape Lookout, was painted its distinctive black-and-white diamond pattern in 1873 to make it a better daymark. The beacon has kept many a ship from the low lying shoals of Cape Lookout and has served as a guide during storms that have swept through the coastal waters known as "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." The lighthouse’s 201 cast iron steps are not open for climbing.

The National Seashore also includes adjacent Shackleford Banks, former site of extinct fishing village Diamond City, with large dunes and wild Banks ponies; Core Banks North and South (of Drum Inlet), noted for wonderful shelling, clamming and surf fishing April through November; and picturesque Portsmouth Village at the northeastern tip of Core Banks, a 250-acre uninhabited island community dating from 1753 and preserved as a National Historic Place. A self-guided trail runs through Portsmouth Village.

Access to the Cape is by ferry service concession, local private ferries and charter boats, or by contacting the National Park Service (252-728-2250) at the new visitors’ center on the eastern end of Harkers Island. The average stay on the National Seashore is two to five hours. Visiting all three islands can take a total of seven ferry rides, warranting an extra day for your visit.

There’s plenty to do on the National Seashore including sightseeing at Portsmouth Village and Cape Lookout Lighthouse, observing wildlife, picnicking, shelling, fishing and just getting a tan. Swimmers should be aware that there are no lifeguards. To get the most enjoyment out of your visit to the Cape, don’t forget to bring drinking water, sunscreen and a good insect repellent.
 

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Story & photo courtesy of nccoast.com