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THE CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a powerful symbol of the North Carolina Outer Banks, and its black and white spirals are recognized around the world. Built in 1870 at a height of 208 feet, it is the tallest brick beacon on earth and the tallest lighthouse on the entire East Coast.

It’s an incredible view from the top. If you feel up to the climb, it’s 268 steps—the equivalent of a 12-story building. You’ll discover an incredible panorama featuring the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Atlantic Ocean, and many nearby islands and inlets.

On a clear day, the light can be seen from 24 miles out at sea. And despite the arrival of sophisticated GPS, the lighthouse is still in use as a navigational aid.

Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Information:

Lighthouse Climbing Hours:

Visitor Center and Grounds Hours:

Open year-round. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. off-season, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer

Lighthouse Climbing Fees—Tickets Required

$3.50 Children under 12 (must be at least 42" tall); seniors 62 and older; disabled

$3.50 with a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Senior or Access Pass

OBXtra#44—Warning Signs

The treacherous waters off the coast of the Outer Banks have become known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, a fitting description given the estimated 1,000-plus ships wrecked here. For sailors, the North Carolina lighthouses formed a strong defense against the toll of strong currents, powerful storms and shifting sandbars.

BODIE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

First built in 1872, the Bodie Island Lighthouse was originally an isolated place—surrounded only by undeveloped and unpopulated land. The closest town was Manteo, located on neighboring Roanoke Island. To travel to the lighthouse, you had to go by boat.

Now, the 156-foot tall structure is much easier to find. Its horizontal black and white stripes stand out against the blue sky. Its beam stretches out to sea, visible for almost 19 miles. The powerful first-order Fresnel lens is still used today, and it’s one of the only original lenses still in operation. Although the tower is not open for visitors to climb, there is a Visitor Center (with displays and a bookstore) in the old lightkeeper’s quarters.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Visitor Information:

The Bodie Island Lighthouse is located with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, eight miles south of the intersection of US-158 and US-64.

Visitor Center and Grounds Hours:

Open year-round. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. off-season, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer.

The current Bodie Island Lighthouse is actually the third one that was built. The first one was built in 1847 and then abandoned due to structural problems, while retreating Confederate soldiers blew up the second one in 1861 (fearing it might be used by Union forces).

CURRITUCK LIGHTHOUSE

Built in 1875, the Currituck Lighthouse was the last major lighthouse built on the Outer Banks. Designed to fill the stretch of darkened coastline that lay between Cape Henry Lighthouse to the north and the Bodie Island Lighthouse to the south, the 158-foot-tall lighthouse is open for climbing.

While the Hatteras and Bodie lighthouses feature brightly painted patterns, the Currituck lighthouse’s plain brick exterior is in itself distinctive. The lighthouse was never painted, and it’s still possible to see the sheer number of individual bricks that make up the structure’s façade.

The non-profit Outer Banks Conservationists now runs the lighthouse, which also features a Victorian stick-style Lighthouse Keepers’ home and a museum shop.

Currituck Lighthouse Visitor Information:

The Currituck Lighthouse is located in Corolla, near the Currituck Heritage Park.

Visitor Center and Grounds Hours:

Opens one week before Easter and closes following the weekend after Thanksgiving. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the first Sunday in November, when the site begins closing at 5 p.m.

Lighthouse Climbing Fees

Children 7 years and younger are admitted free with a climbing adult.

OBXtra #37—Wait for the Flash

It’s no secret that every lighthouse has signature color markings, designed to help a sailor identify his or her position on a map. But you might not know that the pattern of the light itself is an important navigational aid—especially when it’s dark, like at night or during a storm. The signals are distinctive. For example, the Hatteras Lighthouse sends a short flash every 7.5 seconds, while the Currituck Lighthouse flashes on for three seconds and then off for 17 seconds. These unique flash patterns help direct sailors traveling in the Atlantic.