What lighthouse can you see from Harkers Island?
The Cape Lookout LighthouseThe Cape Lookout Lighthouse is appropriately located on the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which is a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Cape Lookout is located close to Harkers Island and the town of Beaufort, in Carteret County, N.C.
Why is it so difficult to visit the Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
It's also well known as one of the most difficult to get to, simply because of its location along the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which is only accessible by personal watercraft or ferry.
What island is Cape Lookout Lighthouse on?
Harkers IslandCape Lookout National SeashoreLocationOuter Banks, Carteret County, North Carolina, United StatesNearest cityHarkers Island, NCCoordinates34°36′19″N 76°32′11″WArea28,243 acres (114.30 km2)7 more rows
Can you walk up Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is generally open for climbing from the third week in May to the third weekend in September. Self-guiding tours of up to 10 people* will begin every 15 minutes during the hours of operation.
Can you take a car to Cape Lookout?
Vehicles are allowed on two of the barrier islands that comprise Cape Lookout National Seashore: North Core Banks and South Core Banks. Both of these islands can only be reached by ferry. Contact the ferry directly for ferry rates and to make reservations.
How many steps are in Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
“It may be hot, humid, noisy and dim inside the lighthouse. Climbing the 207 steps to the gallery is roughly equal to climbing a 12-story building.
Do you have to take a ferry to get to Harkers Island?
South Core Banks Island Express Ferry Service runs a passenger ferry from the Harkers Island Visitor Center (20 minute ride) and from Beaufort, North Carolina.
How do I get to Cape Lookout?
It is bordered to the north by Ocracoke Island, and is bordered to the southeast by Atlantic Beach and the Fort Macon State Park. How do you get to the Cape Lookout National Seashore? The only way to access the Cape Lookout National Seashore is by a passenger ferry, vehicular ferry, or by a personal watercraft.
Are there wild horses on Cape Lookout?
Shackleford Banks, the southern-most barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, is home to more than 100 wild horses. Venture out by boat or passenger ferry to enjoy the rare privilege of watching horses that live without the help of man.
How long is Cape Lookout Trail?
The 5-mile round-trip Cape Trail features views of the ocean and shore peeking through Sitka spruce and hemlocks on the way to the tip of Cape Lookout. On a clear day, you can see south 39 miles to Cape Foulweather and north 42 miles to Tillamook Head. The trail is mostly flat, but muddy and rocky in places.
Is Cape Lookout part of Outer Banks?
Cape Lookout National Seashore protects the southernmost section of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, just east of the mainland.
How much is the Cape Lookout ferry?
Vehicle Ferry rate (roundtrip) Passengers: $14.00-$16.00 per person; Vehicles: $75.00-$80.00 per standard size (18 1/2 ft and under) vehicle. Larger vehicles cost more. Vehicles are carried by concession operators.
Is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse still active?
During the open season, visitors are allowed to climb the 207 steps to the top of the lighthouse. On March 26, 2021, it was announced that The Cape Lookout Lighthouse would be closed to the public for climbing this summer season due to concerns for public safety.
How do I get to Cape Lookout?
It is bordered to the north by Ocracoke Island, and is bordered to the southeast by Atlantic Beach and the Fort Macon State Park. How do you get to the Cape Lookout National Seashore? The only way to access the Cape Lookout National Seashore is by a passenger ferry, vehicular ferry, or by a personal watercraft.
How much is the Cape Lookout ferry?
Vehicle Ferry rate (roundtrip) Passengers: $14.00-$16.00 per person; Vehicles: $75.00-$80.00 per standard size (18 1/2 ft and under) vehicle. Larger vehicles cost more. Vehicles are carried by concession operators.
How old is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
163Cape Lookout Lighthouse / Age (c. 1859)
What hotels are near Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
Hotels near Cape Lookout Lighthouse: (0.14 mi) Harker's Island Fishing Center Motel and Marina (4.98 mi) Inn on Turner (4.90 mi) Pecan Tree Inn (8....
What restaurants are near Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
Restaurants near Cape Lookout Lighthouse: (5.01 mi) Aqua Restaurant (0.90 mi) Seaside Stop N Shop Cafe (4.92 mi) Beaufort Grocery CO (9.62 mi) Shar...
What attractions are near Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
Attractions near Cape Lookout Lighthouse: (0.00 mi) Shackleford Banks (4.25 mi) Lookout Cruises (3.67 mi) Cape Lookout National Seashore (5.08 mi)...
What are the attractions near Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
What are the attractions near the Cape Lookout Lighthouse? As part of the isolated and undeveloped Cape Lookout National Seashore, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is close to miles of pristine beaches which are known for exceptional fishing, birdwatching, shelling, boating, and other seashore activities.
Who owns the Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is owned and operated by the National Park Service , and is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
What is the Cape Lookout known for?
The Cape Lookout National Seashore is well known for its isolated beaches and great shells, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a just stroll away from the local ocean-facing shoreline.
What shoes do you need to climb Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
Shoes are required to climb the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Flip flops are not recommended, and heels should be less than ½ inch for safety.
What is the southernmost lighthouse in the Outer Banks?
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is the southernmost lighthouse on the Outer Banks, and is also one of the most distinctive of the OBX lighthouses due to its black and white diamond pattern. It’s also well known as one of the most difficult to get to, simply because of its location along the Cape Lookout National Seashore, ...
Why was the lighthouse painted so late?
One of the reasons for the delay in the painting was the onset of the Civil War, which nearly destroyed the lighthouse in its entirety. After Union Troops took over the closest towns of Beaufort and Morehead City in 1862, the lighthouse became their property.
When was the Cape Lookout Lighthouse automated?
The lighthouse served the coastline admirably for nearly a century until it was automated in 1950, and eventually converted into a popular attraction within the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
When was the Cape Lookout Lighthouse built?
Built in 1859 , the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located on the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There is a Light Station Visitor Center and Keeper's Quarters, which now serves as a museum, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of lighthouse keepers and surfmen of the U.S. Life-Saving Service.
Is the Lighthouse open for climbing in 2021?
Due to some needed maintenance, the lighthouse will not be open for climbing in the 2021 season. But you can still visit the grounds for a unique experience. Accessible only by private boat or via Island Express Ferry Service (available for a fee via 252-7287433, www.islandexpressferryservices.com).
When is Cape Lookout Lighthouse open?
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is generally open for climbing from the third week in May to the third weekend in September. Self-guiding tours of up to 10 people * will begin every 15 minutes during the hours of operation. Dates and Hours of Operation. During the Season. Season Dates.
Why is the Lighthouse closed?
The lighthouse may close at any time if conditions (i.e.: temperature/humidity, lightning, or high winds) are determined to be unsafe.
How long is a lighthouse ticket good for?
Each ticket is good only for the date and time stamped on the ticket. Ticket holders should arrive at the lighthouse 10 minutes before their scheduled climb. Tickets will not be refunded for late arriving guests.
How many steps are there to the top of the Lighthouse?
Warning: The climb to the top is strenuous. It may be hot, humid, noisy and dim inside the lighthouse. Climbing the 207 steps to the gallery is roughly equal to climbing a 12-story building. The stairs are narrow and groups going up will share the stairs with groups returning to the bottom.
Can you lift someone from the lighthouse?
To keep hands free for handrails, no person may be lifted or carried. Food, drinks, and bulky personal items (e.g. backpacks, tripods) should be left outside the lighthouse.
Is the Lighthouse open for climbing?
The Lighthouse is Open for Climbing: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Lighthouse is Closed for Climbing: Monday & Tuesday. HOLIDAYS: Memorial Day -- Open for climbing on Monday Labor Day -- Open for climbing on Monday. The lighthouse may close at any time if conditions (i.e.: temperature/humidity, lightning, ...
How tall is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse?
It’s hard to approach Cape Lookout National Seashore without being pulled to its famous lighthouse, which has a distinctive diamond-shaped design and stands at a height of 163 feet. The Cape Lookout National Seashore, located off the Crystal Coast (also known as the southern Outer Banks) of North Carolina, stretches 56 miles over barrier islands that are home to not only the Cape Lookout Lighthouse but also wild ponies, gorgeous beaches, and breathtaking vistas.
Where to start a day trip to Cape Lookout?
You may find additional information on the National Park Service page if you wish to explore Portsmouth Village and/or bring your car to the Cape Lookout National Seashore–but for a day trip to Cape Lookout, you’ll want to start from either Beaufort or Harkers Island!
What is the best way to get to Cape Lookout?
If you’re not taking a private boat to Cape Lookout, you’ll have to take the ferry!
What animals can you see on the ferry from Shackleford Banks?
The ferry trip is a joy in and of itself: the barrier islands and gorgeous sea provide for a spectacular vista, and if you’re lucky, you could even see some wild ponies on Shackleford Banks and some curious dolphins!
How many steps are there in Cape Lookout?
If you come between May and October (the lighthouse shutters in the winter), this is without a doubt the #1 thing to do in Cape Lookout: the 207-step walk up the spiral staircase rewards visitors with extremely stunning views across the Cape Lookout National Seashore and adjacent barrier islands.
How long is the cruise from the back to the shoreline of Cape Lookout?
It’s a scenic 20-45 minute cruise across the Back Sound or Core Sound to reach the Cape Lookout barrier island shoreline, and from there, visitors can easily follow the paths and boardwalks to the primary National Park Service (NPS) visitors center and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse site, depending on their preferred mode of transportation.
How far did the 1859 lighthouse reach?
into the sky and was therefore ineffectual for seafarers far offshore, reached 163′ ft . into the sky and was equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens that allowed the beacon to illuminate the region.
Where to stay overnight in Cape Lookout?
There are two ways to stay overnight on the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Rustic cabins may be rented from mid-March through the end of November, while primitive camping is available year-round.#N#Rustic cabin rentals are available on North Core Banks at Long Point and on South Core Banks at Great Island. Reservations are highly recommended. While the basics are provided you will still need to bring a few things: 1 bed linens or a sleeping bag. 2 an ice chest and ice for your food and drinks (no refrigerators). 3 your food and drinks. 4 a lantern for light and/or a generator if staying at Great Island Cabin Camps, the cabins at Long Point do have some solar generated electricity provided.
Do you have to cross the mainland to the islands?
Unlike neighboring beaches, no bridges cross from the mainland to the islands. A boat ride is a must for reaching the area - either your own boat or a ferry. There are also no paved roads, concession stands, bathhouses, camp stores or trash cans in the seashore.
When was the lighthouse automated?
In 1950 the lighthouse is finally automated. The light can now be turned on and off as needed. Electrical power is still provided by diesel powered generators, requiring someone to maintain and repair the generators.
What was the fuel used in the lighthouse?
In 1873 the fuel for the lighthouse is switched to kerosene from whale oil to try and reduce costs. This lasts until 1933 when the 75-millimeter incandescent oil vapor lamp is replaced with four 250-watt T-14 electric lamps (bulbs), this change increases the candlepower from 77,000 to 160,000.
Is the view alone worth it?
The view alone here is more than worth it . Unlike the other OBX area lights, you can really sense at the top the desolation/isolation of the surrounding area. Great views of the ocean, inlet and a bit of the mainland.
Is the Harkers Island lighthouse solar powered?
In a more recent move to further cut costs, in 2017 power for the lighthouse (and the entire island) went from electrical to solar power and the light went from the 1975 aerobeacons to a very large LED light that no longer rotates. While it might be saving some money versus laying a new electrical cable from Harkers Island, the ranger I was talking to at the top of the lighthouse said that the new setup is a maintenance headache and the system is constantly having issues.
