One of the most iconic historical structures on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, opens for the season on April 20th, 2012. To celebrate, the National Park Service is inviting Outer Banks locals as well as visitors to climb the lighthouse for free. On this day only, free tickets will be available on a first come/first served basis and can only be obtained in-person at the site the day of the climb.
For more information, go to www.nps.gov/caha .
About the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse:
Built in 1870, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast. Offshore of Cape Hatteras, the Gulf Stream collides with the Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada. This current forces southbound ships into a dangerous twelve-mile long sandbar called Diamond Shoals. Hundreds and possibly thousands of shipwrecks in this area have given it the reputation as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
In 1999, after years of study and debate, the Cape Hatteras Light Station was moved to its present location. The lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet in 23 days and now lies 1,500 feet from the shore-- its original distance from the sea.
The National Park Service maintains the lighthouse and the keepers’ quarters. The U.S. Coast Guard operates and maintains the automated light.
Climbing hours will be 9 a.m. -4:30 p.m. daily in the spring and fall; and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 25 through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. The lighthouse will remain open through Columbus Day, Monday, October 8. Tickets are required.