This story was originally published November 8, 2018, 12:08 PM. Fri, April 14th 2023, 10:42 AM PDT. We have always used Outer Banks Ferries, at 326 Front Street, across from the NC Maritime Museum. Composting-style toilets are located on Shackleford Banks about a half mile on the west end. "John Shackleford at the garrison at the Shackleford Plantation to be allowed to plant Corne on said Plantation, plant, tend and gather Corne during time they keep a garrison there." He was appointed to see "Every ship drawing eight feet of water anchoring at Shackleford Banks to charge three shillings six pence per foot". North Carolina riding rules also apply to the operations of PWCs on sound waters. Shackleford Banks is the southern-most barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore. Now, Rachel Carson Reserve is home to a herd of less than 35 feral horses, managed by the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Coastal Reserve. In other words, no toilets. Any open flame fire such as a campfire or bonfire must be built on the beach in damp sand below the high tide line. Staff and crew were helpful, professional and friendly with the Down East flair that keeps Harkers Island a truly unique gem here in the great United States. The wild horses that call the Crystal Coast home roam freely on their respective barrierislands and have long beenof interest to the scientific community, wildlife organizations, visitors and locals. Wanting to visit with our 5 kids in July. No The island was eventually acquired by the National Park Service in the 1960s as part of the newly formed Cape Lookout National Seashore and has been a popular vacation destination albeit an isolated one ever since. Go to Map. 600 Front Street After our first lovely weekend in Beaufort (North Carolina) and our encounters with feral horses on Carrot Island and the wild horses on the west end of Shackleford Banks, we headed to Harkers Island to catch the ferry to the east end of Shackleford Banks. Visitors should maintain a safe distance away from the feral Banker Ponies at all times, (50 ft. or more), as these mammals are inherently feral and are not used to human interaction. Year-Round Hours Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (Closed all federal holidays) Park Administrative Offices are located at Park Headquarters in the Harkers Island Visitor Center Services Available Seasonally Ferry service for passengers to Shackleford Banks and to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is available all year (weather dependent). Barden Inlet was opened by the 1933 Outer Banks Hurricane, separating the Shackleford Banks from South Core Banks.[8]. What if my trip gets cancelled due to weather? In addition, the island is relatively close to the Gulf Stream and Labrador Currents, and is often in the path of passing tropical systems, noreasters, and other storms that skate past the coastline. The dock is complete; however, the park is still waiting on ladders for it. Itis also believed that Sir Richard Grenville released Spanish horses in the 1580s near Portsmouth Island when his ship, Tiger, had to be careened for repairs. Learn more about Lodging A campstove is best for cooking at your campsite as campfires are permitted only on the open beach below the high tide line (i.e. How To Protect Lvl In Exterior Application? Overall it was a successful day but Id suggest just taking the ferry to the island to explore yourself rather than doing the horse tour. Appreciate the horses' tenacity and watch their social behaviors. www.nps.gov.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'k2_builders_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-k2_builders_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Pets are allowed on the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore, but pets must be kept under control on a 6' leash at all times. It just seemed unorganized and lack-luster. When are the best months to visit? Cape Lookout, and the lighthouse, is over on Core Banks, the next island to the north and east. If you are taking the ferry from Harkers Island there is a public restroom. Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Composting-style toilets are located at Wades Shore and near the dock on the west end of Shackleford Banks, and around mile 43 on South Core Banks. Island Express Ferry Service is the only taxi service that is commisioned by the National Park Service to provide transportation to and from Shackleford Banks. The horses can be viewed by boat, on aself-guided hike in the Reserve, or with one of ourlocal ecotour companies. How can I make changes to my reservation? National Park Service employees say they were attempting to move . 5.5 Baths. Before leaving, you will schedule your pick-up time at the ticket booth. This is a peaceful and idyllic area of pristine beaches and rolling dunes. Visitors who want to explore a natural portion of the Cape Lookout National Seashore with little effort will want to check out the Shackleford Banks. Be aware there are no restroom facilities on the island and depending on where you disembark the ferry you may be wading in ankle deep water. user = "admin"; Venture out by boat or passenger ferry to enjoy the rare privilege of watching horses that live without the help of man. With deep, rapid or no water, to portages, stumps, downed trees and beaver dams, the White Oak River Paddle Trail is one of the most lively options along The Coast. Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy, U.S. National Register of Historic Places. There are over 100 (although we saw around 20 total) on the east end. 131 Charles St Got to see the horses and do some shelling. Another hurricane, the 1933 Outer Banks Hurricane, opened up an inlet on the eastern edge of the Shackleford Banks, separating it once and for all from the Core Banks and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Improve this listing Full view All photos (245) Top ways to experience nearby attractions What attractions are near Shackleford Banks? Luckily they come hourly so that wasnt a big deal. It's a great way to spend three or more hours. Your email address will not be published. Harkers Island, UTV and Stand up Paddle Board Rentals, as well as the sale of Food, Beverages and Sundries. The kids just got tired of walking and theres not much shade. "Barrier Island Ecology of Cape Lookout National Seashore," NPS Scientific Monograph No. Read more. [3] Destination: Shackleford Banks Departing from Beaufort, NC (for west end of Shackleford Banks) Island Express Ferry Service (Passenger Ferry) 600 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516 252-728-7433 Reservations: Online or by phone. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. We got taken on a friend's boat all over through there. Cape Lookout And Shackleford Banks Area Map. We had a great day on the island. It was also raised 10 inches from its original height to accommodate a rise in mean high tide which has occurred since the dock was first constructed. Feel free to admire the Banker Ponies, but keep your distance.