Can you climb Cape Lookout Lighthouse? (2024)

Can you climb Cape Lookout Lighthouse?

There are 207 steps leading up to the galley of Cape Lookout Lighthouse, equivalent to climbing a 12-story building. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is open for climbing from the second week in May to the third weekend in September.

Why is it so difficult to visit the Cape Lookout Lighthouse?

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is 163' feet tall. 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.

Can you go up in Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?

There are three historic lighthouses located in the park. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open seasonally for self-guided climbs. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently closed for climbing and will not open in 2023, due to restoration efforts; outdoor areas near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are open 24/7.

How many stairs are in Cape Lookout Lighthouse?

The climb to the top of Cape Lookout Lighthouse entails 207 steps, but you can go at your own pace.

Why is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse closed?

Unfortunately, during a pre-season safety inspection in February, engineers discovered serious concerns with the flooring and rails on the gallery, separations between the iron stairs and masonry, cracks in the iron landing plates, and separation from the iron stairs and the central support.

Is Cape Lookout open for climbing?

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is seasonally open for climbing, generally from mid-May until Mid-September.

How long is the Cape Lookout hike?

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.

How much does it cost to climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?

What lighthouse can you climb in Outer Banks?

You can climb 4 of the 6 OBX lighthouses – Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Cape Lookout Lighthouse. This leaves Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and Ocraco*ke Lighthouse as the two you cannot climb.

Why are visitors not allowed to climb up the Ocraco*ke Lighthouse?

The Ocraco*ke Island lighthouse is not open for climbing due to safety concerns of the old structure, and particularly its spiral staircase. At nearly 200 years old, the Ocraco*ke Island Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in the state.

How much does it cost to ride the ferry at Cape Lookout?

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. Contact them directly for more information.

How do I access Cape Lookout?

Cape Lookout Village & Point of Cape Lookout

After taking a passenger ferry to the light station, the village can be accessed by the Beach Shuttle truck service which runs from the Cape Lookout Light Station to the village and point of Cape Lookout or the village can be reached by hiking on the open beach.

How long is the ferry from Beaufort to Cape Lookout?

This special four-hour trip includes a 45-minute ferry ride on a large 49-passenger catamaran, during which you will enjoy the magnificence of nature's panoramas. Once at Cape Lookout you are free to explore, enjoy, and relax for two to two and a half hours before departing Cape Lookout to return to Beaufort.

Is Cape Lookout Lighthouse still operational?

The historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, which dates to 1857, will be closed at least three years (through 2023) to address fears the stairwell and floors won't withstand the weight of tourists ascending its 207 steps.

Does anyone live on Cape Lookout?

Although they are uninhabited now, the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore have been the home (or the home away from home) for many people over the years.

Are there bathrooms at Cape Lookout?

Restrooms and public shower facilities are available seasonally in the former Long Point Cabin area. There is currently no available drinking water on the island. There is a dump station for vehicles located in the former Long Point cabin area. There are no trash cans on the islands.

Why does Cape Lookout have diamonds?

In 1873, the lighthouse was painted in its distinctive black and white diagonal checkerboard, or diamond, pattern. There are those who believe the Cape Hatteras Light and the Cape Lookout Light paint schemes were reversed.

What is the tallest lighthouse in the United States?

At 198 feet, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest in the United States and the second tallest brick light tower in the world.

What is an interesting fact about Cape Lookout Lighthouse?

The first lighthouse on Cape Lookout was built in 1812 but was destroyed during the Civil War. The current lighthouse was built in 1859 and has been continuously operated. The lighthouse uses a third-order Fresnel lens to project a beam of light that can be seen up to 19 miles away.

Why is Cape Lookout Lighthouse famous?

Cape Lookout's strong light was greatly needed to again warn ships of dangerous Lookout Shoals offshore. In 1873, the lighthouse received not only a larger keeper's house to accommodate the principal keeper, but also its internationally famous black-and-white-diamond paint scheme as its distinctive daymark pattern.

Can you take a vehicle 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.

What can you do on Cape Lookout NC?

In the lighthouse area you can sunbathe on the beach, swim in the ocean, tour the Keeper's Quarters Museum, visit the Light Station Visitor Center, or climb the lighthouse. On Shackleford Banks you can go swimming, shelling, sunbathing, and enjoy the beach.

What is the best time of year to visit the Outer Banks?

Many locals will tell you fall is the best time to visit. Outer Banks weather is mild until the end of December, and the crowds have lessened.

How many stairs are in the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has 257 steps from the ground to the balcony level, which is equal to climbing a 12-story building.

Why is Cape Hatteras Lighthouse so famous?

As the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is an iconic Outer Banks landmark. Its unique views, black and white candy stripe design, and rich history make it a must-see for Hatteras Island visitors.