Cape Lookout

From the Harkers Island Visitor Center, the ferry heads east past Shackleford Banks, and the captain will point out any wild horses spotted along the shore. The ferry may stop on the beach at Shackleford Banks, and drop off or pick up passengers before making a wide swing around the bay to reach the Cape Lookout dock. Once ashore, a short boardwalk leads to a Visitor Center complex with a small store and information center, restroom and a covered picnic area. The trail divides here, the northern boardwalk heads past the camp area to a concessionaire who takes visitors for jeep rides along the beach and Sand Road south to the Cape Lookout Historical District.

The boardwalk trail on the south side of the visitors area heads towards the Cape Lookout Light and Keeper's House and the very popular Beach Trail. The Historical District features several old houses and an abandoned Coast Guard Station. It is an historically interesting area and moderately photogenic.

The beach is beautiful and known for the number of seashells that wash ashore with every incoming tide. It is also a popular fishing area accessed by 4-wheel drive vehicles, which make the crossing on ferries originating from the town of Davis.

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