Smack dab in the middle of Nags Head is the largest active dune system east of the Mississippi River.  We know it as Jockey's Ridge.  The 420 acre state park is comprised of 3 distinct environments, dunes, maritime scrub thicket and the Roanoke Sound estuary. 

It's a wonderful place to take a hike this winter.  Over a million visitors experience Jockey's Ridge State Park each year, but during the off season it is much less crowded.  Plus, the temperature of the sand doesn't soar like it does in the summer.  There is a handicapped accessible boardwalk out to view the dune if you don't want to get sand in your shoes.

Seasonal programming at Jockey's Ridge State Park is free and open to the public.  You can take a dune walk with a ranger, or a birding walk, seine the sound or experience sunset on the ridge.  Visit the park's website for program information.  The park also has several covered picnic shelters equipped with grills. 

A word to the wise, pick a mild day to walk in the park.  The Outer Banks winter winds are particularly brutal on top of the dune.