Outer Banks Scenic Byway (NC 12)

What should you know before visiting Outer Banks Scenic Byway (NC 12)?

No toll roads expected for a car.

• NC 12 starts in Nags Head at the junction with US 64 and ends just north of Ocracoke Village, which is reachable only by ferry.
• The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry takes about 70 minutes and takes no reservations. For the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries, book ahead: the NPS says reservations are required, NCDOT recommends them.
• Storms and overwash can close sections of NC 12 and limit ferry schedules. Check road status with NCDOT and the ferry schedule before travelling.

The drive

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is about 137.8 miles long and follows the barrier islands between the Atlantic and shallow sounds. It passes through Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores and the Pea Island and Cedar Island national wildlife refuges. Four historic lighthouses lie along it. For the whole route the source gives about 5.5 hours, 3.5 of them on two ferries. NC 12 itself runs from Nags Head to just north of Ocracoke Village.

Ferries

The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry links Hatteras Village with the north end of Ocracoke Island and takes about 70 minutes and takes no reservations. From Ocracoke Village, ferries go to Cedar Island (about 2¼ hours) and to Swan Quarter (about 2½ hours), both take reservations (the NPS calls them required, NCDOT recommends them, especially in summer). The North Carolina ferry division handles schedules and booking. In storms schedules can be limited, and access rules then change at short notice.

Planning

NC 12 includes stretches such as Pea Island that NCDOT says can be closed by overwash and storm damage, and sand can also lie on the road on Ocracoke. Current closures are on NCDOT (DriveNC) and on the National Park Service alerts page for the seashore. We found no information on campgrounds, vehicle limits or free camping, so ask the National Park Service and the local municipalities.

FAQs