Cape Hatteras National Seashore saw a 42% increase in visitors last month compared to September 2019.
The 345,249 visits amounted to the second-highest level of September visitation since the establishment of the seashore in 1953.
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Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial also experienced an increase in visitation, bringing September visitation closer to average September levels.
“These data demonstrate that public lands on the Outer Banks are among our nation’s greatest treasures,” stated David Hallac, Superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, in a statement. “We are proud of our ability to work as a team with our partners in Dare and Hyde Counties to provide exceptional experiences.”
Visitors should continue to practice the Three Ws to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which are to Wear a cloth face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained, Wait 6 feet apart in line and Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Top 5 Highest September Recreational Visits by Year
- 2002: 466,686
- 2020: 345,249
- 2000: 334,909
- 1997: 300,377
- 2015: 298,610
Visitor estimates are made by counting southbound vehicles just north of the Marc Basnight Bridge and using a multiplier to estimate the total number of passengers heading south. Those estimates are added to the number of passengers going to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.
