Per the new Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan, night driving routes for ORV use will reopen at midnight on September 16 and remain open through November 15, where no turtle nests remain or to the first posted closure in that route.

222 sea turtle nests were identified on National Seashore beaches during the 2012 nesting season. There are approximately 60 remaining nests to date. Due to this record breaking number, please be mindful of sea turtle nest protection areas in effect and note that closure conditions may change on short notice, to include ORV, pedestrian, and pet entry. Closed areas will be clearly marked with “symbolic fencing” consisting of wooden or carsonite posts, closure signs, string, and black filter fencing.

ORV routes that will be open to night driving on September 16 are as follows: North of Ramp 4, South of Ramp 44, West of Ramp 44, the Pole Road to Hatteras Inlet, and South of Ramp 67.

On November 1, the seasonally closed village beaches of Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo, Avon, and the Ocracoke Day Use Area will reopen to ORV use under terms specified in the new ORV Management Plan for Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

A permit is required for any off-road vehicle use in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. ORV permits can be obtained at any of the three National Park Service permit offices located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor Center. These offices will be open year-round, seven days a week (except Christmas Day), from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with expanded hours on weekends and holidays during the summer season. The cost of an annual ORV permit (valid for the calendar year) is $120. The cost for a 7-day ORV permit (valid from the date issued) is $50. You must bring your driver’s license and vehicle registration with you.

For further information, please call (252) 473-2111 ext, 148 or check out the Google Earth map.