Bodie Island Lighthouse

One of the places that Ashley and I have had the opportunity to visit and explore on several occasions is Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Bodie Island Lighthouse is 150 tall and is a beautiful sight to see as it stands sentinel over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There is also a short nature walk by the lighthouse that gives you amazing views of the surrounding scenery.

Directions to Trailhead: Bodie Island Lighthouse is located off of North Carolina 12 between Nags Head and the Oregon Inlet. Bodie Island Lighthouse is located eight miles south of the US 158 and US 64 intersection, west of NC 12. As you are driving down to Bodie Island Lighthouse from the north, you will see thick vegetation on both sides of the highway. Since it is a National Seashore, no structures are allowed to be built in the area, which makes it a nice peaceful and serene drive. Ashley and I saw several deer while driving here. You will be able to see Bodie Lighthouse from a good distance away before you actually get to the entrance. As you approach the lighthouse, look for the entrance to the lighthouse on your right. The entrance may sneak up on you quickly, even though there are signs warning you of the turn, so be on the lookout for it. There is plenty of parking at the lighthouse and it is usually not too crowded. Additionally, there is no cost for parking.

Description of Hike: This is not so much a true hike, but is more of an outdoor adventure. The grounds of the lighthouse are well maintained and kept. There is a visitor center with books and information on the history of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is not open for climbing, but you can walk all the way to its base. There is a short nature trail that is by Bodie Island Lighthouse, in addition to a couple of other trails. The nature trail is well maintained and offers great views of Bodie Island Lighthouse. There is minimal elevation gain to the trail and the total length to the observation deck and back is just under a half mile.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed visiting the Bodie Island Lighthouse. This was my second trip to Bodie Island Lighthouse and it was her first. We had perfect weather when we visited it. During the summer months make sure to wear sunscreen and use bug spray when you are here. When you get to the observation deck, make sure to look down into the water because often you can see fish, blue crabs, and other ocean wildlife in the area. When we were there, there were a number of blue crabs in the water. Additionally, this a good place for bird watching. Here is some history on the lighthouse:

The black and white horizontal striped Bodie Island Lighthouse is the third lighthouse of that name to stand guard over this stretch of coastline. The first Bodie Island Lighthouse underwent construction in 1847, but due to poor design and engineering, the tower ended up being a foot taller on one side than the other. Instead of attempting to salvage the 54-foot structure, plans were made for a second Bodie Island Lighthouse.

This second tower was begun in 1859 and upon completion, the white brick lighthouse stood almost 90 feet, was fitted with a 3rd order Fresnel lens that cast a beam that could be seen for 15 miles. This lighthouse met its fate during the Civil War. Retreating Confederate troops feared that the advancing Union Army would use the Bodie Island Lighthouse as a lookout and consequently destroyed it.

Unlike its predecessors, the present day Bodie Island Lighthouse was built on the north side of Oregon Inlet. The 156 foot sentinel was placed in service in October 1872. It was automated in 1954. The 1st order Fresnel lens gives two flashes (160,000 Candlepower) every 22 seconds that can be seen for 19 miles. Currently (2011) the lighthouse is undergoing a renovation. To read more about the renovation to improve the structure of the lighthouse click Here.

Rating: Elevation Gain: Minimal (Very Easy), Distance: 0.5 Miles Roundtrip (Very Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 30 minutes - 1 hour.

View Bodie Island Lighthouse in a larger map