Legends, stories, and tales speak of a hotel under the ridge, private homes, Jimmy Hoffa, and more. The only one confirmed is the putt-putt course. The course opened in the 1970s and was so close to the dunes that after a few years, the dune migrated closer and closer to the putt-putt course. The putt-putt course was no match to Jockey’s Ridge, and the sand dune eventually covered the course. If the wind blows just right, you can see the tips of the castle from the course poking out of the dunes.

Jockey’s Ridge is a natural wonder with a fascinating history. One legend states that during the days of pirates such as Blackbeard and Kidd, the early settlers of Nags Head would ride a mare around on the dune’s crest at night with a lantern tied around the horse’s neck. Sailors on passing ships would often think the light was coming from a nearby safe harbor, approach the shore, and wreck on the shoals. The following day, the locals would walk down to the beach and collect the wares that had washed ashore from the wreck. This might explain why the location earned the name “Nags Head.”

Another legend concerning the naming of Jockey’s Ridge results from the “Bankers” practice of capturing and racing Spanish Mustangs. The herd of horses came from the ships of explorers wrecked offshore. Riders, or jockeys, used the flats at the base of the big dune as the racecourse. The steep sides of the Ridge served as a grandstand for spectators to view the race.

Whichever legend you feel comfortable with, Jockey’s Ridge has seen it all, from pirates to putt-putt golf. These days, hang gliders sail overhead, kids roll down Jockey’s Ridge, and thousands of photos and awe-inspiring sunsets are viewed yearly. All that sand is impressive. And it is an excellent place for a picnic and a simply fantastic place to fly a kite.