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Ocracoke is the southern
most village within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The entire island is owned by the National Park Service, except for the village. It is the most remote inhabited island of the Outer Banks and can be reached by ferry from Hatteras Village, Swan Quarter or Cedar Island. The island is 17 miles long, up to 2 miles wide and is part of Hyde County.
Attractions
Island attractions include the Ocracoke Pony Pens, which hold Ocracoke's remaining wild ponies, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, legends of Edward Teach or "Blackbeard the Pirate", the British Cemetery, Springer's Point, and, of course, the beautiful natural beach and nature trails.
The climate of Ocracoke Island is tempered by the Gulf Stream with an average annual rainfall of 53 inches, average January temperature of 44 degrees, and average July temperature of 79 degrees.
Population
According to the 2000 census, there are 769 permanent residents on Ocracoke Island, out of some 6,500 residents of Hyde County.
Government
Hyde County is governed by a board of five commissioners, each representing a district, but elected at large for four years with staggered terms of office. As yet, Ocracoke Village has not incorporated and there is no local government.
The maps below from The World Atlas of the Artificial Night Sky Brightness highlights the clear night skies and lack of light pollution around Ocracoke.
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| Continental US Map |
Close-up view of the Outer Banks,
with the cross-hairs identifying Ocracoke. |
Check out our gift shop for many books and resources about Ocracoke Island.
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