It's no secret that like you, I love national parks. That love for our parks is why this month I can happily take the blame for our newsletter coming to you just in time to still be called your October OBX Park News. We'll consider it a treat just in time for Halloween! :) I recently returned from spending time in one of my favorite places outside of the Outer Banks - Shenandoah National Park. I took this photo as I walked into the park's boundary on the Appalachian Trail at the start of a (mostly) solo backpacking adventure. (Where I of course took steps to #RecreateResponsibly.) 7 days, 65 miles, and 1 hurricane later, I left the park with a renewed appreciation for the nature and stories our national parks preserve. Whether you're sitting around a campfire or snuggled up at home, fall is the perfect time to share these stories - particularly the more mysterious ones. I hope you enjoy reading and sharing the spooky stories and legends below from your OBX national parks. See you in your parks,

Jessica Green Director, Outer Banks Forever

Support Your Parks Today

The Mysterious Ghost Ship of the Outer Banks

With a nickname like the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," there are no shortage of legends and lore at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. One of the most intriguing mysteries, that even caught the attention of the FBI, is the fate of the crew of the Carroll A. Deering schooner which ran aground at Diamond Shoals in 1921. Read on to find out why this particular ship is considered the "Ghost Ship" of the Outer Banks.

Learn More

How Did Kill Devil Hills Get its Name?

The Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks in part because the island's remote nature provided an air of mystery and secrecy as they continued their experiments in flight. While they can be credited for putting Kill Devil Hills on the map, the sand dunes that stood where your park stands now we're already called Kill Devil Hills...but why this unique moniker? Was it the rum...or the birds? Read on to learn more and decide for yourself!

Learn More

The Curious Case of the Disappearing Englishmen

The mystery of the Lost Colony is one that still captivates visitors at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to this day. But did you know that those colonists where not the first Englishmen to disappear from Roanoke Island? Years before the settlers we know as the "Lost Colony" arrived in the Outer Banks, English explorers visited the area, interacted with the Algonquians who lived here, and yes - disappeared without a trace. Read on to learn more about these explorers and share your theory on the disappearing Englishmen!

Learn More

Photo Credits: National Park Service

Outer Banks Forever is an official partner of the National Park Service and the three national parks of the Outer Banks. Learn more at www.obxforever.org

Donate Now

‌ ‌ ‌