At BLP You Are Never too Far From…The NC Amazing NC Lighthouse Road Trip

When looking into making the move to a new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve, there are no questions that you would have come across what we call “Lifestyle Redefined.” Well, in “redefining” of course you have the amazing on-site, spa-like amenities here at BLP. Likewise, you have the perfect location to be in a reasonable distance of any attractions across NC and for that matter across the Eastern United States. That being said, one of the state of North Carolina’s most popular vacations is one that takes you to the coast and for several stops along the way for the NC Lighthouse Road Trip.

With seven stops along the NC Lighthouse Road Trip, we would suggest planning a 4-5 day vacation with the family to tackle the entire route. This trip is not only an NC traditional favorite, but this path through the Outer Banks along the Carolina coast has become one of the most popular vacation spots nationwide. So, make the plans, pack up the car and the kids and get ready to soak up some history and some sun on this journey.

NC Lighthouse Road Trip: Edenton to Hatteras is About Halfway Home

In detailing the route for your NC Lighthouse Road Trip, obviously if unfamiliar with the area, you’ll want to pull up some type of directions. However, we will include a physical address of each stop along the path as we briefly touch on each lighthouse you will be visiting on this vacation.

Distance from Belmont Lake Preserve to Roanoke River Lighthouse– 1 hour, 26 minutes (87.6 miles)

Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton, NC

The starting point for our NC Lighthouse Road Trip is the Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton, NC. The actual Roanoke Lighthouse dates all the way back to 1866. However, it was in 1955 that it began calling Edenton home as a private residence. Soon after it was city property. Then, renovations were made, and the iconic lighthouse had new life. It currently sits at 7 Dock Street in Edenton. To drive from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve and reach your first stop on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip, is not even an hour and a half trip.

Distance from Roanoke River Lighthouse to Currituck Beach Lighthouse- 2 hours, 4 minutes (97 miles)

Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla, NC

Stop number two on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip brings us to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Located at 1101 Corolla Village Road in Corolla. This amazing example of Gothic revival architecture is unique from all others on the NC coast as it’s the only natural-brick lighthouse on the entire coast.

Distance from Currituck Beach Lighthouse to Bodie Island Lighthouse-  1 hour, 9 minutes (42.8 miles)

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC

This is actually the third exact replica of the Bodie Island Light Station. The original was built in 1872. Impressively standing scenically among gorgeous marshland, the view from the top of this stop on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip must truly be seen to be believed. This impressive landmark is located at 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head.

Distance from Bodie Island Lighthouse to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse-  55 minutes (43.3 miles)

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, NC

In pictures at least this may be the most recognizable of any of the structures on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip. Regardless of whether you’ve seen it before or not, you must see the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. the huge structure originally served as a “guiding light” to help the sailors navigate on the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you have seen it previously or readying for the first time, the 210 foot lighthouse at 46379 Lighthouse Road in Buxton is certainly a sight to see.

The Second Leg of the NC Lighthouse Road Trip is Longer than the First

Leaving Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, you technically have gone more than halfway through your journey. However, even though the structure marks four lighthouses seen, there is more travel time as you go through the final three stops on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip. This is due in some part to distance, but in others to the need to jump on. a ferry to get to the actual lighthouse. 

This, however, in itself though is one of the moments to enjoy on our road trip, and by using our estimations in time, you can at least have a rough sketch plan made out when putting your vacation schedule together. So, without further ado, let’s continue on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip with our distance from Cape Hatteras on to the next stop.

Distance from Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to Okracoke Lighthouse-  1 hour, 43 minutes (35.9 miles)

Okracoke Lighthouse, Okracoke, NC

This may seem to many on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip as somewhat of a simple lighthouse if there is such a thing. On the contrary, though, the Okracoke Lighthouse has been “showing the way” and guiding sailors and boats since 1823. This does sit at 360 Lighthouse Road in Okracoke, which is one of the most remote stretches of the whole Outer Banks region. But it’s well worth the trip and many opt to make a whole day out of the Okracoke experience. 

Distance from Okracoke Lighthouse to Cape Lookout Lighthouse-  3 hours, 28 minutes (57.4 miles) NOTE- This is including the 2 hours and 33 minute Cedar Island-Okracoke Ferry Ride.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Harker’s Island, NC

Arriving at the Cape Lookout Lighthouse after leaving Okracoke is the long leg of the trip. But, experiencing the two and a half-hour Cedar Island-Okracoke ferry ride is a great part experience. Located on the absolutely stunning Crystal Coast, Cape Lookout is a local favorite stop for sure. This southernmost lighthouse on the Outer Banks actually helps people with directions. It has the sides facing North and south in black, while those towards the East and West are white. On a sidebar note, keep an eye out for the wild horses that you may see roaming when you visit this area.

Distance from Cape Lookout Lighthouse to Oak Island Lighthouse- 3 hours and 14 minutes (155 miles)

Oak Island Lighthouse, Oak Island, NC

The final stop on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip is the Oak Island Lighthouse. It was built in 1952 to replace the original structure at this site, 300 Caswell Beach Road in Oak Island. This lighthouse boasted the brightest light in the United States from 1958-1962. While it may no longer be the brightest, it still is shining strong and awaits welcoming you as the last lighthouse on your voyage.

The NC Lighthouse Road Trip: You Have to Do It at least Once

Now that you reside at Belmont lake Preserve and you continue to redefine your lifestyle, the direct path to start this NC Lighthouse Road Trip is very easily reached. Whether it’s this year or sometime in the future, this journey is one every North Carolinian should take at some point. Being you’re “never too far from there,” when to take the journey is entirely up to you.

For any further information on anything happening at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.