Earthblog

If you have a four wheel drive vehicle and decide to check out the off-road area, please pay attention to these tips ... 

•  You must “air down”!!!  Most SUV’s should reduce the air pressure in the tires to 18 – 20 lbs. (pick-up trucks 22 in front, 18 in the rear).  Failure to air down will result in you getting stuck.  Also, not airing down causes major environmental damage to the beach and makes it hard for everyone else due to the ruts created.  Your engine also will work harder if you don’t air down.

•  The speed limit on the beach is 25 miles per hour, or 15 miles per hour if people are around.  Be careful of dogs and children.  The sheriff patrols the beach and will ticket speeders.

•  When it comes to beach driving, including getting over the cuts, slow and easy wins the race.  Do not gun your engine or you will get stuck.

•  When parking on the beach, do so in the middle of the beach.  Cars and emergency vehicles must be able to travel on the dune line and the water line.

•  Do not ever drive on the dunes.  They are very fragile.  Don’t even walk on the dunes.

•  Water on the back roads can be a problem.  Never go through the middle of a puddle!  Stay to the right or the left where the water is not as deep and do not gun the engine midway thru the puddle as it will them become deeper.  Avoid puddles if possible, as some can swamp a vehicle. 

•  It is a good idea to carry in your vehicle a good quality air pressure gauge, a tow rope, fire extinguisher, flashlight, shovel and other emergency supplies. 

•  A Currituck County ordinance prohibits people from approaching within 50 yards of the horses.

Location       Oregan Inlet, Kitty Hawk, Corolla 4 Wheel area.  Note there may be restrictions.

Cost             no cost