Climbing season for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to be opened
Published April 18, 2008 by Sabrina GordonOn Friday April 18th the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will open to the public for climbing. It is open to the public until Columbus Day, October 13th. The fee for climbing the lighthouse is $7 per adult and $3.50 for children and seniors. If you are a local it is free to climb the lighthouse on opening day.
Please remember that the climb up is very strenuous and there is no air conditioning. It will be hot, humid, noisy and dim lighting. There is two-way traffic on the narrow stairs. The lighthouse has 248 iron stairs and it is equal to climbing a 12 story building. There is a landing every 31 steps, but the stairs have a handrail only on one side.
People who have heart or respiratory conditions or who have trouble climbing stairs should use their own discretion on whether to climb the lighthouse.
Ticket sales begin at 8:15a.m. and climbing tours begin at 9a.m. They run every 10 minutes with a limit of 30 visitors per tour. Climbing tickets are available on a first come first served basis and tickets can only be bought in person at the site on that day of the climb. No advance ticket sales are allowed. Ticket sales close at 4:30p.m. in the spring and fall and at 5:30p.m. from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. After you have your ticket you should arrive at the lighthouse gate five minutes prior to your tour time.
Children have to be at least 42 inches tall and can climb stairs on their own. No person is allowed to be lifted or carried. Children under the age of 12 must be escorted by an adult. Running and jumping on the stairs is not allowed. Do not go in bare feet or heels over 1.5 inches high. Food and drinks are not allowed in the lighthouse.
Enter Your Comments Below
