Currituck Beach Light

Corolla, North Carolina

I think this light is worth trekking up to the northern tip of the Outer Banks to see. Built in 1875, the 158 ft. tower is halfway betwen its twin at Bodie Island and Cape Henry to the north. Unlike Bodie, it has been left an unpainted brick red. The original first-order lens still shines today, flashing for 3 seconds, then off for 17 seconds. The keeper's house is a duplex, and was pre-cut and labeled before being shipped to the site for assembling.

The lighthouse and grounds were in an advanced state of decay until the 1980's, when the Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. leased the site from North Carolina, and preservation effort began. Today the tower and grounds are in wonderful condition, and the tower is open for climbing. The Queen Anne style keeper's dwelling has also been beautifully restored on the exterior, and work continues on the interior. The view from the top is great, and the perpetual gale adds a touch of danger to the experience.

Currituck is open for climbing Easter through Thanksgiving.