Trail Overview

South Core Banks is only accessible by vehicle ferry. A reservation is required through Cape Lookout Cabins and Camps or the Davis Shore Ferry Service. A beach driving permit (ORV) is required and can be obtained through Rec.gov. The National Park Service recommends a low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack, and jack support board, as well as a spare tire, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, trash bag or container, flashlight, and tow strap. Tires should be aired down to 15-20 PSI. This back road intersects and detours through the beach at various points. The trail is one vehicle wide with space to pass.

Photos of South Core Banks - Back Road

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Weather dependent, this trail has the potential for water crossings and washouts. Drivers should be aware there could be hidden debris under the sandy trail.

Technical Rating

Jesse Bollinger

May 25, 2026

Open

Back road was open and pretty busy for the Memorial Day weekend. Some ramps toward North of the island are closed off due to bird nesting and hatchlings. But majority is fine for beach driving.

Richard Sobien

May 24, 2026

Open

I went here during Memorial Day weekend, which is considered one of the busier times. Traffic wasn’t bad at all especially if you drive on the beach and avoid the narrow center road. Driving around the older buildings near the Lighthouse had some deep puddles since it recently rained there. These puddles could cause trouble for low ground clearance vehicles. The beaches had some areas with very loose sand but I had no trouble driving in 4wd Hi at 17psi. The most difficult thing was scheduling the ferry in Davis. Be sure to book it few weeks before you go. The Ferries hold about 6 vehicles. The island is very beautiful and worth the trip. Be sure to bring bug spray for the green bitting flies.

Hank Turner

May 14, 2026

Open

Dusty and very soft. Single lane with both direction of travel on trail. These are rear access that run full length of island with exits to beach. Aired down 35x13.5x20 to 18 psi with no troubles.

Tim Coventry-Cox

Apr 10, 2026

Open

Trail is in good condition. There are areas of soft wind blown sand which is quite deep but manageable with air down and some throttle. Ramps to the beach varied, some easy and other with very fine wind blown sand at the beach ends making pass through harder. Keep it moving and you will be ok.

Nova Check

Sep 29, 2025

Open

Bronco on 35s aired down to 23, Subaru Outback aired down to 20. Neither had any issues. We did probably 8-9 beach ramps. Kept the bronco in 4-hi most of the time. Outback was AWD. Some puddles in the path near the historic section. You can get around most of them but some were 10-12 inches deep.

DAVID BARKER

Apr 25, 2024

Open

Normal sandy conditions. Used pullouts once each direction for other vehicles. Easy ride. Maintained 20-25 MPH in 4-Lo going from Davis Ferry down to stone jetty and then back north.