The land is primarily soundside marshland with lots of pine trees and waterfowl. The sanctuary runs 3 miles long north to south and is approximately 200 yards wide from east to west. The Outer Banks should get a medal for firsts. The park covers 85 percent of Hatteras Island, which stretches south of the Bonner Bridge for 33 miles to Hatteras Inlet. The beaches are clean and uncrowded.
Subtle beauty abounds in the park.
The swaying sea grasses, shifting sands, and tenacious vegetation appear monochromatic at first glance. A closer study reveals pleasant surprises. Lush purple flowers and delicate white-petaled flowers with scarlet centers grow entwined in the roadside brambles. In the marshes, sea lavender, morning glories, and marsh aster add color. In the early morning or late afternoon, you can usually see dozens of brown marsh rabbits nibbling grasses along the roadside.