NC Highway 12 is the 148-mile spine of the Outer Banks, connecting 21 coastal villages from Corolla to Ocracoke.
Understanding the milepost system is essential for navigating the Outer Banks. Mile markers (MPs) help you locate beaches, restaurants, shops, and attractions. They start at MP 1 in Southern Shores and continue south through Nags Head. Hatteras Island and Ocracoke use different reference systems.
Corolla & Carova
Beach Mileposts (North of Paved Road) — North of where NC Highway 12 pavement ends, beach mileposts mark distances in 4×4 territory.
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Historic Park)
- Whalehead Club (Historic Mansion)
- Corolla Wild Horse Museum
- Wild Horse Territory (Carova Beach)
Duck
No Milepost System — Duck uses street names rather than mileposts. The village center is the main reference point.
- Duck Town Boardwalk (Village Center)
- Duck Research Pier
- Waterfront Shops & Restaurants
Southern Shores through Nags Head
MP 1 – MP 17+ — The traditional milepost system begins in Southern Shores and continues through Nags Head.
- Wright Brothers National Memorial (MP 7.5)
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park (MP 12)
- Jennette’s Pier (MP 16.5)
- Avalon Pier (MP 6)
- Nags Head Pier (MP 11.5)
Hatteras Island
Pea Island through Hatteras Village — Hatteras Island stretches from Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to Hatteras Village ferry terminal.
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (MP 25-35)
- Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station (Rodanthe)
- Bodie Island Lighthouse (MP 21)
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Buxton)
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum (Hatteras Village)
- Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry Terminal
Ocracoke Island
Ferry Access Only — Ocracoke is accessible only by ferry. The island is about 16 miles long with the village at the southern end.
- Ocracoke Lighthouse (Oldest Operating Lighthouse in NC)
- Ocracoke Village (Historic Fishing Village)
- British Cemetery (WWII Memorial)
- Ocracoke Pony Pen
Navigation Tips
Milepost Signs: Green milepost signs are posted along Highway 12. They’re your best reference for finding specific locations.
Addresses: Many OBX businesses use mileposts in their addresses (e.g., “MP 12.5, Beach Road”).
GPS Coordinates: In remote areas like Carova, GPS coordinates are more reliable than addresses.
Ferry Schedules: If traveling to Ocracoke, check ferry schedules in advance. The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is free but can have wait times during peak season.