Beaches They Roam
The Corolla wild horses roam the northernmost beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, particularly Carova Beach, Corolla, Penny’s Hill, North Swan Beach, and the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. These areas lie north of where NC Highway 12 ends, accessible only by 4×4 vehicles via the beach or designated sand roads.
About the Beaches
These beaches feel remote, peaceful, and untouched and there is no commercial development, no paved roads and minimal artificial lighting. It is a glimpse into a wild Atlantic coastline, where ancient horse herds move in rhythm with the winds and tides. The beaches are a stunning blend of wide, windswept shorelines. Fine, golden sand stretches for miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offering panoramic views and a sense of open wilderness.
Behind the beach dunes lies a tapestry of rolling sand dunes, coastal shrubland, and Live Oak- and Wax Myrtle–filled forests that provide shelter and forage for the horses. The back side of these beaches features saltwater creeks and marshes, which support a variety of wildlife and contribute to the ecosystem the horses rely on.
The horses move freely between:
- Open beach: Often seen near the surf, especially in the early morning or cooler parts of the day.
- Dunes and yards of beach houses: Though they are wild, the horses are curious and occasionally wander into residential areas (which is why feeding or approaching them is prohibited by law).
- Private and public lands: Many areas in their range are undeveloped, while others are part of federally protected conservation zones.
