Tips for Seeing the Corolla Wild Horses in NOBX

The Corolla Wild Horses are perhaps the oldest and most popular residents of North Carolina’s northern Outer Banks. The existing Corolla Wild Horses are descendants of Spanish mustangs that arrived by colonial ships in the Americas around the 16th century. How these horses came to roam free on the northern beaches is subject to debate, but theories include colonial shipwrecks from early expeditions to this area by the Spanish and English.

As the area became more developed, life on the northern Outer Banks also became more hazardous for the horses. To help protect the herd, the remaining horses near Corolla were eventually moved north of the paved road into the 4WD area, where they still roam today. Their story is part history, part conservation effort, and part everyday life in this special stretch of the Outer Banks.

Regardless of how they arrived on the Northern Outer Banks, the Corolla Wild Horses are a must-see during your Outer Banks vacation. Enjoy a self-guided wild horse tour, schedule a professionally guided tour, or stay in a 4WD-area vacation rental where horses often roam nearby. However you choose to see them, remember that these are wild animals. Discover the horses and their natural beauty while keeping yourself and the herd safe.

A Herd of Survivors on the Outer Banks: Our State Magazine details the history and beauty of Corolla’s Wild Mustangs.

Take a Guided Corolla Wild Horse Tour

If you don’t have a four wheel drive vehicle, or you’d simply like to relax and take in the scenery while a professional navigates the beach, consider reserving a guided horse tour. It’s one of the most exciting and memorable things to do on the Outer Banks and is a great way to have fun with the entire family. Local guides are knowledgeable about where the horses like to roam, how to safely navigate the 4WD beaches, and how to enjoy the experience without disturbing the herd.

Many guided tour providers are located in Corolla and book online. Remember, tours fill up quickly, especially during busy travel seasons. It’s best to reserve your tour in advance to ensure your spot. These reputable and professional tour operators can help you enjoy a Corolla wild horse adventure you’ll never forget.

Featured Local Tour Operators:

Afterward, complete your Wild Horse adventure by visiting the Corolla Wild Horse Museum in Historic Corolla Village. Here you can learn more about these legendary mustangs and their origins, as well as shop for unique gifts. Proceeds from sales are used for the preservation of the herd.

Stay in Carova or the 4WD Area

Another way to increase your chances of seeing the Corolla Wild Horses is to stay in a vacation rental in Carova or another part of the 4WD area. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and are looking for a rental home rather than a hotel, this may be one of the easiest ways to spot the horses during your stay.

The horses often travel in small groups along the beach, near the dunes, around beach houses, and through wooded areas. If you’re staying in the 4WD area, you may see them while you’re relaxing at your rental, heading to the beach, or driving through the neighborhood. Just remember that proximity does not mean interaction. If horses wander near your rental home, vehicle, or beach setup, watch from a safe distance and let them move along on their own.

Plan a Self-Guided Wild Horse Tour

Up for a true adventure? Driving a 4WD vehicle to Corolla? A self-guided tour gives you the opportunity to see the Corolla Wild Horses in their natural habitat. Be mindful of local and state regulations as you plan, and make sure you understand beach driving rules before heading onto the sand.

Where to Look

The Corolla Wild Horses can be found on the northern beaches of Corolla and Carova, north of the paved portion of NC Highway 12. This area is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles because you must drive on the beach itself. Before setting out on your self-guided tour, read the county beach driving tips and make sure you understand where the Public Vehicular Areas are located. Some areas are restricted as part of the Corolla Wild Horse preservation area, so always be aware of posted signs.
If you’re not staying in the 4WD area, you can still take a day trip from Corolla to look for the horses. You’ll need a true four-wheel-drive vehicle, reduced air in your tires, and a current understanding of beach driving and parking rules. If you plan to park on the 4WD beach, check current parking permit requirements before you go, as seasonal permits are limited and should be purchased in advance.
Whether you are in the Public Vehicular Area or on the roads of Corolla, watch for horses crossing the road, especially at night and during quieter parts of the day.

Before You Drive Onto the 4WD Beach

Use a true four-wheel-drive vehicle. Do not attempt to drive on the beach in a vehicle that is not four-wheel drive.
Deflate your tires before entering the beach ramp to help your vehicle move more easily through the sand.
Fill your gas tank before entering the 4WD area, as there are no gas stations on the beach.
Drive slowly and carefully. You’ll be sharing the beach with other vehicles, beachgoers, pedestrians, pets, and the Corolla Wild Horses.
Use your headlights in the morning, evening, and during low-visibility conditions.
Never drink and drive. Collisions with horses are a heartbreaking consequence of speeding, impaired driving, and other poor decisions on the beach.
Keep traffic lanes clear and avoid blocking the beach with chairs, coolers, fishing lines, or other belongings.
Follow posted speed limits, watch for changing tides, and respect all restricted areas.

What to Do Once You Find Them

Stay at least 50 feet away from the horses at all times. This is the law. Use the zoom on your camera and enjoy the view from a distance.
Please do not feed the horses. Our horses subsist on beach grains that grow in the wild here. Feeding the horses and leaving out food for them is against the law, as apples and other foods can be toxic or choking hazards. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund offers more tips on Wild Horse safety.
Do not approach, touch, pet, lure, harass, or chase the horses. They may seem calm, but they are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Restrain your pets. If you’re bringing your dog along for the ride, make sure they are leashed. This is for the safety of your pets and the horses.
If horses walk toward you on the beach, calmly move away when possible and give them room to pass.

If you are a nature lover, you won’t want to miss your chance to view the Corolla horses in their natural habitat. Roughly one hundred horses remain and seeing them in person is one of the most unique Outer Banks activities you can experience. Take the opportunity to learn new things, obtain gorgeous pictures, and make lasting memories. Just be sure to follow the rules and regulations while visiting the horses, and enjoy the wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Make it Your Nature

The North Carolina outdoors is really a reflection of you. That’s why the Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism has partnered with Visit NC, the NC Outdoor Recreation Industry, and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to make it easy for you to preserve the natural beauty of our state. Click here for more information on how you can make an impact during your stay on the Northern Outer Banks. #MakeItYourNature #OutdoorNC