Penny’s Hill — also called Lewark’s Hill — is a towering active sand dune in the Currituck 4×4 area north of Corolla. Rising over 70 feet above the beach, it’s the largest medano (live moving dune) on the Outer Banks and one of the most popular landmarks for beach drivers exploring the Carova area. Accessible only by 4×4 along the beach, it offers panoramic views of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
Quick Facts
| Location | Currituck 4×4 area, ~3 miles north of the paved end of NC-12 |
| Access | 4×4 vehicle only — drive north on the beach from end of NC-12 |
| Height | Approximately 70+ feet (active medano dune) |
| Permit Required | No permit needed in the Currituck 4×4 area |
| Tire Pressure | Air down to 18–22 PSI before driving on sand |
| Best Time to Visit | Low tide; early morning for soft light and fewer crowds |
Location & Aerial View
Open in Google Maps for driving directions →
Getting to Penny’s Hill
From Corolla, drive north on NC-12 until the pavement ends at the 4×4 beach access ramp. Air down your tires to 18–22 PSI, then turn north and drive along the beach. Penny’s Hill is approximately 3 miles up the beach on the soundside (west side). You can’t miss it — it’s the tallest dune you’ll see and dominates the skyline. Most beach drivers reach it in 10–15 minutes from the end of NC-12 at low tide.
What You’ll See
From the top of Penny’s Hill you can see the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Currituck Sound to the west, and on clear days the False Cape and Back Bay area of Virginia to the north. The dune is constantly moving — wind shifts it slightly each year, and it has slowly migrated south over the decades, burying parts of an old hunt club that once stood at its base. Wild Colonial Spanish mustangs are frequently spotted grazing in the dune fields surrounding it.
Tips for Visiting
Park at the base of the dune on firm sand — never on vegetation, and never block other vehicles’ paths. Climbing the dune is allowed and encouraged, but it’s a strenuous climb in deep sand. Wear shoes (the sand can get blistering hot in summer). Pack out everything you bring in. The 4×4 area has no facilities, no trash cans, and no cell service in most spots, so plan accordingly.
Safety & Wildlife
Stay at least 50 feet from any wild horses — it’s the law in Currituck County and violations carry stiff fines. Do not feed them. Watch for soft sand at the base of the dune where it transitions from beach to dune field. If you stop, point your tires toward the firm tracks and don’t park where you’d have to push uphill to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Penny’s Hill?
Penny’s Hill is approximately 70+ feet tall, making it the largest active medano (live moving sand dune) on the Outer Banks. Its exact height varies year to year as wind reshapes it.
Do I need a permit to visit Penny’s Hill?
No permit is required in the Currituck County 4×4 area, which is where Penny’s Hill is located. This area is separate from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV zone, which does require a permit.
Can I drive a 2WD vehicle to Penny’s Hill?
No. The only way to reach Penny’s Hill is by driving on the beach in a true 4×4 vehicle (not AWD). The sand is deep and soft, and 2WD vehicles will get stuck within a few hundred feet of the pavement.
Are there wild horses near Penny’s Hill?
Yes, the Colonial Spanish mustangs of Corolla often graze in the dune fields and maritime forest surrounding Penny’s Hill. By law you must stay at least 50 feet away from them at all times.
Can I climb Penny’s Hill?
Yes, climbing the dune is allowed and is a popular activity. Wear shoes — the sand can reach 130°F in summer — and be prepared for a strenuous climb in soft sand. The view from the top is well worth it.