Ferry Systems

This passage is about the ferry system in North Carolina.

Lexile Level: 1030L

Categories: History People & Places Animals & Nature

In North Carolina you'll find the second largest state-operated ferry system. Ferry services began along the Outer Banks in the mid-1920s as a private operation and were taken over by the state in the 1940s. There are currently seven routes from Southport/Fort Fisher on the southern beaches to Currituck/Knotts Island on the northern beaches. The ferry routes range in duration from 20 minutes to 2.5 hours. Some routes require reservations, and a fare is charged; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are free to the public. These routes provide access to fishing villages, coastal communities, and unspoiled beaches. Ocracoke Island, which has two separate routes, is accessible only by ferry. The North Carolina Ferry System is a great way to travel on the coast and visit coastal communities. Along the way you're sure to see lighthouses, clear blue water, and some local wildlife.