The Dividing Line

False Cape State Park is considered Virginia's Outer Banks.  It's barrier spit island stretches south from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Sandbridge, Virginia to the North Carolina border. 

The border between North Carolina and Virginia was established in 1728 as evidence by this monument which has stood sentinel, deep in the maritime forest,  to the concepts of states' rights and state governorship for over 250 years.

Visting the monument will take a monumental effort if coming in from the Virginia side of the park, but is worth the effort.  The 24-mile round trip hike/bike from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to the Monument is best done over two days whilst camping in the park--think early Spring/late Fall before it gets too hot in the park for long hikes.

Trail names and access to the monument are changing in March...be sure to pick up a new map at the Visitor Center.  The monument will be accessible off the Duddley Island Loop Trail beginning Spring 2010.