Where Are the Wild Horses in the Outer Banks?
The famous Corolla wild horses live in the 4x4 area north of Corolla, in a protected sanctuary stretching from the end of NC Highway 12 to the Virginia state line. This 11-mile, 7,544-acre area includes the communities of Swan Beach, Carova, and the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
The Corolla Herd
Approximately 100 wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs live in the Corolla/Carova area. They roam freely across the beaches, dunes, maritime forests, and even through residential neighborhoods. They're descendants of Spanish horses that arrived on these shores nearly 500 years ago.
The horses are protected by a fence at the southern end (where the pavement ends) and another at the Virginia state line. This keeps them safe from traffic on NC Highway 12 while giving them plenty of room to roam.
Other Wild Horse Herds in NC
The Corolla horses aren't the only wild horses in North Carolina:
Shackleford Banks
About 100 horses live on Shackleford Banks, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore. This uninhabited barrier island is only accessible by ferry or private boat from Beaufort or Harkers Island.
Ocracoke Island
A small herd (about 20 horses) lives in a fenced pasture on Ocracoke Island. These horses are managed differently—they receive regular care and feeding.
Rachel Carson Reserve
A few horses live on the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve near Beaufort.
Why the 4x4 Area?
The horses were moved to the 4x4 area in 1995 after 20 horses were killed by vehicles on NC Highway 12. Sound-to-sea fences now protect them while preserving their wild lifestyle. The trade-off: you need a 4x4 vehicle to see them.
How to See Them
To see the Corolla wild horses, you'll need to access the 4x4 area. You can:
- Drive yourself in a 4WD vehicle (see our beach driving guide)
- Take a guided tour with a local wild horse tour company
Learn more in our detailed guide: How do I see the wild horses in Corolla?