Penny’s Hill, named for the tall sand dune nearby, sits near the northern end of the drivable beach before the Virginia line. It is the longest run from the Corolla ramp, which makes a full week with a properly equipped 4WD the way to go. Like every community north of Corolla, there is no paved access — the beach is the only road to your Penny’s Hill rental, and a true four-wheel-drive vehicle is required. This page covers the drive, what to expect, and how to rent a 4WD.
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The Drive to Penny’s Hill
Penny’s Hill is the farthest of the off-road communities, so plan on the longest beach drive from the Corolla ramp — often most of the 11 miles up toward Virginia. Air your tires down to roughly 18–20 PSI before leaving the pavement, stay in the firm tracks near the high-tide line, and time your run with the tide. The tall dune the area is named for is a well-known landmark as you approach.
What to Expect at Penny’s Hill
This is the most remote stretch of the Currituck Outer Banks, prized for its solitude and the dramatic dune scenery. Wild Spanish mustangs are common here, and the beach is wide and quiet. There are no stores or services anywhere nearby, so bring everything you need from Corolla and expect little to no cell signal.
Renting a 4WD for Penny’s Hill
We rent Jeeps and 4WD SUVs by the week to families making the long run up to Penny’s Hill. A full week is $1,338 for any 4WD in the fleet, including the Currituck County beach parking permit, recovery gear, and a sand-driving walkthrough at pickup. For the longest drive on the northern beaches, a properly equipped 4WD is essential.
Ready to plan? Reserve a weekly Corolla jeep rental for your Penny’s Hill trip, or read our full Corolla 4×4 beach guide for everything about driving north of the pavement.
Penny’s Hill 4×4 Rentals: What to Expect
A Penny’s Hill 4×4 rental takes you to the northernmost drivable stretch of the Outer Banks, named for the towering sand dune that dominates the landscape. There is no paved road here — the beach is the highway — so a true four-wheel-drive with the Currituck County permit is required. Every vehicle we rent leaves our Kill Devil Hills shop already permitted and prepped for sand, ready to make the long, beautiful drive north.
What is the Penny’s Hill sand dune?
Penny’s Hill (also called Lewark’s Hill) is a large living sand dune near the Virginia line, one of the most striking landmarks on the 4×4 beach. It is a favorite stop for photos and a clear marker that you have reached the far north end. The surrounding area is remote and undeveloped, so come prepared with water, fuel, and supplies for the day.
How do I get to Penny’s Hill?
You reach Penny’s Hill by driving north up the beach from the Corolla access ramp, through Carova, Swan Beach, and North Swan Beach. It is the longest drive of any 4×4 beach community, so mind the tides and keep momentum in the soft sand. Larger groups often choose our 4WD SUV rentals for the extra room, and our Corolla 4×4 beach guide maps out the whole route north.