Memorable Outer Banks Hikes

By The OBX Way
Oct. 06, 2025

The iconic barrier islands invite extended shoreline strolls, but a closer look reveals many public walkways and nature routes ready for discovery. This guide highlights approachable and worthwhile hikes across Roanoke and Bodie Islands from Oregon Inlet to Duck, moving through boardwalks, estuaries, maritime forests, welcoming neighborhoods, and places with natural, cultural, and historic significance. Enjoy Benjamin Lashley’s beautiful images, take in the route notes, and explore the paths on The OBX Hiking Map.

1. Owens’ Welcome - Boardwalk - Easy - .50 mi One-Way

Start an Outer Banks trip with an easy scenic walk toward the Croatan Sound. Step into the edge of the maritime forest and pause to consider the journey into paradise. The Welcome Center offers public parking, restrooms, and water at all times, along with information about area trails such as the nearby Collins Trail, known for meaningful interpretive signage. Newly updated woodwork makes this route welcoming for every age and ability level.

2. The Freedom Trail - Straw and Sand - Easy - 1.25 mi One-Way

This meaningful historic route links the Croatan Sound with Fort Raleigh, passing silhouettes of liberated slaves and continuing toward the First Light of Freedom Memorial. The black stone monument recognizes the NC Civil War Heritage Trail and National Underground Railroad Network. Consider timing the walk back to the Freedmen’s Point lot with sunset over Manns Harbor, while remaining mindful of snakes near water and traffic at internal road crossings.

3. New Oregon Inlet - Ocean Sand - Strenuous - 2.10 mi One-Way

Experience the constant force of the Atlantic as water moves in and out of the Pamlico Sound. With no shelter from sun, wind, rain, sand, or waves, hikers should wear suitable gear, remain easy to see, and review tide cycles before setting out. This route closes seasonally for nesting birds, but when access is open, it passes beneath the 3 mi Basnight Bridge and reaches a view of Bodie Island Light. Public parking and a porta are located at ORV Ramp 4, identified by THE OBX WAY Adopt-A-Beach sign.

4. Old Nags Head - Sand and Gravel - Moderate - 2.4 mi One-Way

Open throughout the year, this route passes through maritime forest dunes that stretch out from Jockey’s Ridge. Trees offer shade from summer heat and a buffer against winter wind, though they do not protect from flying insects or ticks. Water and restrooms can be found at both the Town Park and Nature Conservancy office. Leashed dogs may use the Town Trail, but bikes are not permitted. Old Nags Head Woods Road remains open to vehicles, so stay aware while traveling.

5. Kill Devil Hills - Multi-Use Path - Moderate - 1.50 mi One-Way

This level paved route is full of cultural character and historic points of interest. Starting at KDH Town Hall, visitors encounter a vibrant winged-horse reflecting a modern artistic style, while the Baum Center nearby displays the enduring Outer Banks totem. Take in the Veterans and Wright Brothers Memorials before continuing past the First Flight airstrip on the way to Colington. Bring cash for a tavern stop and enjoy the artifacts of the crabbing community.

6. Kitty Hawk Bay - Multi-Use Path - Moderate - 2.00 mi One-Way

Residents often use this route for dog walking, running, cycling, and e-biking, and several protected access points are available. It also provides an important option beyond walking or running along the ocean “Beach Road,” where traffic is reduced and slower. Public water and restrooms are not currently available in this area, so prepare ahead. Stay close to the guardrail near Windgrass Circle Park, the trailhead for the .35 mi Wright Brothers Path.

7. The Woods Road - Multi-Use Path - Easy - 1.65 mi One-Way

This calm, tree-bordered path may bring the Blue Ridge Parkway to mind for mountain hikers, replacing broad overlooks with tucked-away local landmarks. Spur routes lead toward a creek mural, a community cemetery, a covered bridge, and an abandoned railroad bed. Respect private property beside the 35-mph road, and visit Sandy Run Park for its accessible boardwalk loop around Duck Pond Creek. Public parking and portas are available at both ends.

8. Southern Shores - Residential - Moderate - 4.60 mi Loop

Dogwood Trail is a public route between Jean Guite (Ginguite) Creek and Duck Woods Country Club. The paved, shaded sidewalk offers a look into a peaceful and charming community that otherwise requires a parking permit. A small grove between Fairway and Duck Woods Drives marks the midway point, where Callie’s Bench provides a place to pause and reflect. This nostalgic walk around the block includes a sunset view on the return.

9. Chicahauk Dune - Residential - Moderate - 3.25 mi Loop

Early risers who greet the Atlantic sun will appreciate this route. It passes traditional beach box cottages along NC 12 before turning into a quiet, wooded neighborhood. The internal sidewalk runs beneath mature tree cover, then crosses a creek and reconnects with “The Bypass.” Public parking without a permit is limited to the Southern Shores Municipal Complex, and stopping at the Aycock Brown Welcome Center is strongly recommended.

10. The Duck Boardwalk - Multi-Surface - Easy - 3.25 mi Loop

This wooden walkway extends for nearly a mile along the Currituck Sound, with the Carolina blue water tower acting as a helpful landmark. Local commuters and visiting guests share the Duck Trail multi-use path and the new living shoreline to the N while getting in a vacation workout. The open-air route continues beyond the Army Corps of Engineers’ 140 ft observation tower to the Duck Fire Department, near the former location of Caffey’s Inlet.

Project support

A grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation and Dare County Schools “Careers Beyond the Counter” HONORS course program made this project possible. During his 2-year internship, student-photographer Benjamin Lashley contributed distinctive photography for this essay and for the “Outer Banks Bicycle Routes” and “Outer Banks Paddle Trails” essays. Ben also won the 2024 NC Wildlife youth photo contest. His award winning image, Pocosin Paradox, is displayed with pride in the atrium of the Sarah Owens Welcome Center.

Author - THE OBX WAY

THE OBX WAY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded and directed by Luke Halton, that researches, documents, and promotes public hike, bike, and kayak trails on the Outer Banks to support safety, health, and education. THE OBX WAY works with additional community organizations to expand outdoor recreation access and inclusion, while upholding the principles of the Outer Banks Promise and Indigenous Earth Ethic as a way to encourage responsible environmental stewardship.

Category

Outdoor Enthusiast

About The OBX Way

The Obx Way is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that identifies, documents, and promotes public trails for hiking, biking, and kayaking along the NC Outer Banks. The OBX Way has established the new Jockey's Trail, a 50-mile hiking route beginning at Jockey's Ridge State Park and heading north to the VA border. Visit obxway.org or e-mail luke@obxway.org for recommendations including special needs, accessibility, young families, scout troops, and veteran programs. Trail Angels and sponsors are encouraged to message as well.