Cycling Routes and Bike Paths on the Outer Banks

Outer Banks Bike Paths

By Outer Banks Visitors Bureau on May 07, 2021

More than 100 miles of beach create countless opportunities to explore the Outer Banks by bicycle, from paths and avenues to boardwalks and roads. Routes extend from Duck, the destination’s northernmost town, south through the villages of Hatteras Island and west toward Roanoke Island. Riders of every experience level can find a suitable outing, whether they prefer bridges, broad flat shoulders, or gently rolling paved routes alongside dunes and salt marshes. Most trails are level, offering relaxed family rides as well as longer stretches for serious cyclists testing their bike’s speed. Beach cruisers, roadies, and fat-tire bikes are all welcome across the islands.

Across Dare County, yellow “Share the Road” signs identify NCDOT official bicycle routes along NC 12, US 158 and 64. Most towns and villages also provide multi-use paths for leisure and family cycling. These are generally paved, separated routes that follow highways and pass through wooded areas, allowing riders to connect communities without traveling beside heavily trafficked roadways. Farther toward the mainland, wildlife preserves and rural farmland offer miles of lightly traveled scenery for two-wheel exploration. Whichever way you go, a breeze from the sea or sound will almost always help keep you cool.

Cyclists planning longer rides can use wide paved shoulders to maintain distance from highway traffic. Exercise caution, wear protective gear and visible clothing, and stay on the right side of the road rather than the left. Multi-purpose paths require additional care because they are frequently shared with slower cyclists, children, and walkers/joggers.

Northern Beaches

Duck/Southern Shores

A 10-mile paved multi-use path links Duck with Southern Shores. The route offers convenient access to shops and eateries, with live oak trees providing shade along the way.

Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills

Near Woods Road, the Kitty Hawk Woods NC Coastal Reserve provides a route through Kitty Hawk. Travel south from Kitty Hawk Road toward Moore Shore Road to find, on the right, a monument marking where the Wright Brothers stayed during their time on the Outer Banks. The Wright Brothers National Memorial, associated with the brothers’ own love of bicycles, is an impressive stop. Bicycle visitors should stay on the paved roads rather than pedestrian walkways.

Nags Head

Nags Head has another paved walkway section running beside the highway, connecting more than 11 miles of neighborhoods and businesses. Gravel roads through Nags Head Woods offer a nature-focused ride among trees, despite the expansive ocean being nearby.

Roanoke Island & Dare Mainland

Downtown Manteo makes an inviting setting for a relaxed ride. Along the boardwalk, riders can see the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, while historic homes bordered by crepe myrtles offer a look at the area’s local character. A 7-mile multi-use path leads toward Fort Raleigh and Elizabethan Gardens, and the skate park provides another possible stop. With its many trails, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is better suited to more adventurous cyclists.

Hatteras Island

More experienced riders can take on Pea Island, a long, flat section of busy highway with restroom and water access at the Pea Island Welcome Center. The route also crosses the Basnight Bridge over Oregon inlet. South of there, the paved apron along Hwy 12 provides access through the tri-villages and beyond, including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon. Smaller trails in Buxton and Frisco Woods wind through the area and provide sound views as riders approach Hatteras Village.

Bike Rentals & Repairs

Most bicycle shops on the beach are locally owned and operated.

In the Northern Beaches, bicycle rentals and gear are available from Duck Cycle, Duck Village Outfitters and Kitty Hawk Kites, both of which have multiple locations on each island, along with Tri OBX Sports, Outer Banks Bicycle, and Moneysworth Kitty Hawk.

Visitors staying on Roanoke Island or in Dare Mainland can turn to Manteo Cyclery for services, repairs, and rentals for all types of bicycles. The shop carries high quality basic components, tires, and accessories.

On Hatteras Island, Ocean Atlantic Rentals, with multiple locations, and Kitty Hawk Surf Company provide a range of options for vacation cycling.

Biking Events

Outer Banks Sporting Events holds the annual OBX Triathlon in September. More information was expected for the 2021 event. Stillwaters Baptist Church generally organizes its annual Lighthouse to Lighthouse ride in late April or early May, with proceeds benefiting its child summer camp.

Follow all safety rules, wear your helmet, walk your bicycle across crosswalks, watch for traffic, and show consideration for everyone else using the multi-use paths.