Lesser-Known OBX Hiking Places
By Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Feb. 27, 2018
The Outer Banks of North Carolina does not always come to mind as a destination for excellent hiking. Even without mountains, the area offers the tallest sand dunes on the east coast, along with some of the best hidden hiking trails tucked into maritime forests.
Traveling south through the Outer Banks, just beyond Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, brings you to Buxton Woods. This 1,007 acre stretch of maritime forest is ideal for hikers and nature lovers of any age. White-tailed deer are common here, so sightings during daylight hours are not unusual while you explore the trails. For a different kind of outing, climb the steps at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse while nearby, or continue farther along Hatteras Island to walk the Sea Breeze Trail in Hatteras Village Park. It is a friendly option for young kids who are not ready for longer distances, and its raised boardwalk gives visitors a clear look at canal-side waterfront living.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is recognized for the tallest sand dunes on the east coast. Fewer visitors realize that this state park includes hiking routes as well. The paths move across the dunes and out toward the sound, with markers and interpretive panels explaining the unusual ecosystem. Along the way, wide views create the feeling of standing above it all. A short trip south leads to Bodie Island Lighthouse, where visitors will find a boardwalk and walkable grounds nearby. It also sits across from Coquina Beach Access, a National Park Service beach that works well as a stop to cool off and refill water bottles.
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve offers some of the best hiking in the area. Its trails are available from dawn to dusk year-round and include views of sand dunes, ponds, marshes, and historic areas. The Roanoke Trail is especially popular with locals and covers a short 1.5 mile round trip. The route winds through the woods, passes the old Tillett homestead, and continues to the sound. Just before reaching the water, a wooden walkway with benches gives hikers a comfortable place to pause, look for wildlife, or watch the afternoon sunset settle over the reeds. Dogs and kids can enjoy this trail too.
In Kill Devil Hills, Run Hill offers a dune walk that resembles Jockey’s Ridge State Park. These dunes sit along the northern edge of Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve and are reachable from behind First Flight Elementary School. From the top of the natural dunes, visitors can see the sound to the east and Wright Brothers National Memorial to the North. Keep in mind that the water appears closer than it really is. There is no marked trail here, so exploration is guided by your own footsteps across untouched sand dunes, similar to how Big Kill Devil Hill looked when the Wright Brothers first learned to fly.
Farther north on Bay Drive in Kill Devil Hills, visitors will find several public boardwalks, gazebos, and newly built pedestrian sidewalks. Continue north to reach the popular Duck Boardwalk, which stretches nearly a mile and provides 11 acres of soundfront scenery.
Toward the Roanoke Island mainland, Coastal Studies Institute marks the starting point for a ~3 mile trail. It begins in the parking lot in Skyco, NC, follows trails and neighborhood roads, and finishes at the Dare County Center in Manteo, NC.
Walking the beach remains a favorite way to hike here as well. With so many beach accesses available, it is easy for both experienced hikers and beginners to enjoy. Pick an access point and begin walking. Set your own pace and distance, and keep an eye out for seashells and beach glass along the way.