Paddle the Outer Banks by Kayak

Use a Google Map to navigate Outer Banks canals, creeks, bays, and other scenic paddling routes.

Published by The OBX Way on Jun. 14, 2025.

THE OBX WAY researched public paddle access from Duck to Oregon Inlet and developed ten Outer Banks blueway routes to support safety, health, and education. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers can use these routes to reach quiet maritime ecosystems by canal, creek, and bay through an interactive Google Map. The project also involved Dare County Schools’ Careers Beyond the Counter HONORS course intern Benjamin Lashley, who helped document launch points and contributed his acclaimed outdoor photography. Ben’s photos, local water safety notes, and The OBX Paddle Map are part of the experience.

1. Edward’s Landing to Downtown Manteo — Beginner — 2.25 mi

Head S beneath the Cora Mae Bridge, continuing beyond the Elizabeth II, Waterfront Marina, and Marshes Lighthouse. Yield to larger boats and keep near the boardwalk on the way to Scarboro Creek. About half-way to Ballast Point at the N end of Pirate’s Cove, a quiet state-land beach offers a useful place to rest. Watch Shallowbag Bay traffic and conditions as you decide how to return. Duck blinds are licensed by the county and cared for by hunters, so their property should be respected.

2. Crab Claw Spit from Ice Plant Island — Intermediate — 2.25 mi

Launch from the floating dock at the NW side of Roanoke Island Festival Park, also called Bluegrass Island, to enter a canal network that leads out to the sound. Paddle to Baum Point, then continue NW beyond private docks toward the half-mile sandbar known as Banana Island. In summer, boaters often anchor along the beachhead and use it as a recreation spot. Local Mayberry gossip says Andy Griffith, whose house looks over the strip, brought the white sand from the Caribbean by barge.

3. Pineapple Beach on NW Roanoke Island — Advanced — 1.25 mi

In 2021, a volunteer couple restored the area by clearing more than 3 tons of trash and adding art, gardens, and bird baths. This highly exposed route moves past neighborhood jetties before bending NE in the direction of Etheridge Point. Take care around jagged remains of storm-damaged docks, particularly near shore where breakers can push suddenly. Dough Cemetery, by the NPS lot, offers a powerful vantage point from Point Harbor to Jockey’s Ridge.

4. Bowsertown Ditch on W Roanoke Island — Intermediate — 1.88 mi

NCDOT repairs to the Owens Welcome Center boardwalk will allow future visitors to view the shifting Croatan Sound as it passes below the 5-mile Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge. To reach the new parking lot dock from the water, though, the basin beneath the VDMB needs enough water to fill the field channel. Use the satellite layer in Google Maps along with live GPS location to navigate the creek maze back toward Bowsertown with confidence.

5. Sandy Run Park in Kitty Hawk Woods — Beginner — .25 mi

This pond in the maritime forest works well as a practice area for paddlers with little to no experience. The put-in sits near the parking area, surrounding trees help block wind, and the creek has enough width for learning paddle techniques. A boardwalk and kiosk map make it possible to preview the full watercourse before launching. The shaded reserve also includes a drinking fountain, portas, and a shelter. Watch carefully for recreational fishing lines.

6. Bob Perry Boat Ramp on Jean Guite Creek — Intermediate — 2.20 mi

Seasonal guides often use this access for tours heading N on Ginguite Creek toward the colorful underpass mural and rustic covered bridge. THE OBX WAY’s scenic S route offers additional exploration, winding through an atoll before arriving at a small cape on state land. The launch also provides generous parking, extra portas, and shaded tables. This blueway gives paddlers practical experience near Kitty Hawk Bay and the Roanoke Sound.

7. Windgrass Circle on Kitty Hawk Bay — Beginner — 1.61 mi

Before paddling, visitors can preview the cove by walking N along the Wright Brothers Multi-Use Path to Moor(e) Shore Road. In 1900, Orville and Wilbur traveled this passage between their Kitty Hawk lodgings and the Kill Devil Hills worksite. In 2019, a living shoreline was added to protect sensitive wetlands while reducing road erosion. The natural harbor’s solid shoals, visible shoreline, and low traffic make it a beginner-friendly place to build skills or try new equipment.

8. NC Wildlife Avalon to Colington Creek — Intermediate — 1.61 mi

Unload at the ramp, then park in the gravel lot on the other side of Bay Drive. The paved main-lot spaces are kept for vehicles towing trailers. Paddle S past residential boardwalks and the 3rd Street gazebo, remaining E of the archipelago to avoid accidentally grounding in the shallow straits between slough islands. The muck here is especially soft; if you step out and become stuck, people may not be able to see or hear you, even from the well-known Blue Crab.

9. Joe & Kay’s Campground to Buzzard Bay — Beginner — 2.05 mi

Joe & Kay’s is THE ONE tent campground on the Outer Banks, N of Oregon Inlet. Guests may use its private put-in to paddle S on Colington Creek, along Run Hill State Natural Area, toward the beach end of Roanoke Trail. That hiking route also includes a mobile audio guide for Tillett Cemetery. Less than .25 miles away on Ocean Acres Drive, the Nature Conservancy office provides local trail maps, updated signage, water, and a porta.

10. Harvey Public Access on Roanoke Sound — Advanced — 3.11 mi

This route should be attempted only when conditions are ideal. When wind is <5 mph and the current is gentle, the surface of the Nags Head sound can look like a pond. Those rare conditions are the right window for this trip. Paddle N past the Adventure Park tower, golf course bulkheads, and Cove Association piers until reaching Jockey’s Ridge SoundSide Access. Kiteboarders and windsurfers also frequent this stretch. If weather or water conditions deteriorate during the route, consider the 1-hour walk back to the parked vehicle.

Safety Message

The Outer Banks is known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic. Just minutes from the ocean, however, the soundside marshes open into atmospheric passages through nature, wildlife, and history. These water-based outings call for heightened safety awareness. Rivers move from the NW into the sounds, which then flood and ebb through the inlet, producing dangerous currents. Estuarine water levels also rise because of recent rain, tides, and wind direction. Wind deserves serious attention: do not paddle in sustained speed >15 mph or 13 kts, and check the forecasted gusts.

Specific Insights

• Let someone know your launch point, planned route, and expected return time.
• Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD), particularly when tied up in remote areas.
• During a rest-stop, the best practice is to remove the craft from the water and secure it with a tie-up.
• Check the firmness of the ground before getting out; muck can look solid but may be waist-deep.
• Plan as though you will walk through water at least knee-deep, and use shoes that protect your soles.
• Use glasses to protect your eyes near brush and sharply pointed cordgrass.
• Bring drinkable water, a marine whistle, and a sailor’s knife for cutting free from snags.
• Dare County has over 500 duck blinds, so increase visibility during hunting season.
• THE OBX WAY designed these routes to remain within sight of civilization; stay close.
• When paddling conditions are rough, the many archived hiking paths are another option.

THE OBX WAY completed harsh-condition research with an electric kayak outfitted by OBX on the Fly after months of preparation and planning. SUP and canoe paddlers may have a different navigation experience. A generous grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation made this project possible, and the routes are intended only for self-guided and non-commercial use. Enjoy safely, and leave no trace.

Author

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 created the new Jockey's Trail, a 50-mile hiking route beginning at Jockey's Ridge State Park and continuing north to the VA border. For recommendations related to special needs, accessibility, young families, scout troops, and veteran programs, use obxway.org or e-mail luke@obxway.org. Trail Angels and sponsors are also encouraged to message.