OBX Hiking Trails and Scenic Bike Routes

When you think of the OBX, hiking trails aren’t the first thing that usually come to mind. However, the Outer Banks offers many hiking trails for all ages and skill levels. On your adventures, you can see the largest sand dune on the East Coast, wild horses, hundreds of migrating birds and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the hiking trails, we’ve designed a couple of scenic bike routes that we’ve personally done ourselves and wanted to share. The bike routes are interactive and can be downloaded straight to your smart phone for navigation. Get outdoors and have some fun!

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Hours: 8:00am to 9:00pm from May to September

Located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Albemarle Sound atop the tallest sand dune on the East Coast. Enjoy exploring over 400 acres of the state park including various hiking trails that wind through the maritime forest and end at the Albemarle Sound. If you need a rush of adrenaline, sign up for hang gliding lesson at Kitty Hawk Kites!

Scenic Bike Route: From Ocean to Sound

Park at the public parking lot at Dowdy Park in Nags Head to begin this bike route. Follow the bike path south alongside NC-12 until you pass Jockey’s Ridge. Turn right and bike along W. Soundside Road. Enjoy views of Jockey’s Ridge, traditional style Outer Banks beach cottages and the Albemarle Sound. Tip: Get off your bike once you’ve reached the Albemarle Sound; there’s a public walkway that gives you access to the soundside beach. Great spot to take a pitstop and enjoy nature!

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

Hours: Dawn until Dusk

Just a few miles north of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, you will find Nags Head Ecological Preserve. Hike through one of the largest maritime forests on the East Coast; there are many miles of trails with all levels of intensity. The park service has installed many informational signs throughout the preserve about the history, vegetation and wildlife. Don’t forget to pack some bug spray just in case!

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Located in Kill Devil Hills, this is a must see while you’re on vacation! The Wright Brothers National Memorial sits atop a large hill. Climb to the top and enjoy unbelievable panoramic views of the Outer Banks. Learn more about the history of flight and the museum here.

Kitty Hawk Woods

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Kitty Hawk Woods offers many different hiking trails that wind through over 400 acres of maritime deciduous forest, maritime swamp forest and interdune ponds. Great for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature. Tip: Rent a kayak from Ocean Atlantic Rentals and explore Kitty Hawk Woods by water!

Sandy Run Park

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Located in Kitty Hawk Woods, Sandy Run Park provides a scenic hike for all ages – most of the 1/2 mile loop consists of raised walkways with little incline. Many covered areas with picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the trail. Bring your fishing pole or kayak and have some fun!

Scenic Bike Route: Soundside Cruise

Park at the public parking lot at Sandy Run Park to begin this bike route. Enjoy riding down Kitty Hawk Road and seeing a different side of the Outer Banks. Eventually, the road opens up to the water and you’ll get incredible views of Kitty Hawk Bay. Follow the bike path along Bay Drive until you reach the boat ramp at Dock Street. We suggest taking this route around sunset!

The Duck Boardwalk

Hours: Dawn to 1:00am

Spanning one mile along the Currituck Sound, The Duck Boardwalk gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature without getting too far off of the beaten path. There are plenty of shops and restaurants that line portions of the boardwalk. Grab some dinner at N.C. Coast Grill and then go for a sunset stroll!

Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

At the very north end of Corolla right before the 4×4 beaches, you will find the public parking lot for the Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve. Explore the 1.5 mile trail through the maritime forest and look for many different types of wildlife including migrating birds and the infamous Wild Horses of Corolla. Don’t forget your bug spray and sunscreen!

And last but not least…the Beach!

Start planning your vacation now! Browse our Outer Banks Vacation Rentals here.