There are many chances to get outside not just by hitting the beach, but by checking out the Outer Banks parks! That includes all the paved OBX bike paths, and kayak launches or ramps. Visitors will be delighted to see how much the Outer Banks has to offer when it comes to beautiful open space and recreational opportunities. The region features many wonderful parks, miles of shaded multi-use paths, plenty of soundside launches, and public boat ramps. So, when it’s time to take a break from the beach, check out these these Outer Banks parks that are right around the corner. 

OUTER BANKS PARKS

Duck Town Park – N.C.12, Duck

Set on 11 acres along the Currituck Sound, this park includes more than a half-mile of sound side boardwalk, an amphitheater, playground, picnic shelter, kayak/boat launch, walking trails, and a gazebo. Summer events, concerts, and shows are often held on the Town Green. The park is located on Duck Road in the heart of town.

David Paul Pruitt, Jr. Playground – The Woods Rd. Kitty Hawk

This popular playground is just north of the Dominion Power building. The playground is fenced in and includes equipment for both young and older children. Swings, merry go round, and slides are here, along with a picnic table and nearby multi-use path.

Sandy Run Park – The Woods Rd. Kitty Hawk

This park has a boardwalk and a path that meanders through the maritime forest and near a pond. There’s a shaded picnic area with a grill, fishing area, and boat launch as well as a basketball court at this park, which is located across the road from a multi-use path.

Kitty Hawk Park – Kitty Hawk Rd. Kitty Hawk

This spot features a popular skateboard park, fenced-in dog park, playground, and shaded picnic area. It also has restrooms. The skate park also permits bikes and in-line skates.

Hayman Park – W. Hayman Blvd. Kill Devil Hills

A popular park, with a swing set, slides, jungle gyms, live oaks to climb, and a large grassy field to play on; kids can spend hours here. The park also has picnic tables and grill as well as restrooms. 

Rec Park – Mustian St. Kill Devil Hills

This playground has new equipment for both younger and older children and includes swings, slides, soccer and baseball fields, picnic tables, vending machines, a water fountain, and restrooms.

Casey Logan Disc Golf Course – Veterans Dr. Kill Devil Hills

Located on a portion of the 44-acre Baum Tract, the course is tucked away behind the First Flight High School athletic field and around the corner from the Dare County Sheriff Office’s ropes course. Includes 18 holes and a practice tee.

Dowdy Park (pictured) – S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head

Nags Head’s newest park, this gem includes acres of fun, featuring children’s play areas, sports courts, interactive art exhibits, a gazebo, events pavilion, open grass areas, and walking trails. 

Nags Head Town Park – W. Barnes St. Nags Head

This shaded park features swings, slides, jungle gyms, a sheltered picnic area with tables and grills and an open field. Nature trails are accessible from the park, including one that winds through Nags Head Woods and leads to the sound. 

Whalebone Park – N.C. 12 across from Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head

This two-acre park includes bocce ball courts, a volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, shaded picnic area and ADA-approved playground equipment.

OUTER BANKS PATHS

Lace up your trainers or hop on your bike or board and explore the Outer Banks trails! Several multi-use paved paths provide shade and a safe place for the whole family. Here’s a rundown of the most popular ones, from north to south.

Corolla – The Corolla Greenway totals three miles beginning in Ocean Sands and winding north to Albacore Street in the community of Whalehead Beach. The multi-use path is a safe distance from the road and provides shade and easy riding. 

Duck – This multi-use path is six miles long and runs the entire length of the town. It is primarily located on the east side of Duck Road and runs through the heart of town. From Four Seasons Lane to the Duck Post Office, the trail is on both sides of N.C. 12 in the form of a wide shoulder. 

Southern Shores – The one-mile bike path runs along U.S. 158 from the Southern Shores Town Hall west to Kitty Hawk Elementary School. The path then continues along N.C. connecting Southern Shores to the town of Duck. 

Kitty Hawk – The Paul Pruitt Multi-Use Path runs the entire length of The Woods Road and parking is available at the Paul Pruitt Playground or Sandy Run Park. The path is open to all non-motorized pedestrian traffic and is shaded and slightly hilly. 

Kill Devil Hills – There is a multi-use path that follows Colington Road adjacent to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. This path connects to a multi-use path along Bay Drive that runs along the sound and into the town of Kitty Hawk. Beginning at Veterans Drive, it runs west before turning north toward W. First Street before connecting with Bay Drive. 

Nags Head – A multi-use path that runs along N.C. 12 begins at milepost 10, runs through Whalebone Junction and past Jennette’s Pier to South Nags Head, ending at milepost 21. 

Roanoke Island – Bike along the six miles of multi-use paths that extend from the foot of the Washington Baum Bridge to the Manns Harbor Bridge. The path takes bikers through the town of Manteo and past historic sites such as Fort Raleigh and the Elizabethan Gardens. 

GO FOR A PADDLE!

If you want to launch a kayak, boat, paddle board, or kite board, check out the following Outer Banks launch sites from north to south:

The Whalehead Club – 1100 Club Rd. Corolla
A boat and kayak launch is located at the end of Club Road, where you will find a pier, boat ramp, and parking. 

Duck Town Park – 1200 Duck Rd. Duck
This kayak launch requires a short walk down the boardwalk from the parking lot. 

Kitty Hawk Bay Boat Launch – Bob Perry Rd. Kitty Hawk
Located across from the Dock of the Bay marina, this public launch includes parking and a picnic area and provides great access to the creeks and canals in the area. 

Avalon Beach Access – 2025 Bay Dr. Kill Devil Hills
Boaters and kayakers will find plenty of parking at this launch site.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park – West Soundside Rd. Nags Head
A large sound side beach and shallow water make this a popular site to launch the kayak. 

Washington Baum Bridge – U.S. 64, Roanoke Island
Across from Pirate’s Cove Marina, you’ll find a boat ramp under the bridge that is suitable for kayaks and boats. There is a parking lot and walkways for fishermen. 

Nags Head Estuarine Access  – Milepost 16.5 on the Causeway, Nags Head
Parking, a wooden walkway and gazebo are at this site.

Author: CoastalLife