Need to find out about Outer Banks hiking trails? The Outer Banks of North Carolina attract people from all over the world with its rich history, mile-long beaches, massive bodies of water, fresh seafood, and endless adventures. But the one thing that is often overlooked, is the many different hiking trails and ‘secret’ spots that the Outer Banks has to offer. The barrier islands aren’t just for beachgoers. The islands encompass many OBX hiking trails and walking paths that are home to a multitude of wildlife species. If you’re looking to get to know Mother Nature just a little bit better, then look no further…

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge started back in the early 1900s when the North Carolina government sectioned off this piece of Hatteras Island. It stretches all the way from the Oregon Inlet down to the northernmost border of Rodanthe. This fascinating spot of nature has been labeled as a “refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” This location led to creation of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore which is now a vast area of public beaches, designed specifically to keep areas of the unpopulated portions of Hatteras Island from becoming too developed. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge offers up two hiking trails. Both of the unique hiking spots allow the possibility to see a vast majority of wildlife, mainly different bird species.

The North Pond Wildlife Trail begins right behind the Pea Island Visitor Center. This hike is approximately a half-mile long and is totally accessible. Think of this one as more of an easy laid-back stroll. North Pond Wildlife Trail offers a boardwalk that overlooks a turtle pond which is home to many freshwater turtles. Along this trail, you will see many observation platforms with information panels all along the way.

The second hike, Salt Flats Wildlife Trail, is located at the north end of the North Pond. This is very similar to North Pond, but extends a little further to approximately 1.5 miles and would be considered a more off the beaten path trail. Part of this stretch is located along NC Highway 12 and can be dangerous, so hike at your own risk!

Ken Mills

Nags Head Woods

Dating back to 1974, Nags Head Woods has been dubbed as a National Natural Landmark. It holds over a thousand acres of conservation land on the sound side in Nags Head. Here you will find five miles of trails to hike, walk, bike, jog, or just to leisurely enjoy nature at its finest. Nags Head Woods is its own ecosystem that is home to over 50 species of animals and plants. On these trails, you will stumble across ponds, sand dunes, wooded areas, and marshy wetlands. A few of the trails you can explore are Center Trail, Sweetgum Swamp Trail, Blueberry Ridge Trail, Discovery Trail, and Roanoke Sound Trail. There is also a trail that is handicap accessible with available parking spots. Each trail is different in its own way, but rest assured that whichever path you choose, you can be sure that Nags Head Woods is the place to be for all you nature lovers.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Most of the beaches in the Outer Banks are lined with grassy dune areas that are fenced off with signs that read “Keep off the Dunes.” But at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, you can literally walk, run, or roll around these dunes as much as you’d like! This is not your traditional hiking trail, but there are enough dunes to keep you exploring for hours. Jockey’s Ridge is the most popular spot to fly a kite or catch Hang Gliders scaling the slopes of the dunes. Right here on the Outer Banks, we have what is considered to be home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast, and from the very top, you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Roanoke Sound. It’s almost like being in two places at one time! What a lot of people don’t realize is that Jockey’s Ridge State Park has a few small hiking trails or paths that lead through the dunes, and open right up to the Sound. There are markers along the way that explain our environment and all of the unique wildlife that inhabits it.

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

This spot is one of the lesser-known hikes. It is located in Kitty Hawk, along the shores of the beautiful Currituck Sound. Kitty Hawk Woods, much like Nags Head Woods, offers a forest type feel, with marshes, swamps, and even sound side beaches. There are a few very small uninhabited islands just off the shore in the sound. This creates the perfect spot to encounter wildlife such as woodpeckers, wrens, hawks, owls, ospreys, and even a rare bald eagle on occasion. Kitty Hawk Woods is also home to fox, deer, otters, muskrats, and bobcats.

Sure, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are famous for their most picture perfect beaches, the alluring waves, and some of the most stunning sunsets you will ever see. But the many miles of refuges, preserves and conservations are often overlooked. North Carolina is home to an array of wildlife species, and if you choose the right adventure, you’ll be sure to have a front-row seat to all that the OBX environment has to offer.