What to do and see in Outer Banks, North Carolina Coast: The Best Hiking Trails

February 5, 2022 Mollie Coke

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands dotted with pristine beaches, quaint towns and historic sites. If you love swimming, kayaking, or surfing, be sure to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. To really experience local culture, explore each coastal village and sample as much food as you can along the way. (Pro tip: Try the catch of the day.) If you’re looking for a history lesson, check out Roanoke Island or the Wright Brothers National Memorial. And of course, no day is complete without watching the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge.
Restaurants in Outer Banks

1. Hammock Hills Nature Trails

NC Highway 12, Ocracoke, NC
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Hammock Hills Nature Trails

A nature trail that takes hikers through some interesting terrain.

Reviewed By ipbchlvr - Whitehall, United States

very nice walk through the marsh & maritime forest. very peaceful and quiet. we did not see any wading birds in the marshes, however we were thrilled to see an eagle take flight! it was magnificent. take the time to check out this trail.

2. Tracks in the Sand

Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head, NC 27959 +1 252-441-7132 [email protected] http://www.ncparks.gov/jockeys-ridge-state-park/trail/tracks-the-sand-trail
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Tracks in the Sand

A self-guided 1.5-mile trail along the dunes.

Reviewed By KatPham - Lorton, United States

A must do when in Nags Head. A great stop. There’s no entrance fees. Go either early in the morning or early evening- right before the sunset.

3. Currituck Banks

Corolla, NC http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/crp/currituck-banks
Excellent
60%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 156 reviews

Currituck Banks

A small parking lot is provided for users of the maritime forest hiking trail. The trailhead is located by the informational sign west of the parking lot. Please close the gate behind you. It is there to keep wild horses from entering into Corolla. There is a 1/3 mile accessible boardwalk as well as a 1.5 mile (roundtrip) primitive hiking trail. Horses and other wildlife can be observed while hiking the boardwalk and trail. There is a 2 hour time limit for the parking lot. Anyone wishing to leave a vehicle temporarily so they can tour the 4 wheel drive area or walk to the beach must use the county beach access parking lots less than 1 mile south on Highway 12. Free public parking is located at the Heritage Park area and County parking lot near the lighthouse.

Reviewed By dbae27 - Staunton, United States

This is my second time visiting this area. There is a nice flat boardwalk out to the sound, about .3 miles. Accessible for those in wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, etc. We saw a snake in the water, a few lizards and spiders. We didn’t do the walk off the boardwalk this time, but it is .75 miles down to the sound and takes around an hour round trip. This is where we saw the wild horses last time. Nice parking are but it is small.

4. Buxton Woods Nature Trail

46375 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 97109 http://www.ncbeaches.com/OuterBanks/Buxton/Attractions/PreservesRefugesConservancies/CapeHatterasNatureTrail/
Excellent
38%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 77 reviews

Buxton Woods Nature Trail

Reviewed By R_Traveler3 - Oak Ridge, United States

We were searching for an eastern cottonmouth and it didn’t take us long to find this beauty. Lots of snakes and wildlife here so be careful and keep your eyes open. Nice canopy and not overly busy (we saw one other couple). Great spot to check out after the lighthouse

5. Dare County Civil War Heritage Trail

Outer Banks Visitor's Bureau, Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC http://www.outerbanks.org/listing/?lid=600
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2 reviews

Dare County Civil War Heritage Trail

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