Day HikeKill Devil Hills
ADA Trail
A half-mile paved loop through Nags Head Woods Preserve, built so everyone can reach the water
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Hiking near Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Trails, viewpoints, and hikes in and around Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Hiking and Walking the Outer Banks
"Hiking" on the Outer Banks means beach walking, dune climbing, and maritime forest trails rather than mountain trails — Jockey's Ridge's sand dunes, Nags Head Woods' maritime forest boardwalks, and the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are the main terrain. Sun exposure and heat are the main hazards rather than elevation; bring water and sun protection even for short walks.
62 listings found
Day HikeNags Head
Bluberry Ridge Trail (Orange)
The toughest orange-blazed climb in Nags Head Woods, up dune ridges past a pond
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Buxton
Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve
The maritime forest holding Hatteras Island's dunes and drinking water together
(1)
Buxton
Buxton Woods Trail
A short, self-guided loop through one of the last big maritime forests on the Atlantic coast
(59)
Day HikeKill Devil Hills
Center Trail (Blue)
A short, blue-blazed loop that's the easiest way into Nags Head Woods Preserve's maritime forest
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ViewpointBuxton
Creeds Hill
A low dune ridge along NC-12 that gave a Hatteras Island rescue station its name
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Currituck Banks Maritime Forest Trail Head
A boardwalk through maritime forest and salt marsh at Corolla's quiet, soundside edge
(18)
Day HikeCorolla
Currituck Banks Nature Trail
A boardwalk and maritime forest trail leading straight to Currituck Sound at the edge of Corolla
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Day HikeKill Devil Hills
Discovery Trail
Two bridges, dune-ridge ponds, and an easy dog-friendly walk through Nags Head Woods
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Day HikeDuck
Duck Boardwalk
A mile of quiet boardwalk over marsh, sound, and forest right through the middle of Duck
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Day HikeDuck
Duck Boardwalk Kayak Launch
Slide a kayak into the calm water of Currituck Sound right from Duck Town Park
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ViewpointNags Head
Engagement Hill
A courting-era sand ridge that gave its name to a quiet Nags Head neighborhood near Jockey's Ridge
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ViewpointOcracoke
First Grass
The old boundary line where Ocracoke's bare sand once gave way to grass
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ViewpointOcracoke
First Hammock Hills
A pocket of pine forest and high ground rising out of Ocracoke's dunes and marsh
(0)
Outer Banks Hiking FAQ
What kind of terrain should I expect hiking the Outer Banks?
Sand dunes, beach, and maritime forest boardwalks rather than mountain trails. Jockey's Ridge (dunes) and Nags Head Woods (maritime forest) are among the most distinct options.
Is there an entrance fee to hike at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
No — Cape Hatteras National Seashore does not charge a general entrance fee, unlike many national parks.