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.
65 listings found
Day HikeManteo
Freedom Trail-Soundside Trailhead
A quiet soundside walk at Fort Raleigh marking the site of the Freedmen's Colony
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Day HikeBuxton
Frisco Campground beach trail west
The west boardwalk down to the surf at Frisco Campground
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Day HikeBuxton
Frisco Campground east beach trail
A quarter-mile boardwalk-and-dune path from Frisco Campground straight out to the open Atlantic
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Day HikeCorolla
Historic Corolla Park Nature Trail
A shaded maritime-forest walk through Corolla's historic district, steps from the lighthouse and Currituck Sound
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Day HikeBuxton
Horse Trail
A maritime-forest route through Buxton Woods where horses are as welcome as hikers
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Day HikeBuxton
Horseshoe Pond Trail
A quiet pond-named path inside Buxton Woods' maritime forest on Hatteras Island
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Day HikeOcracoke
Jim Stephenson Nature Trail Springer's Point
A short walk through maritime forest to the sound, ending where Blackbeard met his end
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ViewpointNags Head
Jockey's Ridge Overlook
The accessible boardwalk view of Jockey's Ridge's dune field, no sand-hiking required
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Day HikeKitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve Dedicated Nature Preserve
A quiet maritime forest reserve on Kitty Hawk's sound side, hiking trails and hardly anyone else
(507)
Day HikeKitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk Woods access at Kitty Hawk Park
The soundside doorway into Kitty Hawk Woods, one of the Outer Banks' last great maritime forests
(13)
ViewpointOcracoke
Knoll Cedars
A quiet stand of wind-shaped cedar on one of Ocracoke's many unmarked rises north of the village
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ViewpointRodanthe
Lagerhead Hills
A quietly named ridge in the dune line north of Rodanthe, marked on the map more than on the ground
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Day HikeBuxton
Lookout Loop Trail
A short, easy loop through Buxton Woods to a remnant dune ridge with island views
(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.