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 HikeNags Head
Nags Head Town Trail (Yellow)
A yellow-blazed dune-to-sound trail through Nags Head Woods, ending at a quiet beach on Roanoke Sound
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Day HikeKill Devil Hills
Nags Head Woods Forest Entrance
Where the gravel road ends and eight miles of maritime forest trail begins, just west of Kill Devil Hills
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ViewpointOcracoke
Parkers Hill
A modest rise named for the Parker family, quietly counting as high ground on a nearly flat island
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Day HikeDuck
Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary Nature Trail
A free 2.5-mile walk through maritime forest to sound-side marsh platforms, open sunrise to sunset year-round
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Day Hike
Ramp 2
One of two ORV ramps on Bodie Island, directly across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse entrance
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Day HikeAvon
Ramp 32
A quiet ORV beach ramp north of Avon, steps from the historic Little Kinnakeet Life-Saving Station
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Day HikeAvon
Ramp 34 Pedestrian Access
Walk the boardwalk anytime — drive the sand only in season, permit required
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Day HikeBuxton
Ramp 45
The one Hatteras Island ramp built for walking, not driving, straight to Cape Point's beach
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Day HikeBuxton
Ramp 48
A numbered ORV ramp near Frisco Campground leading onto Hatteras Island's Gulf Stream-facing South Beach
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Day HikeManteo
Roanoke Island Marshes Conservation Project and Birding Trail
A quiet marsh trail on Roanoke Island built for patient birdwatching, not beach-town scenery
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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.