ViewpointOcracoke
Second Grass
An old, half-vanished place name marking the sandy road out to Ocracoke's South Point
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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
ViewpointNags Head
Seven Sisters
The Nags Head sand-dune legend behind a Village at Nags Head neighborhood name
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Day HikeNags Head
Soundside Nature Trail
A short, easy loop through wetlands and maritime thicket to a quiet beach on Roanoke Sound
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ViewpointNags Head
Soundside Overlook
A quiet sound-facing overlook on Jockey's Ridge State Park's western edge, best at sunset
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Day HikeAvon
Soundside Ramp 52
The sound-side ORV ramp between Avon and Salvo, built for kayaks, crabbing, and quiet water
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Day HikeAvon
Soundside Ramp 53
Soundside access to Pamlico Sound for kayaking, wading, and birdwatching in Avon
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Day HikeAvon
Soundside Ramp 54
A soundside put-in near Avon for kayaks and kiteboards, not another ocean ramp
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Day HikeAvon
Soundside Ramp 57
A quiet Pamlico Sound launch in Avon for kayaks, kiteboards, and calm-water paddling
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Day HikeAvon
Soundside Ramp 58
A quiet soundside launch between Avon and Buxton, built for a kayak or canoe, not the surf
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Day HikeBuxton
Soundside Ramp 59
A no-frills soundside cut between Avon and Buxton, built for kiteboarders, paddlers, and quiet-water anglers
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Day HikeBuxton
Soundside Ramp 60
A quiet soundside ramp into Pamlico Sound for paddling, wading, and birdwatching
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Day HikeKill Devil Hills
Sweetgum Swamp Trail (Red)
Red blazes, steep dune ridges, and real stairs through Nags Head Woods' maritime forest
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ViewpointOcracoke
The Knoll
A quiet dune landmark on Ocracoke's wild north end, older than any trail map and tied to real island history
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ViewpointCorolla
Three Dunes
The unassuming high point of a dead-flat county, rising just enough to earn a name
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Day HikeNags Head
Tracks in the Sand Trail
A 1.2-mile loop through Jockey's Ridge dune country to a quiet stretch of Roanoke Sound
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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.