Trail Towns: Manteo, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, Hatteras Village
North Carolina’s Outer Banks are steeped in history, untamed beauty and distinctive personality. This 100-mile stretch of remote barrier islands was home to America’s first colony, the Wright Brothers’ first flight, the first national seashore in the United States and the birthplace of the US Lifesaving Service (forerunner to the US Coast Guard). It is also the site of the tallest brick lighthouse in the country, the nation’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama, three National Park Service sites, the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast and two national wildlife preserves. With so much to explore – from Hatteras Island to Manteo to the northern beach communities of Nags Head, Kill Devils Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores and Duck – your nearest trail is never far away. Honoring and preserving this amazing natural and cultural wonder is the responsibility of everyone who discovers it – whether it be by land, air or water.
in the Nags Head Area
The Outer Banks boasts a variety of trail experiences, catering to any outdoor enthusiast or history and culture seeker. From serene coastal paths to winding woodland trails immersed in maritime forests, the diversity of landscapes is striking. Hikers can explore historic routes like the Freedom Trail at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site or immerse themselves in the wonders of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Birdwatchers can revel in the diverse avian life along the North Pond Trail at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, while cyclists can traverse the multi-use paths in several towns offering scenic views of marshes and soundside vistas.
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
Paved Greenway
Paddling
Horseback Riding
Snorkeling
Fishing
Driving Tour
Cultural Or Walking Tours
Waterfall
Winter Activities
Important note: Accessible trails are highlighted in blue!
Trail name
Trail town
Activities
Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve
Buxton, Frisco
Freedom Trail - Fort Raleigh
National Historic Site
Manteo
NC Oyster Trail
Avon, Hatteras, Nags Head
Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Segment 18)
Hatteras, Nags Head
Nags Head Woods Preserve
Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head
Town of Duck Boardwalk
Duck
Windgrass Circle - Kitty Hawk Bay
Kitty Hawk
At Outdoor NC, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. We strive to improve the accessibility of our offerings and share this information through our various platforms, including our Trail Town Guide. We collaborate with state, regional, local and private-sector partners to make North Carolina’s destinations and outdoor spaces easier to access.
In this guide "Accessible" means
- This guide includes accessible, easy, moderate and difficult trails which may be suitable for, or exceed, anyone’s ability. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
- For this guide, trails which are marked as “accessible” are ADA compliant (firm, stable surface that is at least 36 inches wide). This includes paved greenways, hard pack pathways and boardwalks. It does not mean that these trails are without obstacles.
- Beyond ADA compliant trails, this guide lists many opportunities that are suitable for visitors of all abilities which include walking tours and driving trails. Additionally, check with local land managers for information on adaptive mountain bike access for mountain biking and road cycling trails.
- We encourage all visitors to utilize the provided trail websites and other local resources to become familiar with trail descriptions, site facilities and potential obstacles, so you know what to expect and can make the best determination for your skill and abilities.
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