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The Outer Banks of North Carolina is often overlooked as a place with great hiking. And while we might not have mountains to climb, we have some of the tallest sand dunes on the east coast and some of the best hidden hiking trails too. Find a list of don't miss hiking spots after the break!
Don't Miss Hiking Spots For Your Next Trip to the Outer Banks:
1. Jockey's Ridge State Park is known for having the tallest sand dunes on the east coast, but they also have hiking trails that lead you through the dunes to the sound and back, with markers along the way describing why the ecosystem is so special. There are also some pretty spectacular views along the way, that make you feel like you are on top of the world!
2. Some of the best hiking can be found at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Hiking trails are open from dawn to dusk year round and offer great views of sand dunes, ponds, marshes and history. The Roanoke Trail, is by far my favorite, a short 1.5 miles round trip. This trail leads you through the woods, past the old Tillett homestead, to the sound. Just before you get there you'll find a wooden walkway with benches, a perfect resting place to sit and watch wildlife or the afternoon sunset over the reeds. This trail is dog and kid friendly too.
3. Find your way over to Run Hill in Kill Devil Hills, for a walk thru sand dunes that mirror Jockey's Ridge State Park. These dunes are on the northern border of Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve and can be accessed behind First Flight Elementary School. At the top of these unmanicured dunes you'll find gorgeous views of the sound to the east and the Wright Brothers National Memorial to the North. Don't be fooled though, the water is farther than it seems. There's no trail to follow here, just let your feet be your guide as you discover untouched sand dunes, much like the way Big Kill Devil Hill looked when the Wright Brothers first learned to fly.
4. Just past the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, you'll find Buxton Woods, a 1,007 acre expanse of maritime forest perfect for nature lovers and hikers of all ages. Many white-tailed deer call this area home, don't be surprised if you see them in broad daylight while hiking the trails.
5. Located a little farther south, follow the Sea Breeze Trail through the Hatteras Village Park. This is a good one for young kids who can't walk long distances, and the elevated boardwalk provides a good perspective on waterfront canal living.
6. Hiking along the beach is a fan favorite, as well. Our multitude of beach accesses makes this a novice for anyone. Just find an access and start walking. Choose your pace, choose your distance, but always be on the lookout for seashells and beach glass.
The shell beds found along the beaches at low tide are among the best places to look for sea glass. Don't be surprised if you come across a hermit crab living in a Sharks Eye (also called a Moon Snail) Snail shell. Whelk shells are a common find on our beaches during the winter.
Great aerial capture of Jennette’s Pier this AM. Woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning, something that only occurs maybe a few times a year on the Outer Banks! #snOBX // Photo by @outerbanksdrone // #iloveobx #outerbanks #obx #visitnc #nc #northcarolina #winter #nagshead
REAL Watersports pro kiteboarder Jason Slezak mugs for our cameras in a tasty little summer session at Cape Hatteras. Join us at VisitOuterBanks.tumblr.com this week for more videos and pics in this #SummerSunday throwback. Stay tuned!
Staying with our theme this week, check out this amazing Instagram by @sheilacharrette who captured #SeaSmoke a few weeks back. Cape Hatteras NPS says this rare "sea smoke" occurs on coastal waters when cold air flows over warmer water. You never know what you'll see on the beach during the winter. Storms bring rare weather, wildlife and shells, one of the upsides to winter on the beach. It's not as cold this week, but we still hope that you are staying warm out there this winter! Maybe we can help with a cozy rental by the sea.
There’s no denying that a good storm can lull you to sleep. The colors of a storm – the iron sky over the white and grey waters hitting the golden sands of the beach. The ping of rain against the glass or an old tin beach roof. The silence seeming strange when the rain stops. The smell of fresh salt air having been churned delicately by the ocean’s currents. The anticipation of treasures scattered across the sand, just waiting to be found. The redemptive quality of an empty beach – just you, the elements and a good long walk. That’s why here, on the Outer Banks, we welcome storms with open arms, whether we are battening down the hatches or screaming an encouraging “bring it on” into the wind. The Wright Brothers knew that storms would bring wind strong enough to fly. Fishermen wait for the storm to bring in fresh catch. And the rest of us here on the Outer Banks know that at the end of each nor’easter, there is a fresh slate of sand just waiting for footsteps. Find solace in the warmth of a good stew and the laugh of friends gathering over a glass of wine this winter, with our serene oceanfront home and soundside getaways, perfect for braving any storm that life brings.
The act of meandering along the seashore and picking up items that catch your eye. Often these items are displayed as treasured souvenirs in ones home.
Items you can find along the Outer Banks Shore: Scallop shells, Beach Glass, Conch Shells, Sand dollars, Star Fish, Horseshoe Crabs, Jack Knifes, Moon Shells, Olive Shells, Pennies and other coins, driftwood, army figurines and much more. Each trip to the beach is an adventure worthy of all types of buried treasure.
Winter on the beach is better than winter anywhere else, plus it's the best time to comb for shells! Come visit OBX this season: outerbanks.org
And thanks to outerbanksvacations for posting this awesome pic of shells. All shapes, sizes and colors is right! We can't wait to put on our Wanchese Slipper Boots and go looking for some treasure.
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