The Outer Banks has some truly breathtaking scenery. While arguably most famous for its beach (that’s why you’re here, right?!), the OBX has a wildly diverse set of ecosystems and landscapes that are equally gorgeous and worth checking out. Here are a few of our favorite extra-kid-friendly hikes and nature trails to experience the beauty that the Outer Banks has to offer.
Nags Head Woods
The Nags Head Woods nature preserve is located in Kill Devil Hills. There is a visitors center with info, and 5 different trails of varying lengths and terrain. There are a couple very short paths great for the youngest hikers, and some longer trails for those with a bit more stamina. There’s unique maritime forest scenery, ponds, hills, bridges, muskrats, and native flora.
Length: Depends on the trail, from .25 up to 1.5 miles
Conditions: Mostly sand/wooded trails, but expect bugs in the warmer months.
Duck Town Boardwalk
If you spend any time in Duck, I definitely recommend taking a stroll on the town boardwalk. It spans much of the length of the town and winds over the sound and marsh. You can access a number of shopping centers directly from the boardwalk as well. The views over the Currituck Sound are beautiful, and if you happen to be nearby during sunset, definitely make catching that a priority!
Length: Almost a mile, but it’s not a loop. You can access it at a number of different spots, including the Town Park, but you do have to walk it and then walk back.
Conditions: Easy-peasy- all boardwalk walking, and minimal bugs.
Bodie Island Lighthouse Path
Visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse is a great activity, even if you don’t plan to climb to the top, and the main reason is the awesome boardwalk. It’s short – just ⅛ mile one way- but winds through the marsh. Keep an eye out for crabs, small fish, birds, ducks, maybe a snake, turtle or baby muskrat (we’ve seen all of those before!). It ends at an observation tower with an amazing view of the pond, dunes, marsh and lighthouse.
Length: Short – just ¼ mile round trip
Conditions: Super easy- all boardwalk walking. You may feel a few mosquitos during the summer months, but bugs are usually not terrible. There are also bathrooms located near the parking lot
Turtle pond/dare county arboretum
In the heart of Kill Devil Hills is a really beautiful arboretum and teaching garden. The paths wind through the woods and there are benches, picnic tables, and lots of native plants. This connects to the Aviation Park fitness trail, so you can access it either by parking at the Dare County Library, or at Aviation Park. All together, the connected paths are maybe ½ mile long, but they create a really nice, wooded nature walk. The best part is, they connect to the Turtle Pond, which is a large pond with a dock/overlook where you can feed turtles- and they come in droves! See if you can spot the resident mammoth snapping turtle. It’s best to bring chopped lettuce, celery, etc. to feed them; it’s posted that you shouldn’t feed them bread (it’s not healthy for them, and also causes algae blooms). They go crazy for it, and it’s super fun to watch.
Bonus, on the Turtle Pond side there is also a small playground, as well as a skate park. It’s a fun area to spend an hour or so!
Length: Not too long- you may hit close to a mile if you do the whole thing and then loop back, but can also just do sections to keep it shorter.
Conditions: The Arboretum path is mainly gravel, the fitness trail that connects to Turtle Pond is paved. You may see some bugs in the wooded parts in the summer, but it’s well maintained so it’s not too much of a concern. There are bathrooms at Aviation Park.
Pea Island Wildlife Trail
This is a great easy hike that gives you the opportunity to see tons of waterfowl and other birds. It’s popular with birders, and overlooks the water. You can park at the Ranger Station on Pea Island, and head down the path. Go as far as you want; if you make it to the end, there’s an observation deck, although there are some other boardwalks and benches throughout. This area can be buggy in summer, but in the shoulder months or winter it’s a great hike!
Length: Just over a mile one way. Go as far as you like- there’s plenty to see even if you only go a short distance.
Conditions: The path is mainly gravel. There can be bugs in the warmer months, so bring bug spray if you go. There are bathrooms at the Ranger Station.
nags head woods town trail
This is definitely the longest and most “hike-y” trail of the group, but if you and your kids are up for it, it’s a great path. You can park at the Nags Head Town Park off of Barnes St. The trail is an out and back trail that’s about a mile and a half total. It runs through the woods, and has a few hills. When you reach the end, the landscape starts to change, and all of a sudden you break out of the woods at the Sound. It’s a really beautiful view, and there’s a bench for a snack break. You definitely feel away from the hustle back there- it’s a nice spot for a reset.
Length: There and back is just about 1.5 miles
Conditions: The path is mainly hard packed with pine straw. There are a few hills, and you may feel some bugs in the summer. There is a bathroom in the parking area.
