Trails on the Outer Banks
Trails don't have to exclusively pertain to hiking or walking, discover below which OBX "path" suits you. History and cultural buffs can find our Civil War Trail or African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina. Foodies can follow fresh oysters from restaurants to farms down the coast or take a sip along the Outer Banks Beer, Wine, & Spirits Trail. Fashion or art lovers...we've got you covered.
Take the avenue less traveled and explore beaches and maritime forests on foot. The OBX is known for its beaches, but did you know we also have three Coastal Maritime forests in Kitty Hawk, Nags Head and Buxton? Put on some hiking shoes and check them out! Dive into hidden places like Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve or Nags Head Woods Preserve and take your bike for a spin along our many multi-use sidewalks. If you are looking to help take care of our trails or understand how you can take care of this place you love, visit our Responsible Travel page.
Be sure to also check out the Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide, as several Outer Banks trails — including the Freedom Trail at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Segment 18) and Town of Duck Boardwalk — are spotlighted along with others from across the state. The guide, created by our partners at Outdoor NC, celebrates towns that are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their destination while fostering a strong sense of place. The destinations featured in this guide are championing destination stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our towns and trails for future generations.
Hidden OBX Hiking Spots
- 3 min read
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is often overlooked as a place for great hiking. While we do not have mountains to…
Outer Banks Bike Paths
- 4 min read
With over 100 miles of beach, you will find many paths, avenues, boardwalks, and roads to explore by bike. Starting in…
Eat Your Way Along the NC Oyster Trail
- 3 min read
Oysters are delicious. I like them raw, steamed, roasted, and fried. But delicious isn’t the only attribute that…
Great Outer Banks Hikes
- 6 min read
The legendary barrier islands are ideal for long walks on the beach. But if you search a bit further, you will find a…
Explore the Outer Banks Brewery & Spirits Trail
- 7 min read
For those who love the finer tastes in life, Outer Banks breweries and tasting rooms capture the spirit of the coast in…
Best Places To Run In The OBX
- 8 min read
We often get asked ‘what are some of the best places to run the Outer Banks’? Well, the folks at Great…
First in Freedom | A Culture of Diversity on the Outer Banks
- 12 min read
The African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina (AAENENC) encourages a deeper understanding and recognition…
Accessibility In Our OBX National Parks
- 11 min read
Our national parks protect much of what we love most about being here. The diverse stories our parks preserve have…
Explore the Outer Banks of North Carolina On Foot: A Trail Guide
- 9 min read
On North Carolina’s Outer Banks — a ribbon-thin strip of barrier islands covered in sand and maritime…
More than Beach Supplies: The Outer Banks Fashion Trail
- 5 min read
When people recommend “shopping” in the Outer Banks, often they’ll lead you to beach chairs…
African American Heritage on the Outer Banks
- 2 min read
On my most recent trip, I stepped back into the past; Black history, to be specific. Like much of the South, the Outer…
New Year, New Trail | The OBX Way Begins the Jockey's Trail Project
- 3 min read
North Carolina, and the Outer Banks specifically, are recognized for their achievements in flight. But North Carolina…
Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails In The Outer Banks
- 4 min read
We know the beach and all the great food deserve their spotlight, but did you know there are some awesome trails to…