Visit The Outer Banks

Outer Banks Trail Routes and Experiences

Find the best of the Outer Banks by following favorite local trails. Taste NC oysters, try the bevs you already love, or dig into the distinctive history of OBX.

Outer Banks Trails

A trail does not always mean a hike or a walk. Below, you can choose the OBX “path” that fits your interests. History and culture fans can explore the Civil War Trail or the African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina. Food lovers can trace fresh oysters from coastal farms to restaurants, or sip their way through the Outer Banks Beer, Wine, & Spirits Trail. If fashion or art is more your thing, there are routes for that too.

Step away from the usual route and see beaches and maritime forests on foot. OBX is famous for its beaches, yet it also has three Coastal Maritime forests in Kitty Hawk, Nags Head and Buxton. Lace up your hiking shoes and go see them. Find tucked-away places such as Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve or Nags Head Woods Preserve, or ride a bike along the area’s many multi-use sidewalks. To learn how to support these trails and care for the place you love, see Responsible Travel and Outer Banks Promise.

Dare County trail resources

Dare County offers a broad system of 90-plus trails stretching from Duck to Hatteras Village to Roanoke Island and farther afield, giving visitors and residents many ways to hike, bike and paddle across the coastal county. From the shaded maritime woods of Nags Head Woods and the quiet Roanoke Island boardwalks to the wide soundside scenery at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, there is plenty to spark your next Outer Banks outdoor adventure.

Outdoor NC trail resources

Also look through the Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide, where several Outer Banks routes — including the Freedom Trail at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Segment 18) and Town of Duck Boardwalk — are featured alongside trails from elsewhere in the state. Created with partners at Outdoor NC, the guide highlights towns committed to protecting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their destinations while nurturing a strong sense of place.

THE OBX WAY trail resources

THE OBX WAY was created to research, document, and share public trails for hiking, biking, and kayaking on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Its purpose is to offer free information that supports better outdoor safety, health, and access to education.

Trail stories and guides

Hidden OBX Hiking Spots

Health
3 min read

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is not always the first place people think of for memorable hikes. There are no mountains here, but there is still plenty to explore.

Outer Banks Bike Paths

Outdoor Enthusiast
4 min read

With over 100 miles of beach, the area offers paths, streets, boardwalks, and roads that make bike exploration easy to begin.

Eat Your Way Along the NC Oyster Trail

Art & Culture
3 min read

Oysters are delicious raw, steamed, roasted, and fried, but their flavor is only part of what makes them worth following along the trail.

Great Outer Banks Hikes

Outdoor Enthusiast
6 min read

These legendary barrier islands are perfect for long beach walks, and a closer look reveals even more places to roam.

Explore the Outer Banks Brewery & Spirits Trail

Culinary
7 min read

For visitors who appreciate refined tastes, Outer Banks breweries and tasting rooms reflect the spirit of the coast.

Best Places To Run In The OBX

Health
8 min read

People often ask where to run in the Outer Banks, and the team at Great has shared some favorite options.

First in Freedom | A Culture of Diversity on the Outer Banks

History & Heritage
12 min read

The African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina (AAENENC) invites deeper understanding and recognition.

Accessibility In Our OBX National Parks

Sustainability
11 min read

The national parks protect many of the things people value most about this place, while also preserving diverse stories.

Explore the Outer Banks of North Carolina On Foot: A Trail Guide

9 min read

On North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a narrow line of barrier islands shaped by sand and maritime landscapes invites exploration on foot.

More than Beach Supplies: The Outer Banks Fashion Trail

Art & Culture
5 min read

When people mention shopping in the Outer Banks, the conversation often starts with beach chairs and supplies, but there is more to discover.

African American Heritage on the Outer Banks

History & Heritage
2 min read

A recent trip offered a chance to step into the past and focus on Black history, an important part of the Outer Banks story.

New Year, New Trail | The OBX Way Begins the Jockey's Trail Project

Sustainability
3 min read

North Carolina, and especially the Outer Banks, are known for milestones in flight, but there is more to the landscape’s story.

Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails In The Outer Banks

Family Fun
4 min read

The beach and the food both deserve attention, and the Outer Banks also has trails that are great for kids.

Visit the Trails on the OBX | Food, Beverages, Nature & History page →