If you ask us what comes to mind when you mention Outer Banks, most will talk about the sandy beaches that seem to stretch on forever, rough seas and the summer holidays we all have enjoyed there. Despite its 200-mile long barrier islands located in the coast of North Carolina and Virginia, there are places which many visitors never discover--a network of nature preserves and walking trails that reveal an entirely different side of this beloved destination.
The strip of land here is clearly well defined; in some instances it may almost seem like just a few hundred meters wide; there is The Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Sound waters on the other. The highest points are not mountains but sand dunes. However, between beach houses and gift shops there is an impressive richness of natural resources just waiting to be discovered on foot.
Nags Head Woods: A Maritime Forest Gem
The Nags Head Woods Nature Preserve shines the brightest as far as OBX hiking is concerned and it is managed by The Nature Conservancy. This incredible destination is one of the last large coastal forests which can be found on the entire U.S. East Coast- a living relic of the wild landscape that once covered these barrier islands.
The richness of the life forms here is amazing considering its small area. The preserve has over 550 plant species, more than 150 bird species, close to 50 amphibian species and around 20 mammal species. Visitors who walk these trails may catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring above, hunting ospreys or snakes slithering through the undergrowth.
There is no single long trail within the preserve or a short one. Each trail offers a unique experience. Trail -1 gives you the easiest route which is even possible for people on wheelchairs and that implies all age groups and skills of people. Trails - 2 and 3 are considered "strenuous" though there will be many experienced hikers among you who will feel such trails simply easy– this only involves some wooden stairs and gentle climbs over the wooded dunes; Trail - 4 takes you out to the marshy coastline, where at certain moments the horizon shimmers like a mirage over the wetlands.
More Trails to Explore
For those who want a shorter option, the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve is the best with wooden walkways that are very nice. Covered overlooks are just right for a picnic and benches along the way are suitable for quiet contemplation. The preserve also has canals which are very popular with kayakers and canoeists to add another dimension to outdoor recreation in the area.
The sound-side boardwalk in the village of Duck is also ideal for a walk at a more leisurely pace. The walkway is not straight, passes scenic wetlands where underwater grasses become visible when water levels drop, and goes along shops and cafes where walkers can reward themselves with ice cream or a cold drink. A magnificent bald cypress tree along this trail has become a treasured point of reference, photogenic in every season.
History enthusiasts should also add the Wright Brothers National Memorial in their itinerary. Besides depicting that history-making first flight in 1903, this park has wide open spaces to enjoy walking or biking into the neighborhoods near the Sound.
Discovering the Soul of the Outer Banks
For those seeking wilder experiences, move to the north to Corolla's untamed beaches where wild horses graze on grass or down south to Pea Island Nature Preserve. If you dare to go that far, Buxton's historic lighthouse will be your prize. The Outer Banks proves that beach destinations are not just about sandy beaches. After an action of taking a dip into the ocean or a seafood meal, those who wear their walking shoes are in for the experience of their lives as they explore this territory—maritime forests, riverine marshlands, and game-rich areas which have been there for centuries despite all the storms and man-made developments. These trails give a more serene experience that will help you understand why OBX has so many admirers through generations.
