Runners rejoice! The Outer Banks is a runner’s haven with its many nature trails, marathons and bike trails that joggers and cyclists share. We've become known for our annual marathons, half-marathons, triathlons and 5K races. If you aren’t a runner, it’s okay; there are plenty of spots where you can take a pleasant walk or scenic hike. You might even choose to do all three – Outer Banks running, walking and hiking activities are quite complementary. Boardwalks, bike trails and nature trails weave you through woods, dunes, beaches and marshes. You could become so absorbed by the view that it easily turns a few meters into a few miles. Hiking may not seem like a common activity to associate with the beach, but if you visit any of the nature preserves, wildlife refuges or other reserves, you might be drawn to spend hours exploring this coastal wonderland. Check out the listings below to see what Outer Banks running, walking and hiking activities you can participate in during your vacation.
Outer Banks Things To Do by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Things To Do by Category
The Dare County Family Recreation Park is located on Mustian Street behind the Outer Banks Brewing Station. There are fields for playing baseball, softball...read more
The 5-acre Dowdy Park is a popular place for relaxation, play and entertainment. The park includes an amphitheater, green space, restrooms, a fitness trail...read more
This national historic site commemorates and preserves the first English attempts at colonization in the New World (1585 to 1587) and helps visitors gain a...read more
The Native American history of Hatteras Island and the Native American culture of our nation are preserved at this must-see museum in Frisco. The building,...read more
Just across from the National Park Service’s Ocracoke Campground, Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile trail through the island’s maritime forest and...read more
The Hatteras Island Park Store is located on the grounds of Cape Hatteras Light Station. No visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete without a stop...read more
Hatteras Village Park is a nature preserve with a trail that winds through a maritime forest and salt marsh. You'll see high marsh and tidal marsh and cross...read more
Nags Head is home to the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast. Jockey’s Ridge, currently a series of five dunes, is a natural wonder that’s...read more
The Town of Kitty Hawk's dog park features two fenced dog areas, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs. There's also a water fountain for the dogs. A...read more
Kitty Hawk Woods is a unique environment: a maritime forest, shrub swamp and marsh. Totaling 1,824 acres, the Town of Kitty Hawk owns 461 acres with a...read more
A wonderful asset to Roanoke Island is a paved, 7-mile multi-use pedestrian path that runs the entire length of the northern part of the island alongside U....read more
A great place to stroll and pass some time is the boardwalk that winds along most of the Manteo waterfront. One end is quiet, with benches that look out...read more
