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 Town of Nags Head established a new dog park in 2017. The park includes two fenced areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs less than 30 pounds...read more
This shaded park has a playground, picnic shelter, restrooms and an open field. To find it, turn west on Barnes Street off the Bypass at Ace Hardware. The...read more
This race course weaves through The Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, one of the best remaining examples of mid-Atlantic Maritime...read more
A beautiful place for hiking, trail running and birding, Nags Head Woods Preserve is one of the best remaining examples of a mid-Atlantic maritime forest....read more
Permanent exhibits at this education center focus on conservation, waterfowl and hunting heritage, natural history, local heritage, ecology and fishing....read more
This 28,000-square-foot facility offers a 25-meter indoor lap pool and a wellness center with state-of-the-art weight and cardio equipment. You'll enjoy...read more
The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes, protects and promotes America’s most outstanding roadways. With its picturesque lighthouses, rolling sand...read more
The refuge’s visitor center, located on the northern end of Hatteras Island about 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet, is a good place to start a Pea Island visit...read more
Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet from Ocracoke Island, is an enchanting place to visit. This uninhabited island is rugged and remote, one of the...read more
Experience a new adventure in an old world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all...read more
Run Hill is like a mini Jockey's Ridge. It's an active, migrating dune system just like Jockey's Ridge, but it's much smaller - 123 acres instead of 420....read more
This is a very cool spot for hanging out by the sound. It got a little beat up in Hurricane Irene, but it’s been fixed up now. When you turn in, head to the...read more
