On the southern Outer Banks, just past the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can experience the stunning landscapes of Buxton Woods. This expansive 1,007-acre maritime forest is perfect for hikers of all ages. Visitors may encounter white-tailed deer, often seen roaming during the day. Drive further down Hatteras Island to explore the family-friendly Sea Breeze Trail through the Hatteras Village Park. This elevated boardwalk is good for young children and offers a unique perspective on the waterfront canal lifestyle.

Heading north, make sure to stop by the beautiful Bodie Island Lighthouse, where a scenic boardwalk and surrounding walkable land invite exploration. This lighthouse is also located across from Coquina Beach Access, a National Park Service beach and perfect stop to refresh and fill up those water bottles. Further up in Nags Head lies Jockey's Ridge State Park, home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast. Beyond its towering dunes, the park also has hiking trails that lead visitors through a diverse ecosystem, complete with informative markers. The trails provide spectacular views that will make hikers feel on top of the world!

For the ultimate hiking experience, look no further than Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, where trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. The Roanoke Trail, a local favorite, offers a leisurely 1.5-mile round trip journey through the woods. This trail leads hikers past the historic Tillett homestead, to the sound. Before arriving there, visitors will find a wooden walkway with benches, a convenient resting place to sit and watch wildlife or the afternoon sunset over the reeds. This trail is dog-friendly and kid-friendly too.

A visit to Run Hill in Kill Devil Hills is another opportunity to walk through sand dunes, mirroring those of Jockey's Ridge State Park. Accessed behind First Flight Elementary School, these natural dunes provide gorgeous views of the sound and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Adventurers can explore at their own pace as there is no trail to follow, discovering untouched landscapes reminiscent of the early days of flight.

Also in Kill Devil Hills, the scenic Bay Drive features numerous public boardwalks, gazebos, and pedestrian sidewalks. Another great walking spot can be found north of Kill Devil Hills on the popular Duck Boardwalk, which extends nearly a mile with 11 acres of soundfront views.

Venture toward Roanoke Island, where the Coastal Studies Institute holds the starting line to a ~3-mile trail beginning in their parking lot in Skyco, NC and continuing through trails and local residential roads, ending at the Dare County Center in Manteo.

For those who prefer hiking along the beach, the Outer Banks offers a multitude of beach accesses, making hiking enjoyable for experts and novices alike. Just find an access and start walking, don't forget to keep an eye out for seashells and beach glass.

For more details on hidden hiking spots and to start planning a nature-filled Outer Banks getaway, visit OuterBanks.org