Nature Trail Hikes

The Outer Banks is home to several diverse ecosystems that house a wide variety of wildlife. If you love nature, you'll love the many self-guided nature trails that allow you to see the diversity of the Outer Banks up close. You can hike in wildlife refuges, across sand dunes, and through maritime forests. The National Park Service offers some guided walks; call (252) 473-2111 or visit www.nps.gov/caha for more information.

Corolla

Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary at Pine Island

An unmarked trail leads through this 5,000-acre wildlife sanctuary, a protected habitat for birds, deer, rabbits, and a variety of plants. Park at The Sanderling Inn to access the 2.5-mile soundside path through a portion of the sanctuary.

Nags Head

Nags Head Woods Preserve

Part of The Nature Conservancy, Nags Head Woods is a preserved maritime forest with diverse flora and fauna. There are more than 5 miles of trails through forest, dunes, swamp, and pond habitats. You'll also see 19th-century cemeteries. For maps and start locations, go to the visitor center at 701 West Ocean Acres Drive in Kill Devil Hills or call (252) 441-2525.

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Climbing the tallest sand dune on the East Coast is a challenging hike, but two nature trails wind through the lower regions of the dune. The Soundside Nature Trail is an easy 45-minute walk, and the Tracks in the Sand Trail is a 1.5mile walk. Start at the state park visitor center at MP 12 in Nags Head.

Roanoke Island

Thomas Hariot Nature Trail at Fort Raleigh

This trail winds through a heavily wooded area from the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to Roanoke Sound. Along the way are several interpretive markers with Hariot's descriptions of Roanoke Island in the 16th century. Call the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at (252) 473-5772 for information.

Freedmen's Trail

This 2-mile trail commemorates the history of the Freedmen's Colony, a Roanoke Island community that provided a safe haven for freed slaves during the Civil War. Access to the trail is near the Elizabethan Gardens entrance, and exhibits are at the end of the trail on Roanoke Sound. Call the National Park Service for information at (252) 473-5772.

Mainland

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Two trails lead through this refuge. Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail starts at the south end of the dirt Buffalo City Road. The trail, a half-mile out and a half-mile back, has footpaths and a boardwalk. Creef Cut Wildlife Trail starts on US 64 at the intersection with Milltail Road. A kiosk with parking marks the trailhead. It's also a half-mile out and back. Additionally, it has a fishing dock, an overlook, and a boardwalk. Both trails are wheelchair accessible. Call (252) 473-1131 for information.

Bodie Island

Bodie Island Dike Trail and Pond Trail

Starting at the Bodie Island Lighthouse, two trails wind through marsh and wetlands to the sound. Call the light station at (252) 441-5711 for information.

Pea Island

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

North Pond Trail starts behind Pea Island Visitor Center and leads hikers on a half- mile, 30-minute walk around the refuge. The quarter-mile Salt Flats Trail starts at the north end of North Pond Trail. These are favorite walks for bird-watchers year-round, but especially in late fall and winter when migrating swans, ducks, and geese winter here. Call (252) 987-2394 for information.

Buxton

Buxton Woods Nature Trail

Starting at Cape Point Campground, this 0.75-mile trail leads through maritime forest, across dunes, and into freshwater marshes. Small plaques along the way explain the fragile maritime forest ecosystem.

Ocracoke

Hammock Hills Trail

This 0.75-mile trail, about a 30-minute walk, leads through the salt marsh and forest. The trailhead is north of the village on NC 12; signs direct you to it. Call the Ocracoke Island Visitor Center at (252) 928-4531 for information.

Portsmouth Island

This ghost-town island is accessible only by boat, but once you get there you'll find numerous trails that lead you on a fascinating exploration of this island, past abandoned but restored buildings. A 2-mile-long trail leads from the village to the beach through the heart of the island. Call Cape Lookout National Seashore for information at (252) 728-2250.

Parasailing

If you've always wanted to float high above the water beneath a colorful parachute, adventures await at various locations along the Outer Banks. Although a boat pulls from below, allowing the wind to lift you toward the clouds, you don't get wet on these outdoor trips over the sounds unless you want to. You take off and land on the back of the boat. Riders soar with the seagulls above whitecaps and beach cottages. People of any age, without any athletic ability at all, enjoy parasailing and find it one of their most memorable experiences. And it's safe, too; unbreakable ropes are standard.

Corolla

Kitty Hawk Watersports
TimBuck II Shopping Village
NC 12, Corolla
(252) 453-6900
www.kittyhawksports.com

Parasail flights are offered daily throughout the summer at this shop, owned by Kitty Hawk Sports. Rates are set according to the heights you choose; call for rates and schedules.

Duck

North Duck Watersports
NC 12, Duck
(252) 261-4200

This watersports center is 3 miles north of Duck, on the border of Duck and Sanderling. Parasailing trips are offered at heights from 400 to 1,400 feet above the Currituck Sound. Call ahead for reservations and rates. Parasailing is offered in the spring, summer, and fall.

Nor'Banks Sailing Center
NC 12, Duck
(252) 261-7100
www.norbanks.com

Specializing in single, tandem, and triple flights, this was one of the original para- sailing locations on the Outer Banks. All vessels that give you your ride are Coast Guard-inspected and are able to take passengers up 400 to 1,400 feet. Parasailing is available from May through October.

Kitty Hawk

The Promenade Watersports
US 158, MP 1/4, Kitty Hawk
(252) 261-4400

The Promenade offers parasailing with an experienced captain in Currituck Sound. Persons of any age can take off for a single, tandem, or triple ride up to 1,400 feet.

Nags Head

The Waterworks
US 158, MP 17, Nags Head
(252) 441-8875
www.waterworks.ws

Parasailing captains from The Waterworks can take you high. Uplifting experiences are offered daily from April through November. These 8- to 15-minute flights allow you to float at 400 to 1,400 feet; cost depends on how high you want to fly.

Races

Nags Head Woods Annual 5K Run
Nags Head Woods Preserve
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-2431

The Nags Head Woods Run is a well-loved spring tradition on the Outer Banks. Close to 400 runners, from ages 6 to 60 and beyond, gather to run (or walk) the soft dirt road that winds through this rare maritime forest. Afterwards, an awards ceremony then a big party are held at a local restaurant. There is no race-day registration so you must register early.

Outer Banks Triathlon
Roanoke Island
(252) 480-0050

The Dare Voluntary Action Center (DVAC) sponsors this annual sanctioned sprint- distance triathlon each September. The 0.6-mile swim, 15-mile bicycle ride, and 3.1mile run are held on Roanoke Island, starting at the Old Swimming Hole on Airport Road next to the North Carolina Aquarium. Contact DVAC at the number above or register at www.active.com.

Advice 5K Turkey Trot
Duck
(252) 255-1050
www.advice5.com

The annual Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Duck. The race starts at Advice 5¢, a bed-and-breakfast in the village, and ends at the Red Sky Cafe, for a post-race party. There is no race-day registration. You must register in advance at the Red Sky Cafe at 1197 Duck Road or by mail: Advice 5K, c/o Advice 5¢, P.O. Box 8278, Duck, NC 27949. Entry fee for walkers and runners is $20. The race is limited to 350 people.

Roller Skating

Family Life Center
US 158, MP 11 1/2, Nags Head
(252) 441-4941

A recreational facility for the Outer Banks Worship Center, this Christian- affiliated roller-skating rink behind the ark-shaped church is open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 P.M. all year. Here, kids rent regular, old-fashioned roller skates for $5.00 and cruise around the slick floor. Table tennis and video games also are available, as are special event and birthday bookings.

Tennis

Many cottage rental developments throughout the Outer Banks have private tennis courts for their guests. Outdoor public tennis courts include the following free courts:

Kill Devil Hills-two hard-surface courts are located near the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department at MP 6 on US 158, and four hard-surface courts are beside the Kill Devil Hills Water Plant on Mustian Street.
Nags Head-a public court is behind Kelly's Restaurant, off US 158 at MP 10 1/2.
Roanoke Island-courts are available at Manteo High School on Wingina Avenue and at Manteo Middle School on US 64/264 after school hours.
Hatteras Island-courts are available at Cape Hatteras School on NC 12 in Buxton after school hours. If you don't own a racquet or left yours back on the mainland, you can rent one by the day or week from Ocean Atlantic Rentals (see our Weekly and Long-Term Cottage Rentals chapter).

Corolla

Pine Island Racquet Club
NC 12, between Corolla and Duck
(252) 453-8525

Home to the Outer Banks's only indoor tennis courts, Pine Island is 2.5 miles north of the Sanderling Inn. It is open to the public year-round for recreational play, and several tournaments are held each season. Three hard-surface courts are under a vaulted roof for air-conditioned or heated comfort, while two clay courts and two platform tennis courts are outdoors. Restroom, locker, and shower facilities are included. Pine Island also has two ball machines, a radar gun for timing serves, and a videotape analysis machine to help improve your game. Tennis pro Rick Ostlund and his assistant Betty Wright teach clinics for adults and children and offer individualized instruction at any skill level. The pro shop sells racquets, clothes, and tennis accessories and provides stringing services. Reservations are suggested for indoor and outdoor courts, which cost $28 an hour. Pine Island is open every day except Christmas from at least 9:00 A.M. in the off-season and from 8:00 A.M.in season.

Waterslides, Arcades, and Other Amusements

On hot afternoons when you're ready for a break from sand and salt water, slip on down to a water park, and splash into one of its big pools. Most of these parks are open daily during the summer-- some well into the evening. Waterslides generally close on rainy days. Among the recreational outposts, many include video arcades in their offerings, but the Outer Banks's amusement centers also offer brightly lit computerized games and other unusual activities. We can't list everything the owners of these establishments include, so you'll have to experience these places for yourself to discover all the surprises in store.

Hatteras Island

Waterfall Action Park
NC 12, Rodanthe
(252) 987-2213

You can't miss this palm-tree-lined playground, geared for hours of fun for both adults and kids. An Outer Banks fixture for more than 20 years, this amusement park has more than 20 rides and the area's only bungee-jumping outlet for daredevils. Two waterslides, the Corkscrew and the Cyclone, give heart- thumping, thrill-filled rides. But this wonderland has a multitude of other offerings: two minigolf courses, model Grand Prix race cars, Winston Cup stock cars, Outlaw sprint cars, NASCAR super trucks, and free-fall go-karts-not to mention speedboats and bumper cars. Children have to be at least 12 years old to ride the adult rides. Kiddie Land features rides for ages three to nine. There's no admission charge to get into the park; call for prices to ride. Your best deal can be had with one of the 40 combination tickets, which save you more money the more you ride. Waterfall Action Park is open daily 10:00 A.M.to 9:00 P.M.from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Frisco Mini Golf and Go-Karts
NC 12, Frisco
(252) 995-6325

This miniature golf and go-kart establishment also has an 1,800-square-foot arcade that keeps kids entertained on a rainy day with pool tables, air hockey, video games, and other games. A concession booth sells ice cream, snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs, and drinks.

	Nature Trail Hikes The Outer Banks is home to several diverse ecosystems that house a wide variety of wildlife. If you love nature, you'll love the many self-guided nature trails that allow you to see the diversity of the Outer Banks up close. You can hike in wildlife refuges, across sand dunes, and through maritime forests. The National Park Service offers some guided walks; call (252) 473-2111 or visit www.nps.gov/caha for more information. Corolla Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary at Pine Island An unmarked trail leads through this 5,000-acre wildlife sanctuary, a protected habitat for birds, deer, rabbits, and a variety of plants. Park at The Sanderling Inn to access the 2.5-mile soundside path through a portion of the sanctuary. Nags Head Nags Head Woods Preserve Part of The Nature Conservancy, Nags Head Woods is a preserved maritime forest with diverse flora and fauna. There are more than 5 miles of trails through forest, dunes, swamp, and pond habitats. You'll also see 19th-century cemeteries. For maps and start locations, go to the visitor center at 701 West Ocean Acres Drive in Kill Devil Hills or call (252) 441-2525. Jockey's Ridge State Park Climbing the tallest sand dune on the East Coast is a challenging hike, but two nature trails wind through the lower regions of the dune. The Soundside Nature Trail is an easy 45-minute walk, and the Tracks in the Sand Trail is a 1.5mile walk. Start at the state park visitor center at MP 12 in Nags Head. Roanoke Island Thomas Hariot Nature Trail at Fort Raleigh This trail winds through a heavily wooded area from the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to Roanoke Sound. Along the way are several interpretive markers with Hariot's descriptions of Roanoke Island in the 16th century. Call the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at (252) 473-5772 for information. Freedmen's Trail This 2-mile trail commemorates the history of the Freedmen's Colony, a Roanoke Island community that provided a safe haven for freed slaves during the Civil War. Access to the trail is near the Elizabethan Gardens entrance, and exhibits are at the end of the trail on Roanoke Sound. Call the National Park Service for information at (252) 473-5772. Mainland Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Two trails lead through this refuge. Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail starts at the south end of the dirt Buffalo City Road. The trail, a half-mile out and a half-mile back, has footpaths and a boardwalk. Creef Cut Wildlife Trail starts on US 64 at the intersection with Milltail Road. A kiosk with parking marks the trailhead. It's also a half-mile out and back. Additionally, it has a fishing dock, an overlook, and a boardwalk. Both trails are wheelchair accessible. Call (252) 473-1131 for information. Bodie Island Bodie Island Dike Trail and Pond Trail Starting at the Bodie Island Lighthouse, two trails wind through marsh and wetlands to the sound. Call the light station at (252) 441-5711 for information. Pea Island Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge North Pond Trail starts behind Pea Island Visitor Center and leads hikers on a half- mile, 30-minute walk around the refuge. The quarter-mile Salt Flats Trail starts at the north end of North Pond Trail. These are favorite walks for bird-watchers year-round, but especially in late fall and winter when migrating swans, ducks, and geese winter here. Call (252) 987-2394 for information. Buxton Buxton Woods Nature Trail Starting at Cape Point Campground, this 0.75-mile trail leads through maritime forest, across dunes, and into freshwater marshes. Small plaques along the way explain the fragile maritime forest ecosystem. Ocracoke Hammock Hills Trail This 0.75-mile trail, about a 30-minute walk, leads through the salt marsh and forest. The trailhead is north of the village on NC 12; signs direct you to it. Call the Ocracoke Island Visitor Center at (252) 928-4531 for information. Portsmouth Island This ghost-town island is accessible only by boat, but once you get there you'll find numerous trails that lead you on a fascinating exploration of this island, past abandoned but restored buildings. A 2-mile-long trail leads from the village to the beach through the heart of the island. Call Cape Lookout National Seashore for information at (252) 728-2250.
	Parasailing If you've always wanted to float high above the water beneath a colorful parachute, adventures await at various locations along the Outer Banks. Although a boat pulls from below, allowing the wind to lift you toward the clouds, you don't get wet on these outdoor trips over the sounds unless you want to. You take off and land on the back of the boat. Riders soar with the seagulls above whitecaps and beach cottages. People of any age, without any athletic ability at all, enjoy parasailing and find it one of their most memorable experiences. And it's safe, too; unbreakable ropes are standard. Corolla Kitty Hawk Watersports TimBuck II Shopping Village NC 12, Corolla (252) 453-6900 www.kittyhawksports.com Parasail flights are offered daily throughout the summer at this shop, owned by Kitty Hawk Sports. Rates are set according to the heights you choose; call for rates and schedules. Duck North Duck Watersports NC 12, Duck (252) 261-4200 This watersports center is 3 miles north of Duck, on the border of Duck and Sanderling. Parasailing trips are offered at heights from 400 to 1,400 feet above the Currituck Sound. Call ahead for reservations and rates. Parasailing is offered in the spring, summer, and fall. Nor'Banks Sailing Center NC 12, Duck (252) 261-7100 www.norbanks.com Specializing in single, tandem, and triple flights, this was one of the original para- sailing locations on the Outer Banks. All vessels that give you your ride are Coast Guard-inspected and are able to take passengers up 400 to 1,400 feet. Parasailing is available from May through October. Kitty Hawk The Promenade Watersports US 158, MP 1/4, Kitty Hawk (252) 261-4400 The Promenade offers parasailing with an experienced captain in Currituck Sound. Persons of any age can take off for a single, tandem, or triple ride up to 1,400 feet. Nags Head The Waterworks US 158, MP 17, Nags Head (252) 441-8875 www.waterworks.ws Parasailing captains from The Waterworks can take you high. Uplifting experiences are offered daily from April through November. These 8- to 15-minute flights allow you to float at 400 to 1,400 feet; cost depends on how high you want to fly.
	Races Nags Head Woods Annual 5K Run Nags Head Woods Preserve Kill Devil Hills (252) 441-2431 The Nags Head Woods Run is a well-loved spring tradition on the Outer Banks. Close to 400 runners, from ages 6 to 60 and beyond, gather to run (or walk) the soft dirt road that winds through this rare maritime forest. Afterwards, an awards ceremony then a big party are held at a local restaurant. There is no race-day registration so you must register early. Outer Banks Triathlon Roanoke Island (252) 480-0050 The Dare Voluntary Action Center (DVAC) sponsors this annual sanctioned sprint- distance triathlon each September. The 0.6-mile swim, 15-mile bicycle ride, and 3.1mile run are held on Roanoke Island, starting at the Old Swimming Hole on Airport Road next to the North Carolina Aquarium. Contact DVAC at the number above or register at www.active.com. Advice 5K Turkey Trot Duck (252) 255-1050 www.advice5.com The annual Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Duck. The race starts at Advice 5¢, a bed-and-breakfast in the village, and ends at the Red Sky Cafe, for a post-race party. There is no race-day registration. You must register in advance at the Red Sky Cafe at 1197 Duck Road or by mail: Advice 5K, c/o Advice 5¢, P.O. Box 8278, Duck, NC 27949. Entry fee for walkers and runners is $20. The race is limited to 350 people.
	Roller Skating Family Life Center US 158, MP 11 1/2, Nags Head (252) 441-4941 A recreational facility for the Outer Banks Worship Center, this Christian- affiliated roller-skating rink behind the ark-shaped church is open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 P.M. all year. Here, kids rent regular, old-fashioned roller skates for $5.00 and cruise around the slick floor. Table tennis and video games also are available, as are special event and birthday bookings.
	Tennis Many cottage rental developments throughout the Outer Banks have private tennis courts for their guests. Outdoor public tennis courts include the following free courts: Kill Devil Hills-two hard-surface courts are located near the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department at MP 6 on US 158, and four hard-surface courts are beside the Kill Devil Hills Water Plant on Mustian Street. Nags Head-a public court is behind Kelly's Restaurant, off US 158 at MP 10 1/2. Roanoke Island-courts are available at Manteo High School on Wingina Avenue and at Manteo Middle School on US 64/264 after school hours. Hatteras Island-courts are available at Cape Hatteras School on NC 12 in Buxton after school hours. If you don't own a racquet or left yours back on the mainland, you can rent one by the day or week from Ocean Atlantic Rentals (see our Weekly and Long-Term Cottage Rentals chapter). Corolla Pine Island Racquet Club NC 12, between Corolla and Duck (252) 453-8525 Home to the Outer Banks's only indoor tennis courts, Pine Island is 2.5 miles north of the Sanderling Inn. It is open to the public year-round for recreational play, and several tournaments are held each season. Three hard-surface courts are under a vaulted roof for air-conditioned or heated comfort, while two clay courts and two platform tennis courts are outdoors. Restroom, locker, and shower facilities are included. Pine Island also has two ball machines, a radar gun for timing serves, and a videotape analysis machine to help improve your game. Tennis pro Rick Ostlund and his assistant Betty Wright teach clinics for adults and children and offer individualized instruction at any skill level. The pro shop sells racquets, clothes, and tennis accessories and provides stringing services. Reservations are suggested for indoor and outdoor courts, which cost $28 an hour. Pine Island is open every day except Christmas from at least 9:00 A.M. in the off-season and from 8:00 A.M.in season.
	Waterslides, Arcades, and Other Amusements On hot afternoons when you're ready for a break from sand and salt water, slip on down to a water park, and splash into one of its big pools. Most of these parks are open daily during the summer-- some well into the evening. Waterslides generally close on rainy days. Among the recreational outposts, many include video arcades in their offerings, but the Outer Banks's amusement centers also offer brightly lit computerized games and other unusual activities. We can't list everything the owners of these establishments include, so you'll have to experience these places for yourself to discover all the surprises in store. Hatteras Island Waterfall Action Park NC 12, Rodanthe (252) 987-2213 You can't miss this palm-tree-lined playground, geared for hours of fun for both adults and kids. An Outer Banks fixture for more than 20 years, this amusement park has more than 20 rides and the area's only bungee-jumping outlet for daredevils. Two waterslides, the Corkscrew and the Cyclone, give heart- thumping, thrill-filled rides. But this wonderland has a multitude of other offerings: two minigolf courses, model Grand Prix race cars, Winston Cup stock cars, Outlaw sprint cars, NASCAR super trucks, and free-fall go-karts-not to mention speedboats and bumper cars. Children have to be at least 12 years old to ride the adult rides. Kiddie Land features rides for ages three to nine. There's no admission charge to get into the park; call for prices to ride. Your best deal can be had with one of the 40 combination tickets, which save you more money the more you ride. Waterfall Action Park is open daily 10:00 A.M.to 9:00 P.M.from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Frisco Mini Golf and Go-Karts NC 12, Frisco (252) 995-6325 This miniature golf and go-kart establishment also has an 1,800-square-foot arcade that keeps kids entertained on a rainy day with pool tables, air hockey, video games, and other games. A concession booth sells ice cream, snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs, and drinks.