Run the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast! This is a unique, and challenging run in Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is located in Nags Head. The 1.4 mile ‘Tracks in the Sand‘ Trail leads through towering dunes. Don’t be fooled by the distance — running that length in soft sand is a challenge and not for everyone! This is also an opportunity to get some hill work in!
Source: NC Parks
This can be combined with the 1-mile Soundside Nature Trail, which opens onto wetlands, grassy dunes and maritime thickets. It’s also sandy but a little less challenging. See the attached park map.
Note that this park is exposed on a hot day and that the sand can be 30 degrees warmer, so use caution! You can also create your own route among the dunes.
Run the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast! This is a unique, and challenging run in Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is located in Nags Head. The 1.4 mile ‘Tracks in the Sand‘ Trail leads through towering dunes. Don’t be fooled by the distance — running that length in soft sand is a challenge and not for everyone! This is also an opportunity to get some hill work in!
Source: NC Parks
This can be combined with the 1-mile Soundside Nature Trail, which opens onto wetlands, grassy dunes and maritime thickets. It’s also sandy but a little less challenging. See the attached park map.
Note that this park is exposed on a hot day and that the sand can be 30 degrees warmer, so use caution! You can also create your own route among the dunes.
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Essentials
Can create your own route or follow the Tracks in the Sand Trail for 1.4 miles; Soundside Nature Trail is a 1-mile loop
Flat
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Ample parking lot; The entrance to the park is at milepost 12 on Hwy 158 Bypass
The northernmost town in the Outer Banks has good running options. A 'Corolla Tour' of nearly 5 miles features an ocean-side path, and historic Park with paths to an old mansion and lighthouse. 4+ mile multi-use path along Hwy 12.
Duck is one of the swankier and more popular OBX towns. Good combination of boardwalk and section of Highway 12 heading north, with good water views. Some quieter running in and out of the residential side streets between Hwy 12 and the beach.
One of the widest sections of the Outer Banks, with several good running options: pretty residential off Rt. 12 features the area's nicest homes; the 3-mile Dogwood Trail, passing along a golf course; bike path alongside Highway 12; and beautiful beach.
Good off-road running opportunities at the mid-point of the Outer Banks. The Reserve has roads and trails through maritime forest, marshes, and brackish swamplands. There's a multi-use trail, path alongside Woods Rd., more rugged through the woods.
A pleasant run on quiet waterfront roads along Kitty Hawk Bay. There are numerous distance options, but the highlight is the section along the water, using Morse Shore Rd. to Bay Rd., which can be followed for 5+ miles to the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Fly as fast as the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk! The Memorial site has 2-3 miles of pleasant paths that make for a unique and historic run. We've added a mile along Colington Creek to make this a 5.5 miler, nearly all on paths.
Run through sand dunes, ponds, marshes and wetlands in this 1,000+ acre preserve that is a National Natural Landmark. Near Nags Head & Wright Bros. Memorial. 5 miles of trails, lots of variety and different surfaces in this maritime forest preserve.
Site of England's first New World settlements has some pretty running options. We've put together a 6-mile tour of Manteo, which has some lovely streets, boardwalk, and waterfront sections. Also 3-4 miles on the trails at Fort Raleigh.
Our guide to some of the best places to run in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Beaches, trails, and some of the better road options on its three islands: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island.
The outermost part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is only reachable by ferry. For runners, that means lack of cars and quiet roads. We've mapped a nice loop around the southern part of the island, with nice water views, Lighthouse, historic sites.
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Essentials
Can create your own route or follow the Tracks in the Sand Trail for 1.4 miles; Soundside Nature Trail is a 1-mile loop
Flat
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Ample parking lot; The entrance to the park is at milepost 12 on Hwy 158 Bypass
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!