Run through sand dunes, ponds, marshes and wetlands in this 1,000+ acre preserve that is a National Natural Landmark. Also known as the Nags Head Town Trail, the Preserve is located 4 north of Nags Head and 7 miles south of the Wright Brothers Memorial. There are 5 miles of interconnected trails administered by The Nature Conservancy. Each trail has different features and has a variety of surfaces, from boardwalk to sand to gravel. We’ve attached a trail map, which has detailed descriptions. There’s good variety here for a relatively small geographic area.
Outerbanks.com
Features:
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Essentials
- 5 miles of trails, some interconnected. See trail map & descriptions
- Some flat, some hills
- Depends on trail chosen but the parking lot is a good start point
- Ample parking lot
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Other Routes in Outer Banks, NC
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 the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast! Numerous hilly paths, including the challenging 'Tracks in the Sand' Trail, through soft sand, in Jockey's Ridge State Park. Can combine with Soundside Nature Trail, which opens onto wetlands, and grassy dunes.
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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