--- title: "Where to Hike and Unwind: Outer Banks' Family-Friendly Trails" description: Discover family-friendly hiking trails in the Outer Banks to unwind and connect with nature. Explore serene paths at Nags Head Woods Preserve, Duck Town Park Boardwalk, and Buxton Woods Nature Trail. image: https://www.outerbanks.me/hubfs/unsplash_photo-1664298567254-2742aa33f2bd.jpg --- [![outerbanks-me-stacked](https://www.outerbanks.me/hs-fs/hubfs/outerbanks-me-stacked.png?width=565&name=outerbanks-me-stacked.png "outerbanks-me-stacked")](https://outerbanks.me) [![outerbanks-me-stacked](https://www.outerbanks.me/hs-fs/hubfs/outerbanks-me-stacked.png?width=565&name=outerbanks-me-stacked.png "outerbanks-me-stacked")](http://outerbanks.me) [**](https://www.outerbanks.me/where-to-hike-and-unwind-outer-banks-family-friendly-trails#) 1 ![featured image 1](https://www.outerbanks.me/hubfs/unsplash_photo-1664298567254-2742aa33f2bd.jpg) Family # Where to Hike and Unwind: Outer Banks' Family-Friendly Trails ![](https://www.outerbanks.me/hubfs/Gail-email.png) By [Gail Carlos](https://www.outerbanks.me/author/gail-carlos) August 26, 2025 ### Posts by Topic - [Activities (119)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/activities) - [Amusement (107)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/amusement) - [Events (94)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/events) - [Family (62)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/family) - [Around Town (55)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/around-town) - [Shopping and Dining (54)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/shopping-and-dining) - [Holiday (43)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/holiday) - [Outdoor (28)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/outdoor) - [Summer (28)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/summer) - [Beach (26)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/beach) - [History (22)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/history) - [Winter (22)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/winter) - [Free (18)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/free) - [Tips and Tricks (16)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/tips-and-tricks) - [Date Night (15)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/date-night) - [News (13)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/news) - [Music (8)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/music) - [Nightlife (4)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/nightlife) - [Fitness (2)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/fitness) - [Off-Season (2)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/off-season) - [Notable Locals (1)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/notable-locals) - [Pop Culture (1)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/pop-culture) - [Season Passes (1)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/season-passes) - [Wildlife (1)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/wildlife) Search ### **Unplug, lace up, and let the beauty of nature do the rest!** In the Outer Banks, unwinding isn’t just possible — it’s mapped. This is where you can swap car horns for chirping tree frogs and let the refreshing woods set your pace. It’s always a treat to take a rest and breathe in the ever-calming nature.  No matter if you’re squeezing in a midweek outdoor escape with the kids, staying for the week with your friends, or just passing through, these trails offer the perfect pause. And indeed, these aren’t just trails, they truly are invitations to clear your head, slow your steps, and let the coastal vibes settle in. ![premium_photo-1729782893043-d8869ac3ae2b](https://www.outerbanks.me/hs-fs/hubfs/premium_photo-1729782893043-d8869ac3ae2b.jpg?width=870&height=580&name=premium_photo-1729782893043-d8869ac3ae2b.jpg) ### **Here’s a Trail Map for you to Unwind:** ### **Trail 1: **[**Nags Head Woods Preserve**](https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/nags-head-woods-ecological-preserve/)** **(*701 W Ocean Acres Dr, Kill Devil Hills)* A shaded forest retreat in the heart of the Outer Banks, this preserve is one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast. Try the [Sweetgum Swamp Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/sweetgum-swamp-to-blueberry-ridge-trail) — a part of a gentle five-mile hiking trail at Nags Head Woods. But, watch out for fox tracks, frogs, and birds flying overhead! ### **Trail 2: **[**Duck Town Park Boardwalk**](https://www.outerbanks.com/duck-town-park.html)** **(*1200 Duck Rd, Duck*) Winding along the Currituck Sound, this mile-long boardwalk offers peaceful views, cool spots, and an easy access from Duck’s charming village center. Keep an eye out for crabs below the rails, herons overhead, and a perfect sunset from the gazebo. --- *“Everyone comes for the beach, but the trails? That’s where the real Outer Banks shows up.” * *— Local hiker, Duck NC* --- ### **Trail 3: **[**Buxton Woods Nature Trail**](https://www.outerbanks.com/buxton-woods.html)** ***(Lighthouse Rd, Buxton near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse)* This ¾ mile loop leads through a beautiful yet often unnoticed coastal forest, shaded by red bay and live oak.  It’s a peaceful, slightly rugged walk where you might spot deer, lizards, or the occasional woodpecker. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a snap! ![unsplash_photo-1668290817070-4a169f8a0b98](https://www.outerbanks.me/hs-fs/hubfs/unsplash_photo-1668290817070-4a169f8a0b98.jpg?width=873&height=580&name=unsplash_photo-1668290817070-4a169f8a0b98.jpg) **Where to Stay Near the Trail?** [Rentalz](https://www.rentalz.com/) makes it easy to find vacation homes near every stop on your Outer Banks trail map, from cozy cottages in Duck to family favorites in Buxton. The trailhead awaits, and it’s closer than you think!   ### POPULAR POSTS ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Activities (119)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/activities) - [Amusement (107)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/amusement) - [Events (94)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/events) - [Family (62)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/family) - [Around Town (55)](https://www.outerbanks.me/tag/around-town) ![south-carolina-beach-chairs-rainbow-749455-edited.jpg](https://www.outerbanks.me/hs-fs/hubfs/south-carolina-beach-chairs-rainbow-749455-edited.jpg?width=6974&name=south-carolina-beach-chairs-rainbow-749455-edited.jpg "south-carolina-beach-chairs-rainbow-749455-edited.jpg") Contact Us [800-678-9999](tel:800-678-9999)   SIGN UP FOR UPDATES Copyright © 2018 Resortia LLC [Privacy Policy](https://www.charleston.me/privacy)