Nags Head Woods Preserve

Quick Bits

Main Activities - Hike, Bike
Distance -  8 miles of trails
Quiet - relatively quiet
Surface - easy - boardwalk, sand, dirt, much ADA
Elevation - relatively flat
Pets - portions of trails permit dogs on leash
Address - 701 West Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Facilities - Restrooms when interpretive center open or Port-a-potty.

In a Nutshell

Eight miles of tranquil and accessible trails make for a delightful day exploring this historic preserve. Terrain includes forest, marsh, sand, and more on the shores of the Roanoke Sound.

Location and Parking

More details

Run by The Nature Conservancy organiztion, Nags Head Woods Preserve is a delight place to wander. With 8 miles of trails and 375 acres, the preserve can keep you busy for a good part of a day. A large portion of the trails are ADA accessible. A couple of the trails have a moderate slope, but overall the trails are very flat. Boardwalks keep your feet dry.  Some trails allow bikes and horses. 

The trails meander throw wetlands, woods of live oak and other trees, fields, an old homestead, and the Roanoke Sound. The websites talk of 100s of species of animals and plants. There is much to hear and see. During my visit I spent 30 minutes watching Osprey fishing. As a maritime forest, it is rare. Much of what was maritime forests on the eastern seaboard of the United States has been developed. Fortunately this preserve protects one of the largest remaining ones. 

Nags Head Woods was once a community in and of itself during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Walking the trails you'll see signs that provide additional information on the history and even better some historical items, including bricks from one of the original homesteads and a cemetery. Some of the gravel roads through the preserve date back as well.

A few things to note. Some trail map placards list accumulated mileage when discussing trails (e.g. to get to Trail 3, you need to first go on Trails 1 & 2 and their mileage is included when listed). Also depending on the season, I highly recommend lathering yourself in insect repellent or risk the mosquitos eating you alive.