Great find while staying in Nags Head! We walked here from Dowdy park. Next time we will drive and park in the lot since they have marked hiking trails. Lovely views of flora and fauna. Bring bug spray, sun screen, and water! read more

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve - Parks Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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Beautiful views. Bring serious bug spray and a camera. I wish they marked the beginning of the trails and paths better. I mean even some spray on the trees would work! read more

This is the best place to hike in the Outer Banks in my opinion. I realize most people don't come to the Outer Banks to hike, but we aren't really sit on the beach all day type of people, so we found lots of trails. This is a pretty big area and had the longest trails for us to hike. We did the Center Trail, Sweetgum Swamp Trail, and Blueberry Ridge Trail. They all connect and it's about 3.7 miles total. It's still not very long and pretty easy, but this was the closest to a real hike that we found in the Outer Banks. The green ponds are really pretty in the marshy areas. It's entirely wooded (as the name suggests). If you're looking to do something more active on your trip, I recommend stopping here. read more

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For my 1700th review and sign off of Yelp for now I disclose a sanctuary in the Outer Banks. I've kept this a secret to myself for too long and will share this gem with you all. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is known, but not widely. Its a 800+ acre oasis in an otherwise developed beach town. The hiking experience is phenomenal, it's trails pristine, it's dunes ancient. The extensive ecological preserve in Nags Head North Carolina protects a remarkable range of unique habitats; including forested dunes, interdune ponds, marshes, and wetlands. The preserve offers a welcome natural respite from the busy coastal scene not only for wildlife, but also for humans. It's location off the bypass road MM 9.5 is marked, then it's another several miles deep into the forest prior to arriving at a small parking lot. The park is shielded from the ocean winds by the dune ridges. Nags Head Woods features a diversity of plant and animal life that is unusual to find on a barrier island. Towering oaks, hickories, and beech trees, hundreds of years old, rise from the sand and create a canopy of trees more typical of the mountains of the eastern United States. The history of Nags Head Woods is interesting. The parcel was once a thriving village community with 13 homesites, two churches, a school, a store, farms, a gristmill, and a shingle factory as early as the 1930's. Artifacts remain of village life. A home foundation, cemeteries, and other signs of previous human habitation in the forest are from the Tillet Family. During my hikes over the past decade I've yet to locate the fenced cemetery off trail #5. Over 100 species of birds have been documented at Nags Head Woods. The preserve is an important nesting area for more than 50 species, including green heron, wood duck, red-shouldered hawk, clapper rail, ruby-throated hummingbird. Fifteen species of amphibians and 28 species of reptiles have been documented as well. The freshwater ponds are inhabited by seven species of fish and many reptiles and amphibians. An extensive marsh system bordering Roanoke Sound on the west preserve supports a wealth of wildlife including river otter, egrets, herons, and many species of migratory waterfowl. The preserve was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Protecting its unique habitats was one of the Conservancy's first priorities in North Carolina. Between 1978 and 1986, the Conservancy acquired about 420 acres in the northern section of the forest. Another almost 400 acres was acquired in 1992. When visiting keep in mind a few things. Restrooms are at the trailhead only. Time of the day and weather are important when choosing one of 8 trails. You never want to be caught in the dark or adverse conditions. Length and difficulty of trail your choosing. Maps are at the trail head and color coated, take a pic with your cellphone. There is a gun range on trail #2 that visitors need to stay on trail. Also sign in the guest book, it the only way they keep track of visitors. Finally take everything out that you bring in. There are no trash cans other than the trail head. I am confident you will adore Nags Head Woods. read more

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Beautiful trails, easily followed. Several options that interlock with each other. Can't wait to do trails 3-6 next time!

While we love the beach, we wanted to see as much as we could on our trip. The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve did not disappoint and our dogs were able to go too. The walking path took us through a gorgeous wooded area and ended at the Sound. A nice walk and opportunity to learn about local history another great place to visit while in Nags Head. read more

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve - Sound View - Parks Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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A very large area, offering a variety of hikes both in length and difficulty. I agree with a fellow reviewer, "If you're looking for something more active (and free) to do on your trip, I recommend checking this area out". We did the Center Trail and the Sweetgum Swamp Trail, which connected and looped together to offer an about 3.7 miles hike. The trails were very pretty, as the path changed terrain (woods, swamp, and sand paths) also changing from flat path to uphill giving us a scenic workout. IMPORTANT NOTE: BRING BUG SPRAY! And beware snakes. Also, make sure you grab the trail maps so you can check out which of the looping trail paths you want to commit to. read more

While there are obviously a lot of cool things you can do in the OBX area for my money the dunes at Jockey's Ridge and the trails here at Nags Head Woods are the best of the best. Our most recent visit was on NYE last year and I really thought no one would be here as temperature wise it was around thirty with a healthy gusting wind but sure enough the lot was filled with tourists galore (I say tourists because almost none of the plates were from NC). Just to reacquaint ourselves we walked over to the HQ building to look at a map which was no problem as the rack was well stocked. It would have been nice to have had an open restroom there but it was no worries as later on we did stumble across a guy taking a leak towards the back half of the Roanoke Trail. Speaking of the Roanoke Trail, we kept it simple by doing what we knew and stuck with this one. If it would have been warmer out we would have covered new ground but not on this trip. The trail was just as beautiful as last time passing the remains of the Tillet family cemetery, the salt marsh, scrub brush, dense forest and finally out to the Roanoke Sound. Aside of that guy taking a leak (he was out with his metal detector searching the beach area since it was low tide along with the wind blowing against the water so a lot of beach area was open that I imagine doesn't get dry too often) we had the whole area to ourselves and made it about an hour until it was just too much. Note that if you come the Yelp map marker for this place is of course in the wrong spot. The entrance to the small parking lot is maybe a half mile or so further down Ocean Acres Drive than where Yelp lists it. In a different life I would try to get them to change it but usually it's a futile effort. It's beautiful, it's free and it's one of the most non-beach things you can probably do while being in the OBX area. Truly a great find. (Thanks JD) www.google.com/maps/place/Nature+Conservancy/@35.9809868,-75.6693165,1256a,35y,39.17t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xedc12c007493b5e!8m2!3d35.9897361!4d-75.6647052 read more

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The nature center is temporarily closed but looks really nice. There are a bunch of brochures and sitting areas around the deck. I went on the Sweetgum Swamp to Blueberry Ridge Trail hike (about 4 miles - at about 20 min a mile). It was beautiful! Lots of tree coverage to cut down on some of the heat, well maintained trails, and easy to moderate hikes. The horseflies are no joke so make sure you bring heavy duty bug spray! read more

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Very nice wildlife preserve we stopped at on a beautiful day. There are several trails you can walk & 2 are dog friendly. There is also a handicapped trail that has a boardwalk the entire way. Very nice! The only 2 problems I encountered was they were working on the parking lot by the visitors center & it was closed. Some information would have been helpful for sure. The trail we did locate (which turns out was the handicapped trail) had nearly no parking. Thankfully we got there early but by the time we left it was a challenge to get out with 3 large SUVs that came in after us. I would stop here again one they have completed their work. read more

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve - Walking the woods - Parks Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Something to do off of the beach and under the shade of many trees. Little bit buggy in places other than that we had a blast tired out my kids. read more

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This lovely natural preserve is operated by the Nature Conservancy. There are several nice walks here on shady well-marked paths. Pick up a trail map outside the small headquarters building. The building is not staffed early in the morning but all the trails are open. Topography varies from flat to relatively easy climbs up pine-covered dunes with small ponds tucked here and there. I saw a variety of warblers and other birds. Many trees and plants are labeled, great for visitors unfamiliar with the flora. One path passes an old family graveyard and the last remains of the foundation of a house. A boardwalk crosses a marsh leading to the sound and has a couple of benches for enjoying the view. read more

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve - Nags Head Woods Preserve, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, USA, April 2017 - Parks Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Fairly pleasant preserve. However, there were confusing trail markers/directionals. We gave up and went elsewhere.

Great place to visit and learn more about the local area has several walking paths to explore

Beautiful. Great trails, nothing back breaking. Take a break from the sun, dogs welcome read more

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve - Parks Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Great two hour or so excursion if you are visiting Outer Banks. Quite a few short trails that go thru the forests and swamps of the Outer Banks - landscape you will almost never see from the main drag. The trails are very well done with some nice boardwalks. There may be ticks and are definitely mosquitoes so be prepared for that. read more

This is a wonderful hidden treasure in the Outer Banks. We have a toddler and were just looking for something to do on a very hot day once said toddler was bored of being on the beach. The Nature Preserve was a little hard to find (only one sign on N Croatan Hiway, and then you have to drive through a residential neighborhood), but it was worth looking for. It's a beautiful little place, full of natural beauty. The staff at the conservancy were amazing, taking the time to show our daughter the various critters they had (crabs, turtles, a snake, and other woodland creatures). The trails are all well shaded, and the short trails are perfect hiking distance for a 21 month-old toddler (there are plenty of little loops that take you over bridges, all under half a mile). If you prefer to do longer hikes, there is supposedly a really nice one that takes you out to the sound. This is a great place for kids if you're looking for something easy and different from the beach. Definitely recommend it! We didn't have ours, but you could easily take a jogging stroller on the shorter loop trails. A regular stroller would not work though. Also, be aware that you are in nature so there are plenty of ticks and mosquitoes. Make sure to do a thorough tick check once you're done here. read more

Nice place for a walk when you're visiting the Outer Banks. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because their signage is confusing. The map & website say that dogs are allowed on three of the trails. The sign at the visitors center says dogs are not allowed. We took ours, and hoped we wouldn't get in trouble. The trails are pretty and well marked. One of the ones we took, took us to the water. It was a beautiful day, so that was enjoyable. There was also a graveyard in the middle of the woods. Random, but very cool. Definitely worth checking out! read more

To start off, we wanted to hike trail 5 because we expected a great view which was not too strenuous. We got there and it was closed due to a controlled burn, so instead we settled for trail 4 & 6. On the ADA wheelchair accessible trail, there were large trucks blocking that entrance deeming it non wheelchair accessible. Though it was a nice loop, short and pretty with some turtles hanging out in the pond. Trail 4 was halfway closed but more woodsy, not a lot of the sound visible, however, relaxing and nice to have good talks with friends. Then trail 4 let out around the entrance of trail 5, and we got the okay from a worker that it was fine to hike. Trail 5 led to a little beach by the sound which was very pretty (as seen in pictures). We were able to picnic at the visitors center as well which was very peaceful right next to the swampy pond area. We were very happy that in the end we were able to complete our hike with trail 5 and look out over the water! read more

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Amazing place great for a walk, they have several nice trails including one that's Handicap accessible.. they also have educational programs & a nice meeting spot for non profits.. lots of frogs this time of year read more

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve - Parks Near Me - Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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What a nice spot in OBX! We appreciated the accurate trail ratings and that one was ADA-accessible. Trails 4 and 6 were great for a toddler and pregnant lady -- short, shady, lots to see, informative signage. We will be back to explore more trails next time! read more

Always one of our favorite hikes! We love the audio tour! It's a great history lesson and beautiful walk.

The Nature Conservancy owns this preserve. There are some hiking trails (beware of ticks), and there are some offices on the property. I could not get a map of the preserve, but the trails were easy enough to follow and get back to the parking area. This is a little place that's off the main roads. read more

Wonderful natural area tucked away in an almost hidden area of the island. If you enjoy walking, hiking or even running on trails throug a beautiful, quiet, serene, natural area with woods, dunes, bogs, and lots of wildlife you owe it to yourself to visit the Nags Head Woods Preserve the next time you visit the Outer Banks. Just a short drive up Ocean Acres Drive from the 158 Bypass. read more

Such a nice break from the beach even though thats what most people come for. It was nice to get to do something different and stretch our legs. The trails are well maintained and marked and not too hard. They are dog friendly and the staff is so knowledgeable and friendly. Could use more parking and an outside bathroom for when the office is closed but I love this little gem of diversity. Make sure you carve a little time for a walk in nature or go to one of the programs! read more

Best natural wonder of the outer banks. A rare representation of the beauty this island once embodied, before tacky crap littered the landscape. read more

Not what I expected. I'm from virginia and the only thing we have that attack as aggressively as the flies and Mosquitos are called hornets. I'll give the flies credit tho even slapping them doesn't slow them down unless you kill them. Once the trail turns into what we call in Virginia a power line we gave up and fought out way back to the car. We're not from around here so maybe they have some kinda spray or gasoline product to keep stuff from chewing on you as you admire the high voltage power lines over head. read more

Ecological preserve @ outer banks nags head nc-magnificent:) (@ Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve)

So wonderful. I didn't know what to expect but it was amazing. The scenery changes so much it was amazing. Highly recommend it, it's a awesome thing to add to your trip. It's a change to the beach feel. Just beware of snakes haha. read more

Great activity if you're looking for something outdoorsy that's not the beach. We did the Swwetgum and Blueberry Trails and it took us less than 2 hours. Bring bug spray and water! read more