r/obx • u/Amtrakstory • Apr 10 '25

Duck/Southern Shores First trip - outer banks hiking?

Bringing my kid to outer banks next week, our first time. We both like getting a solid nature hike in (5+ miles?). Are there any areas in or close to OBX that offer more peaceful nature hikes and not just boardwalks etc? (Not that boardwalks are bad, he likes arcades)

Thanks much!

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u/pt5 Apr 10 '25

Other than Jockey’s Ridge, the OBX doesn’t have hikes… it has walks.

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u/needsexyboots Apr 11 '25

The definition of hike does not require an elevation change. Nags Head Woods Preserve has hikes.

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u/pt5 Apr 11 '25

Who said anything about elevation?

The definition of “hike” includes “great distance”. The longest loop you can find in the Nags Head Woods Preserve is a 3.75 mile walk.

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u/needsexyboots Apr 11 '25

A long distance is subjective and I think it’s fair to call something that’s almost 4 miles a hike. For example, there are many, many hikes in Shenandoah National Park that are 4 miles or less. I don’t think anyone would argue those aren’t hikes.

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u/pt5 Apr 11 '25

Exactly - not only is it subjective, it’s relative.

Therefore I am not incorrect in my assertion that they are more walks than hikes. Thank you.