Things to Do in Hatteras: Running & Walking

Running and walking for exercise are two of the favorite things to do in Hatteras. What could be more enjoyable than running, walking and hiking on Hatteras Island? This flat island is perfect for these activities as long as you find the right place to do them. The 70 miles of beach are great for running and walking, and there are fabulous hiking trails in many areas. Road running and walking is best on the side streets or along the paved bike paths in Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo and Avon; running and walking is not recommended on busy N.C. Highway 12 between the villages.

Buxton Woods – National Park Service Nature Trail

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

Near the lighthouse on the National Park Service grounds is a 3/4-mile trail through the maritime forest of Buxton Woods. From N.C. Highway 12, turn onto Lighthouse Road and continue around the curve to the right past the lighthouse. The trailhead is on the right at the picnic area. A pine needle-covered path leads back into the forest. Along the way there are informational signs...read more

Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

Buxton Woods is one of the largest remaining maritime forests in the Southeast. It consists of pine- and oak-covered dune ridges interspersed with maritime swamp forest and unique marshy wetlands known locally as sedges. It’s a very rare global ecosystem, and most visitors don’t even realize it exists. The North Carolina Coastal Reserve, a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, maintains more than 1,000...read more

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

If one thing represents all of Hatteras Island, it has to be the famous black-and-white, spiral-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The lighthouse has become the icon of the island, representing the hopeful, stalwart, survivalist attitude that is so pervasive among the people of Hatteras. This is one of the most famous lighthouses in the nation, especially since it survived a controversial, precarious move in 1999. The...read more

Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

The Native American history of Hatteras Island and the Native American culture of our nation are preserved at this must-see museum in Frisco. The building, with one section dating back to 1880, is much larger than it appears from the outside and includes a nationally recognized collection of artifacts, exhibits and natural history displays. Galleries filled with native art, pottery, weavings, baskets, weaponry, jewelry, stone work and...read more

Hatteras Island Park Store

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

The Hatteras Island Park Store is located on the grounds of Cape Hatteras Light Station. No visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete without a stop at the Park Store for seashore-related gifts. Lots of parking and restrooms are on site. The Hatteras Island Park Store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas.read more

Hatteras Village Park

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

Hatteras Village Park is a nature preserve with a trail that winds through a maritime forest and salt marsh. You'll see high marsh and tidal marsh and cross an elevated boardwalk. Self-guided booklets will point out the plants and animals you might see. Parking and bike racks are available. read more

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

Contact info

The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes, protects and promotes America’s most outstanding roadways. With its picturesque lighthouses, rolling sand dunes, stunning beaches, brackish marshes, thriving wildlife and unique maritime culture, the landscape of the Outer Banks certainly meets the definition of outstanding. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway’s north entrance is at Whalebone Junction in Nags Head, which is also the northernmost entrance to Cape...read more

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

The refuge’s visitor center, located on the northern end of Hatteras Island about 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet, is a good place to start a Pea Island visit. It gives an introduction to the ecosystems and wildlife of the refuge and the activities that are permissible there. You may also pick up informational brochures and trail maps. Restrooms and parking are available. You may...read more

Salvo Day Use Area

Running, Walking & Hiking in Hatteras

Contact info

This is a very cool spot for hanging out by the sound. It got a little beat up in Hurricane Irene, but it’s been fixed up now. When you turn in, head to the right to the northwest corner of the lot. There you’ll find a parking area next to a small cemetery. The sound beach is a superb spot for fishing, launching a kite...read more