Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Outer Banks Extreme Landscape, Oceanfront to Wooded Wonderland

Nags Head Woods
 Entering Nags Head Woods is almost as if walking into a wooded wonderland, a very big contrast from the small rolling sand dunes of the Atlantic Ocean seaside. 

The Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods consists of 1,400 acres of maritime forest and a diversity of life. This location is only a half-mile from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Standing watch high on ancient ridges, that are protected from the ocean winds, Oak, Hickory, Beech, and Pine trees tower into the sky. People are surprised at the extremely diverse landscape, reminding many of  mountainous topography.

The ponds welcome River Otter, Herons, and many other animals and creatures not typically found so near the oceanfront. Deer, Raccoons, Squirrel, Turtles, and more have been spotted while hiking the trails.

Pets are allowed on specific trails of the Nature Conservancy. 
Four of the eight trails are pet-friendly. The pet-friendly trails are:

#4 Discovery Trail
#5 Roanoke Trail
#6 ADA Trail (Americans with Disabilities Act)
#7 Nags Head Town Trail

You can view a pdf of the "Nags Head Woods Preserve" / "Trail Guide" at:

Nags Head Woods sound view
Pets are also allowed on Old Nags Head Woods Road, a dirt road that has vehicle and foot traffic that runs through the Nags Head Woods Preserve. The photographs attached were taken from Old Nags Head Road. Visitors with pampered pet companions can certainly enjoy and explore this wooded wonderland. 

The Nature Conservancy, Nags Head Woods 
701 Ocean Acres Dr.
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-2525

The Nature Conservancy includes property in the Town of Nags Head & the Town of Kill Devil Hills, NC. Pets must be leashed at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
A Truly Fantastic Forest to Explore.