Posted on 5/17/2021

Bike Trails In The OBX

Summer is almost here on the OBX

bike propped up at the beach

Since the Outer Banks are so varied, bike trails in the OBX are a great way to experience them all in one trip. From the beaches to the historical sites, there are trails and paths for everyone in this region.

Because of its largely flat terrain, beautiful scenery, and near-constant supply of sea breezes, the Outer Banks are ideal for leisurely cycling. When you visit the Outer Banks, you'll find miles of scenic bike trails just waiting to be discovered! There's something for everyone, including recreational riders, serious cyclists, and the whole family, thanks to the numerous bike paths and big paved shoulders.

Listed below are a few of the best bike trails in various Outer Banks areas. Dream, explore, and discover culture & tourism on a bike this summer and start planning your trip and lodging right away!

Where are the best trails in the Outer Banks?

Couple Bike Riding In The OBX

The Outer Banks community has done an outstanding job of developing multi-use bike trails that are suitable for cycling, walking, and running in collaboration with the NCDOT, local governments, and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. CLICK HERE for a bike trails map.

While you'll almost certainly have to travel on the shoulder of a major highway at some point during your travels, these distances are usually short and manageable for most riders.

Here are our top four recommendations for an unforgettable bike ride:

Scenic

Lighthouse to Lighthouse - Corolla to Nags Head, NC

This ride is intended for those who are reasonably active and willing to take on a challenge. The most direct route, according to Google Maps, is 42.6 miles long and includes cycling along US 158 and the Bypass through the towns of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head.

To find the best route for you, go to the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau website and look at the Corolla to Nags Head charts. For more information about Lighthouses on the Outer Banks visit our page here.

Monuments

The Monument Ride - Kill Devil Hills, NC

The Wright Brothers Monument in Kill Devil Hills is a perfect spot for a bike ride and one of the Outer Banks' most recognizable symbols. The First Flight High School parking lot is the safest place to park during the summer months, but don't park there while school is in session from mid-August to mid-June.

From FFHS, it's hard to overlook the Monument. Turn left at the light onto Colington Road to head north toward the Monument. There is an access road to First Flight Airport, which is the park's back entrance, in around a quarter-mile. The trail loops around the Monument and returns you to the entrance stage. There are no hills on this trip, so it's reasonably simple.

Make sure to bring lots of water!

Family