The Outer Banks are extremely bicycle-friendly. Here are the top 10 places to ride your bike, whether you're a local or just visiting:
- Corolla Greenway: This 12-mile paved trail is perfect for families and casual cyclists. It runs parallel to the beach and offers stunning views of the sound and the dunes.
- Nags Head Multi-Use Path: This 10-mile paved path connects Nags Head and Manteo. It’s a great option for getting around town or exploring the surrounding area.
- Duck and Southern Shores Multi-Use Path: This 10-mile paved path is another great option for families. It’s well-shaded and offers plenty of places to stop and rest.
- Kitty Hawk Woods Trail: This 6-mile unpaved trail is a bit more challenging, but it’s also more scenic. It winds through a dense maritime forest and offers great views of the marsh. Great for the mountain-biking crowd!
- Wright Brothers Memorial Bike Trail: This 2.5-mile paved trail is a must-do for any Outer Banks visitor. It takes you past the Wright Brothers’ first flight site and the nearby dunes.
- Manteo Boardwalk: This 2.5-mile wooden boardwalk is a great place to bike, walk, or rollerblade. It offers stunning views of the sound and the town of Manteo.
- Ocracoke Island Loop: This 12-mile loop takes you around Ocracoke Island. It’s a great way to see the island’s beaches, villages, and wildlife.
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse Trail: This 4-mile paved trail takes you to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. It’s a great option for a scenic bike ride.
- Elizabethan Gardens to Roanoke Island Festival Park: Park at the Elizabethan Gardens for this 3.5-4-mile ride. Ride past the historic Island Farm and get a taste of Downtown Manteo as you make your way over the bridge to the Park. For an interesting variation, take Wingina to Scuppernong and see the oldest cultivated grapevine in North America! This ride is easy enough for families, but note that it is about 8 miles round trip, and that may be a lot for younger children.
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse to Bodie Island Lighthouse: This 42.6-mile ride is for experienced riders who are up for a challenge. Experience various paths covering Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. A one-way ride will take just under four hours, so plan accordingly!
While we’re certainly in the business of sharing local activity information like this, it is also crucial that we stay true to our mission, so here are a few safety tips to consider if you’re out and about:
- Wear a helmet.
- Experienced cyclists should use shoulders instead of multi-use paths when possible.
- Ride on the right side of the road (with traffic), not the left (against traffic).
- Avoid cycling on the bypass due to high traffic.
- If you are riding at night, make sure that you have bright colors and reflective clothing on, as well as bike lights.
- Yield to pedestrians on multi-use paths.
These are just a few of the many great places to ride your bike on the Outer Banks. No matter your skill level or interests, you’re sure to find a perfect place to explore. Be safe, and enjoy the beauty that is the Outer Banks!
