Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

    4.6 (30 reviews)

    Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

    Recommended Reviews - Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    J David H.

    For my 1700th review and sign off of Yelp for now I disclose a sanctuary in the Outer Banks. I've kept this a secret to myself for too long and will share this gem with you all. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is known, but not widely. Its a 800+ acre oasis in an otherwise developed beach town. The hiking experience is phenomenal, it's trails pristine, it's dunes ancient. The extensive ecological preserve in Nags Head North Carolina protects a remarkable range of unique habitats; including forested dunes, interdune ponds, marshes, and wetlands. The preserve offers a welcome natural respite from the busy coastal scene not only for wildlife, but also for humans. It's location off the bypass road MM 9.5 is marked, then it's another several miles deep into the forest prior to arriving at a small parking lot. The park is shielded from the ocean winds by the dune ridges. Nags Head Woods features a diversity of plant and animal life that is unusual to find on a barrier island. Towering oaks, hickories, and beech trees, hundreds of years old, rise from the sand and create a canopy of trees more typical of the mountains of the eastern United States. The history of Nags Head Woods is interesting. The parcel was once a thriving village community with 13 homesites, two churches, a school, a store, farms, a gristmill, and a shingle factory as early as the 1930's. Artifacts remain of village life. A home foundation, cemeteries, and other signs of previous human habitation in the forest are from the Tillet Family. During my hikes over the past decade I've yet to locate the fenced cemetery off trail #5. Over 100 species of birds have been documented at Nags Head Woods. The preserve is an important nesting area for more than 50 species, including green heron, wood duck, red-shouldered hawk, clapper rail, ruby-throated hummingbird. Fifteen species of amphibians and 28 species of reptiles have been documented as well. The freshwater ponds are inhabited by seven species of fish and many reptiles and amphibians. An extensive marsh system bordering Roanoke Sound on the west preserve supports a wealth of wildlife including river otter, egrets, herons, and many species of migratory waterfowl. The preserve was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Protecting its unique habitats was one of the Conservancy's first priorities in North Carolina. Between 1978 and 1986, the Conservancy acquired about 420 acres in the northern section of the forest. Another almost 400 acres was acquired in 1992. When visiting keep in mind a few things. Restrooms are at the trailhead only. Time of the day and weather are important when choosing one of 8 trails. You never want to be caught in the dark or adverse conditions. Length and difficulty of trail your choosing. Maps are at the trail head and color coated, take a pic with your cellphone. There is a gun range on trail #2 that visitors need to stay on trail. Also sign in the guest book, it the only way they keep track of visitors. Finally take everything out that you bring in. There are no trash cans other than the trail head. I am confident you will adore Nags Head Woods.

    Sound View
    Martha L.

    While we love the beach, we wanted to see as much as we could on our trip. The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve did not disappoint and our dogs were able to go too. The walking path took us through a gorgeous wooded area and ended at the Sound. A nice walk and opportunity to learn about local history another great place to visit while in Nags Head.

    wildlife
    Christopher C.

    While there are obviously a lot of cool things you can do in the OBX area for my money the dunes at Jockey's Ridge and the trails here at Nags Head Woods are the best of the best. Our most recent visit was on NYE last year and I really thought no one would be here as temperature wise it was around thirty with a healthy gusting wind but sure enough the lot was filled with tourists galore (I say tourists because almost none of the plates were from NC). Just to reacquaint ourselves we walked over to the HQ building to look at a map which was no problem as the rack was well stocked. It would have been nice to have had an open restroom there but it was no worries as later on we did stumble across a guy taking a leak towards the back half of the Roanoke Trail. Speaking of the Roanoke Trail, we kept it simple by doing what we knew and stuck with this one. If it would have been warmer out we would have covered new ground but not on this trip. The trail was just as beautiful as last time passing the remains of the Tillet family cemetery, the salt marsh, scrub brush, dense forest and finally out to the Roanoke Sound. Aside of that guy taking a leak (he was out with his metal detector searching the beach area since it was low tide along with the wind blowing against the water so a lot of beach area was open that I imagine doesn't get dry too often) we had the whole area to ourselves and made it about an hour until it was just too much. Note that if you come the Yelp map marker for this place is of course in the wrong spot. The entrance to the small parking lot is maybe a half mile or so further down Ocean Acres Drive than where Yelp lists it. In a different life I would try to get them to change it but usually it's a futile effort. It's beautiful, it's free and it's one of the most non-beach things you can probably do while being in the OBX area. Truly a great find. (Thanks JD) www.google.com/maps/place/Nature+Conservancy/@35.9809868,-75.6693165,1256a,35y,39.17t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xedc12c007493b5e!8m2!3d35.9897361!4d-75.6647052

    Wildflowers!
    Brittany B.

    The nature center is temporarily closed but looks really nice. There are a bunch of brochures and sitting areas around the deck. I went on the Sweetgum Swamp to Blueberry Ridge Trail hike (about 4 miles - at about 20 min a mile). It was beautiful! Lots of tree coverage to cut down on some of the heat, well maintained trails, and easy to moderate hikes. The horseflies are no joke so make sure you bring heavy duty bug spray!

    Walking the woods
    Sue T.

    Very nice wildlife preserve we stopped at on a beautiful day. There are several trails you can walk & 2 are dog friendly. There is also a handicapped trail that has a boardwalk the entire way. Very nice! The only 2 problems I encountered was they were working on the parking lot by the visitors center & it was closed. Some information would have been helpful for sure. The trail we did locate (which turns out was the handicapped trail) had nearly no parking. Thankfully we got there early but by the time we left it was a challenge to get out with 3 large SUVs that came in after us. I would stop here again one they have completed their work.

    daniel c.

    Something to do off of the beach and under the shade of many trees. Little bit buggy in places other than that we had a blast tired out my kids.

    Nags Head Woods Preserve, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, USA, April 2017
    Sue T.

    This lovely natural preserve is operated by the Nature Conservancy. There are several nice walks here on shady well-marked paths. Pick up a trail map outside the small headquarters building. The building is not staffed early in the morning but all the trails are open. Topography varies from flat to relatively easy climbs up pine-covered dunes with small ponds tucked here and there. I saw a variety of warblers and other birds. Many trees and plants are labeled, great for visitors unfamiliar with the flora. One path passes an old family graveyard and the last remains of the foundation of a house. A boardwalk crosses a marsh leading to the sound and has a couple of benches for enjoying the view.

    Bernice R.

    Beautiful. Great trails, nothing back breaking. Take a break from the sun, dogs welcome

    ADA trail
    Gabrielle H.

    To start off, we wanted to hike trail 5 because we expected a great view which was not too strenuous. We got there and it was closed due to a controlled burn, so instead we settled for trail 4 & 6. On the ADA wheelchair accessible trail, there were large trucks blocking that entrance deeming it non wheelchair accessible. Though it was a nice loop, short and pretty with some turtles hanging out in the pond. Trail 4 was halfway closed but more woodsy, not a lot of the sound visible, however, relaxing and nice to have good talks with friends. Then trail 4 let out around the entrance of trail 5, and we got the okay from a worker that it was fine to hike. Trail 5 led to a little beach by the sound which was very pretty (as seen in pictures). We were able to picnic at the visitors center as well which was very peaceful right next to the swampy pond area. We were very happy that in the end we were able to complete our hike with trail 5 and look out over the water!

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 67
    Thanks 0
    Love this 62
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Beautiful trails, easily followed. Several options that interlock with each other. Can't wait to do trails 3-6 next time!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of daniel c.
    2
    111
    20

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Real ..
    0
    184
    54

    4 years ago

    Fairly pleasant preserve. However, there were confusing trail markers/directionals. We gave up and went elsewhere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Great place to visit and learn more about the local area has several walking paths to explore

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of James M.
    724
    20
    18

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kate S.
    45
    26
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Always one of our favorite hikes! We love the audio tour! It's a great history lesson and beautiful walk.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Ecological preserve @ outer banks nags head nc-magnificent:) (@ Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve)

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Al P.
    120
    1
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

    Review Highlights - Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

    It's still not very long and pretty easy, but this was the closest to a real hike that we found in the Outer Banks.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 163 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Jockey's Ridge State Park - View

    Jockey's Ridge State Park

    4.7(201 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    I actually hadn't heard of Jockey's Ridge, so I certainly wasn't prepared to hike it! I was wearing…read morea pair of slides, which made some parts of the trek challenging; I do not recommend (make sure you were proper footwear because the sand does get HOT). However, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic. On some portions of the hike, I opted to take make my slides off; it was easier than continuously digging them out of the sand. Nevertheless, it was a great experience. I love opportunities to visit state parks and enjoy nature. This was a wonderful way to get my feet in the sand, while also viewing some greenery, and I was rewarded by ocean views for making the journey. It's a beautiful place ans experience that I hope to get again.

    Jockey's Ridge State Park is one of the best spots to visit in the Outer Banks. The massive dunes…read moreare incredible to see and fun for kids to climb, run around, or roll down. It's the tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast, and the views from the top are amazing, especially at sunset. The visitor center has some neat exhibits about the history and ecology of the dunes, and the rangers are helpful with tips on where to go. People are out there flying kites or even taking hang gliding lessons, which makes it a lively place. Admission is free and it's a unique experience you don't want to miss.

    Photos
    Jockey's Ridge State Park
    Jockey's Ridge State Park - Like an endless desert!

    Like an endless desert!

    Jockey's Ridge State Park - Deserted putt-putt castle

    See all

    Deserted putt-putt castle

    Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...