It’s official! Fall is here, which means back to school, or in many cases, back to remote learning.
Need a field trip? While the relaxing and picturesque beaches are usually the appeal of the OBX, there more to these barrier islands than just sun, sand, and waves. Get out of the house and head to the Outer Banks to learn about and explore the beautiful natural areas that make this area truly magical and offer a little bit of that autumn allure.
Nags Head Woods Preserve
Directly next to the hustle and bustle of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head you’ll find Nags Head Woods Preserve, one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast. This area is part of The Nature Conservancy and was once a thriving village community. Now it is home to well-maintained trails which allow outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to walk beneath towering trees and discover unique habitats, plants and animals. The trails vary in levels of difficulty, and one is fully ADA compliant, so everyone has access to this hidden gem.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Many folks might not know that alligators, red wolves and black bears call Dare County home. Try your luck at spotting these and other wildlife by taking a short drive west to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on the mainland. Bring binoculars to look for black bears from your vehicle on the Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive, a network of roads roughly 15 miles long. Take a walk and search for birds and other animals from Creef Cut and Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trails. Bring along a kayak for a floating adventure down the Milltail Paddling Trails.
Buxton Woods Reserve
Part of the NC Coastal Reserve, Buxton Woods is a one-of-a-kind forest on Hatteras Island. A unique variety of plant and animal species can be found here, including bald eagles and river otters. Hiking trails invite visitors to explore beneath live oaks and red cedars. In the fall, you may find a wide variety of migratory bird species using Buxton Woods as a resting place
Remember, when visiting these spaces always stay on the trails to protect natural features and take everything out that you brought in. Leave only footprints!
Want to stay a while? Sun has vacation rental options from 3 days to 3+ months! Browse our accommodations or call one of our Vacation Specialists at 888-853-7759 for more information.