Outer Banks Nature and Natural Attractions
The main attraction of Hatteras Island is its miles of unspoiled natural beauty, and there are countless ways to enjoy this stunning barrier island at its finest. Take an excursion off the beach, and you’ll discover that there’s a lot to love about the Outer Banks, both on and off the shore.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Bordering NC Highway 12 in between Rodanthe and the Bonner Bridge, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 13 mile long eco-system with over 360 species of birds. With 5,834 acres of land and 25,700 acres of water, and marshy areas, ponds, beaches, and maritime forests in between, the refuge offers multiple opportunities to explore the coastal ecosystem up close and personal. Be sure and bring along a pair of binoculars and a camera to document your wildlife sightings.
Hatteras Island by Kayak
One of the best ways to explore the intricate saltwater canals and miles of Pamlico Sound is by kayak, and there are a number of local shops that offer kayak rentals for an hour, or for the duration of your Outer Banks stay. Some local watersports companies, like Kitty Hawk Kites, also offer guided tours around some of the most scenic stretches of water. Book a family excursion around sunset for a truly exceptional view of Hatteras Island.
Maritime Forest Trails
Home to one of the largest unspoiled maritime forests on the East Coast, the little trails that intertwine around the island are definitely worth exploring. Start with a nature hike along the .75 mile trail adjacent to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, or take a self-guided tour along a scenic soundside area, like the Salvo Day Use Area just north of Salvo. With plenty of birding opportunities, and countless species of beautiful local flora and fauna, a camera is definitely handy to capture your trail blazing adventures.
Playing in the Pamlico Sound
Kiteboarders and windsurfers flock to Hatteras Island, attracted by the miles of sound beaches that provide easy launching points for a breezy adventure flying across the sound waters. But even if you don’t ride the wind, it’s easy to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pamlico Sound. There are countless trails along NC Highway 12 that lead to the sound, and some even have bathrooms and changing facilities, like Canadian Hole in between Avon and Buxton, or the Salvo Day Use Area. Take a long walk along the sound, and you’ll discover a new kind of beach, with live scallops buried in the shoreline, egrets and pelicans diving for their dinner, and leatherback turtles out for a swim.
Whether you decide to enjoy a typical day at the beach, or explore Hatteras Island away from the shore, with miles of wild and unspoiled terrain to enjoy, it’s obvious why visitors will always be naturally attracted to the Outer Banks.