With the temperate climate, stretches of park, and beautiful maritime forests, the Outer Banks has become a fantsatic spot for cyclists of all experience levels. Whether you're looking for a way to get from Corolla to Duck without having to get out in the traffic or you just want to enjoy some exercise with the smell of salt air and a view of the Wright Brothers Memorial, biking in the Outer Banks can be a fun and rewarding addition to your next Outer Banks vacation. Here are tips and tricks, including bike path maps and other outdoor activity ideas, to make the most of your biking experience on the Outer Banks.
Outer Banks Bike Trails Maps
Corolla Greenway
The Corolla Greenway is a 6'-10' wide path that runs along NC Hwy 12 and offers plenty of space to ride your bike up and down Corolla, from Ocean Sands to Corolla Light. The path is ADA compliant and motorized vehicles are not authorized to use the path, making this the perfect spot to ride your bike and get some exercise while you enjoy the scenery.
Duck Trail
Duck Trail is a 6-mile multi-use path that covers the entire town of duck. It travels through the Village of Duck and continues along Duck Road. Motorized vehicles are prohibited while cyclists are encouraged to the use trail alongside pedestrians and in-line skaters. Markers are posted for each half-mile of the trail and cyclists should ride with the traffic.
Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
The Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve is a large maritime forest area located just off the US 158 Bypass. The multiuse path is maintained by the town of Kitty Hawk and can be easily accessed from David Paul Pruitt Park and Sandy Run Park. Multiple additional trails intersect throughout the reserve, meaning that you will have plenty of outdoor space for cycling as you enjoy the cool breeze and the beautiful forest area.
Colington/Wright Brothers Memorial
While the Wright Brothers Memorial itself does not have a designated bike trail and advises that you only cycle on the pavement (not the walking paths), there is a beautiful bike path just behind the memorial in Colington. Enjoy a nice, forested path and that will take you back into the heart of Kill Devil Hills. This out-and-back trail is near the local school and library.
Nags Head Woods
Nags Head Woods offers a unique dirt road experience that will let you bike straight through the heart of this beautiful maritime forest. Start your ride on Old Nags Head Woods Road and enjoy some classic southern scenery. See spectacular freshwater ponds as well as the Tillett family cemetery at the top of a hill during your ride. There are a few challenging spots, but it is well worth the ride.
Roanoke Island Bike Path
The Roanoke Island Bike/Multi-Use Path is the best way to explore Roanoke Island and downtown Manteo. This paved, 7-mile path runs the entire length of the northern part of the island. Enjoy a trip to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Roanoke Gardens on Mother Vineyard Road, and Roanoke Island Festival Park. Enjoy exploring downtown Manteo while letting the fresh breeze cool you off during your ride!
Outer Banks Bike Rentals
Kitty Hawk Kites - Weekly Bike Rentals
Save on weekly bike rentals with Club Seaside! Weekly bike rentals are normally $50* per bike. You can rent some bikes for just $45* per bike so you can enjoy bike rides with you and your family while visiting the beach! We have a full quiver of adult bicycles, youth bikes, and also bikes with training wheels. You can even upgrade your bicycle rental with locks, baskets, and cup holders. Minimum order for delivery is 2 bikes or $100. NC Sales Tax is not included.
VayKGear Beach Credit
Use your VayKGear Beach Credit on bikes! Seaside Vacations is thrilled to partner with VayKGear to bring you the best quality beach gear on the OBX, delivered to your property on your arrival and picked up hassle-free when you depart! When you stay with Seaside Vacations, in a participating home, with a check-in between April 1, 2023 and October 22, 2023, OR a check-in between March 23, 2024 and October 27, 2024, you will receive a credit towards beach gear during your stay! Offer only available for participating homes. Most homes in the Seaside Vacation' program participate in this offer, so if the property information has a Beach Gear icon in its amenities, you're good to go! The VayKGear Beach Credit offers are only applicable for reservations with a 3-night minimum stay.
Outer Banks Bicycle
Located in Kill Devil Hills, with Outer Banks Bicycle you can rent bikes for your vacation on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. Rentals over $100 receive free delivery and pickup (not applicable to Carova or south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge). They offer plenty of options for your whole family during your stay, including beach cruisers, tandem bikes, and hybrid and carbon road bikes. Child Trailers can be added to your order as well as helmets, baskets, water bottles, and other accessories!
Island Cycles (NH & Hatteras Island)
Looking to rent bicycles during your stay in Nags Head, Salvo, Rodanthe, Waves, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, or Hatteras? Island Cycles has you covered. They are a full-service bike shop, beach store, and beach gear rental company that offers FREE DELIVERY & PICK UP on all orders over $60 to Nags Head and Hatteras Island. Make your reservation for a 10% charge while the rest is not charged until the day of delivery! Free cancellation and changes up to 24 hours before delivery.
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
Ocean Atlantic Rentals offers Outer Banks bicycle rentals for the entire family with multiple sizes of bikes for kids and adults. They also offer kiddie kart trailers, value packages, toddler seats, helmets, locks, lights, and beach cruisers. Daily and weekly rentals available.
Just for the Beach Rentals
Just for the Beach Rentals offers rentals for beach cruisers, fat tire bikes, children's bikes, tricycles, tandem bikes, kiddie carts, helmets, and bicycle baskets. Daily and weekly rentals are available.
Duck Cycle Company
Bikes make vacation better! Enjoy the northern Outer Banks best on two wheels. Duck Cycle Company offers weekly rentals for bikes, beach gear, and more. Delivery available in Duck, Sanderling, Pine Island, and Corolla. Free delivery for orders over $95. Recommended to book at least 3-4 weeks before arrival.
Outer Banks Bicycle Events
Outer Banks Duathlon
Run. Bike. Run. Come join in this exciting OBX Running Co. duathlon and see how well you do! This is a perfect event for you bikers and runners! Fit for any age or skill level, this event will allow you to see the beautiful treasures of Corolla while getting your exercise in for the day! After the race, there will be a catered BBQ cookout to enjoy! All participants will receive fun Finisher Awards! Packet pickup for the event is available the Saturday before race day.
Outer Banks Triathlon
Swim. Bike. Run. Is running a triathlon on your bucket list? You can go ahead and cross it off while on vacation to the Outer Banks when you sign up for this event! If you're looking to get the whole crew involved, don't forget there are relay teams you can sign up for! Whether you are watching or participating, the enthusiasm and excitement are contagious! Now is the perfect time to challenge yourself and enjoy this 2-day event! If you are interested in just being outside and watching, that's okay too! It's going to be a great day to watch athletes accomplish what they have been training for!
Biking Tips & Precautions
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Cyclists should ride on the right and in the same direction as all over vehicle traffic.
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Be sure to obey all traffic signs and signals, including stop signs and stop lights.
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Use hand signals to communicate cycling movements to other drivers & riders.
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Use a front lamp and rear reflector if bicycling at night.
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Ride defensively and wear brightly colored clothing when possible.
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Wear a helmet.
Additional Biking Resources
OBX Gravel Cyclists on Strava
If off-roading is more your style, check out the active OBX Gravel Cyclists group on Stava. Based out of Manteo, this club is "all-are-welcome network for enthusiasts of the amazing discipline of riding bikes off the tarmac (but sometimes on). Post your rides, inquire about group rides."
Dare County Bicycle Map
For a printable resource, the N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Bicycle and Pedstrian Transportation has published this handy resource with information about the area, maps of where to your bicycle, safety tips, and additional visitor resources to help you make the most of your cycling excursions during your next stay on the Outer Banks.
Outdoor Fitness Alternatives to Biking on the Outer Banks
Biking on the Outer Banks can be a blast, but maybe you'd rather do something else to get those fitness minutes in during your vacation. Fortunately, the Outer Banks is known for its spectacular outdoor adventures that will have you coming back year after year to enjoy the temperate weather and the beautiful scenery. Here are some other ways to get outdoors and enjoy the best of the Outer Banks without a bike!
Kayaking
If exploring the Outer Banks by water sounds a little more intriguing than bike, try your hand at kayaking! Whether you want to rent a kayak on your own or take a tour, Kitty Hawk Kites offers four different tours for the ultimate kayaking experience. Explore plenty of unique wildlife on your own or let a local guide tell you about the local history and ecology along the way! Kayaking is definitely both a guest and local favorite so don't let this amazing opportunity get away.
Hiking
While you may normally think about tall mountains and waterfalls when it comes to hiking, there are lots of amazing spots to hike on the Outer Banks! Make your way through multiple coastal reserves and maritime forests for the adventure of a lifetime. From Corolla to Buxton, there's something for every skill level of hiker here on the Outer Banks.
Hang Gliding
Ever wanted to try Hang Gliding? This is the place to do it! Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching people to fly for decades. They offer kids, beginner, intermediate, and advanced instruction for various hang gliding lessons at Jockey's Ridge State Park and in Jarvisburg on your way into town. Seaside Vacations guests are eligible for a discount with Kitty Hawk Kites through Club Seaside, so there's nothing holding you back from living your dreams!
Surfing & Watersports
Wherever you're located on the Outer Banks, from Corolla to Hatteras Island, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up a new hobby! Whether you're looking for surf lessons or want to try your hand at kiteboarding, there's never been a better time to learn a new skill and enjoy everything that the ocean offers all while exercising! Make memories that you'll never forget and have the thrill of a lifetime.
Outer Banks Biking FAQs
Can bikes be delivered to my beach house?
Many bicycle rental companies do offer delivery depending on where you are located. Delivery can often come with a small fee or is sometimes offered free with large orders. Double check with the rental company that you're planning on using before purchasing a bicycle rental. Delivery is least-likely if you are staying in Carova or Hatteras Island. In this case, your bike reservation can be picked up on the way to your vacation rental.
How far in advance should I book my bicycle rental?
While many bike shops and rental companies do offer last-minute options for bicycle rentals, it's easy for things to get filled up, especially during the peak summer months. To ensure that you have enough cycles for everyone in your group, try to book at least a month in advance. This will ensure that you have the properly sized bikes as well as any accessories you may need like lights, baskets, and helmets.
Does the Outer Banks have bike lanes?
Not really. While the Outer Banks does not have strictly designated bike lanes, there is usually enough space on the right side of the road to keep cyclists out of the flow of traffic. Avoid swerving or any other change of direction while riding along the highway. Minors & slow adult bicyclists may ride on sidewalks in some circumstances, but pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks.
BOOK YOUR NEXT OBX ADVENTURE TODAY
Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure, a historic escape, or a quiet retreat in solitude, the Outer Banks is perfect for your next vacation. Check out our Trip Planning Ideas for curated itineraries of fun things you can do during your stay and be sure to read up on beach safety before heading to the beach.
Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
