Before Word Gets Out, Visit North Carolina’s Newest Hiking Trail

Jockey's Trail is a new nature attraction in North Carolina. The impressive yet easy 50-mile hiking route begins at Jockey's Ridge State Park and ends at the False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach. This four-day commitment to beautiful coastlines, pretty parks, and historic landmarks is the perfect investment into a well-deserved break from life's stressors. And the best part — the immersive journey requires us to only carry the basics as hotels, campsites, and other amenities are handy. But don't mistake this route as one to exchange for driving, as some of these Outer Banks sites can only be found on foot. Let's see where this guided natural tour takes us.

The trail travels through Nags Head Woods Preserve, the Wright Brothers Memorial, the Duck Boardwalk, Historic Corolla Park, and the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.

The end of the trail is marked in Carova, South of False Cape near the Virginia/North Carolina state line.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is always a serene place to visit and an excellent way to build momentum at the beginning of this expedition.

For specific directions turn by turn, visit the The OBX Way resource page.

Trek along covered pathways, wooded trails, and boardwalks on the 10-, 13- and 14-mile stages

Jockey’s Trail was designed as a safe, accessible, and educational route by The OBX Way, a nonprofit organization based in Kill Devil Hills.

See such fascinating monuments along the way as the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Take a break in front of unforgettable scenery and historic landmarks.

And when the wild horses show up, we'll be glad we made the effort.

Celebrate along the way for making it this far.

Even if we walk some of the hike, a visit to this new nature attraction in North Carolina is a worthwhile endeavor. For pointers on what to bring, consult OnlyInYourState's Ultimate Hiking Packing List.

And discover how to participate in North Carolina's upcoming celebration of its 2,000+ trails on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, on the Great Trails State Day website.