Run Hill State Natural Area

If you're familiar with the Outer Banks, North Carolina, or anything aviation-history related, you are probably aware of Jockey's Ridge (read my post about this amazing North Carolina State Park here).  However, despite having vacationed in the Outer Banks for decades, we had never visited, much less even heard of this slightly smaller, but equally amazing natural area composed of just over 120 acres of sand dunes.  Established in 1995, Run Hill State Natural Area exists just a few miles up the road from Jockey's Ridge to the north, and just south of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which can actually be seen from the dunes on a clear day.

​With no visitor center, no designated parking lot, and no identifying information other than a somewhat obscured sign, Run Hill is certainly considered off the beaten path, which makes it so worth a visit.  While we visited during the off season, you can bet that even during the busiest of summer months, you won't encounter many other people here. 

After parking and setting foot on the trail, you will be immediately greeted by a steep slope.  It's short, but lots of loose sand can make getting up this little hill quite difficult.  Once at the top, you will be able to spot the Wright Brothers Memorial.  With no officially marked trails, you are free to wonder the area as desired.  Along the way, you will encounter open spaces of sand dunes, deciduous trees, patches of ground cover and even some freshwater ponds.  Keep an eye out for wildlife, including many bird species, turtles, snakes, raccoons, foxes, and more.  Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is adjacent to the area, and stretches all the way to Jockey's Ridge, providing a continuous tract of natural land for plant and animal species in the area.

With close to 2 million visitors a year at Jockey's Ridge, I guarantee you'll want to check out this spot that remains a secret amongst the locals.

How to Get There:
Located just behind First Flight Middle School, the area can be access by parking at the school and hiking towards the dunes. 

However, the easiest way to get there is to turn onto Landing Street from S. Croatan Highway.  If you're coming from the south, turn left, and turn right if coming from the north.  Drive to the end of Landing Street and turn right onto 10th Ave.  At the end of the road is a small shoulder where you can park, across from the sign.

Pro Tip:
Because there are no designated paths or trail markers, it could be easy to get disoriented while you are exploring.  Make a note of certain landmarks, such as the Wright Brothers Memorial or the large electrical lines that cross the middle of the dunes.  The Memorial is located to the north and the lines run north to south.