Nags Head Woods Preserve, also known as Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, is made up of 1,400 acres of maritime forest. The preserve is ecologically diverse, and a line of inland sand ridges protects the forest from the winds of the Outer Banks. The preserve is mainly comprised of four distinct communities: swamp forest, deciduous forest, shrub forest, and interdune ponds. Beech trees, hickory trees, and towering oaks create a canopy of trees. Some of these trees are even hundreds of years old.
Nags Head Woods Preserve is home to more than 300 species of plants. While some of the plant life is common, some of the species found in the preserve are considered to be rare. In the spring and summer, water violets, wooly beach heather, and southern tway-blade orchids can be found blooming in the area.
The area is also an ideal habitat for different species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition, the preserve is a nesting area for more than 50 species of birds. Some of these species include summer tanagers, ruby-throated hummingbirds, green herons, clapper rails, wood ducks, red-shouldered hawks, and pileated woodpeckers. In addition, the western side of the preserve features a marsh system that borders Roanoke Sound. This marsh system is home to additional wildlife, such as egrets, otters and a variety of waterfowl.
Run Hill and Jockey's Ridge are two of the biggest active sand dunes on the East Coast. They both run along the borders of the preserve and offer visitors another opportunity to see something unique. Run Hill runs along the northern border of the preserve, and Jockey's Ridge can be found at the preserve's southern border. As northeasterly winds blow, both dunes change shape and are constantly moving. Jockey's Ridge is the largest sand dune system on the East Coast and spans roughly 420 acres.
With over 5 miles of self-guided hiking trails, the preserve offers trails for every hiker, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The trails are open for foot traffic only. Bikes, horses, and dogs are not permitted on the trails, although they are allowed on the gravel roadway. Trails featured at the preserve include: Nags Head Town Trail, Blueberry Ridge Trail, Center Trail, Discovery Trail, Roanoke Trail, and Sweetgum Swamp Trail.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, Nags Head Woods was a village community that included farms, two churches, a store, a school, a shingle factory, and 13 homes. As a result, the preserve is also host to some of the cultural history of the Outer Banks. Artifacts from the village community still exist, such as cemeteries and a home foundation.
Located in Dare County at the end of Ocean Acres Drive in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Nags Head Woods Preserve is managed by the North Carolina Nature Conservancy. In 1974, the preserve became a National Natural Landmark. Those wishing to visit the preserve are asked to sign in at the Visitors Center. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk daily. The preserve is offers guests the opportunity to hike, watch birds, and more. Parking is available, and there are restrooms on the premises. Anyone interested in additional information about the preserve can call 252-441-2525.
