The Best Outdoor Adventures on Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island Outdoor Adventures

Ocracoke Island is a 16-mile-long barrier island on the North Carolina coast that is perfect for outdoor adventures. Most of the island is preserved as a national seashore. Therefore, its remote beauty is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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A Little About Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island is one of the pencil-thin barrier islands between the Atlantic Ocean and the sounds around the North Carolina coast. Part of the Outer Banks, these islands take the brunt of storms moving toward the mainland. Hurricanes live in lore and the present-day conversations because of the destruction they have visited on the Outer Banks.

Ocracoke Island, at the end of the last Ice Age, used to be 25 miles offshore on the edge of the continental shelf. As waves washed over the island for centuries, causing sand to deposit on the lea of the island, it has migrated landward. Marine geologists speculate that the shifting long, thin island ran into a round island and fused. This land protuberance on the island is the location of the historic Ocracoke Village.

Ocracoke Island History

Throughout its existence, Ocracoke has been a site for fishing. Native Americans, including the Woccon and Croatan tribes, visited in the summers to harvest the rich bounty of seafood. Commercial and sport fishing to this day have defined the identity of the Ocracoke. As the access to the island increased, tourism took over as the major industry. Yet, unlike many of the other barrier islands of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke has maintained its simple charm and natural beauty.

Most of Ocracoke was designated as part of the first National Seashore system in 1953. Cape Hatteras National Seashore preserves everything with the exception of the village of Ocracoke. There are beaches, salt marsh, maritime forests, and dunes. These diverse environments are perfect for a multitude of outdoor adventures on Ocracoke Island.

The pirate Blackbeard sailed these waters leaving a trail of thievery and destruction. Also known as Edward Teach, Blackbeard was ambushed and killed off the coast of Ocracoke. Teach’s Hole off Springer’s Point was Blackbeard’s favorite anchoring spot. It holds on to the name today.

Logistics of Visiting Ocracoke Island for Outdoor Adventures

Four ferry lines bring people and cars to the island. The Hatteras Ferry is free and takes about one hour to cross the Hatteras Inlet. It runs every 30 minutes and is first come-first served. Swan Quarter Ferry takes about 2.5 hours to cross Pamlico Sound. It has a reasonable toll ($15 for car and passengers) and you need reservations. Cedar Island Ferry takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. It is also a toll ferry with reservations needed.

The Swan Quarter and Cedar Island Ferry both dock in Silver Lake in the village of Ocracoke. If you are not bringing a car, the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry will be your best choice. Conversely, the Hatteras Ferry lands on the north end of the island requiring a drive to get to the village.

Biking Outdoor Adventures on Ocracoke Island

Biking on Ocracoke Island is the best way to see the natural highlights of this magnificent barrier island on the coast of North Carolina. While visiting for 6 days in April, we parked our car for the entire time and used our bikes to see the sights.

Bikes can be rented at multiple places around town for about $20 a day. Some rental properties include use of bikes.

Bike to the Banker Ponies

For a fun destination, consider a bike ride to see the Ocracoke horses. The horses were once free-roaming over the island. However, when the road was paved in 1959, the horses were penned to protect them from traffic. The National Park Service takes care of them now.

They are called the Banker Ponies due to their small size and their wanderings on the Outer Banks. They figure in the history of Ocracoke for their work in patrol and rescue missions of the Coast Guard. Additionally, the Boy Scouts of Ocracoke broke and trained the horses making them the first mounted troop in the US.

The ride from the village is about 7 miles one way on Irvin Garrish Highway. It’s flat and partially on the bike path, but you’ll notice the headwinds in one direction. It’s certainly possible on a one-speed beach bike. However, having a few gears on your bike will make the ride more pleasant in face of a headwind. You can also visit the Pony Pens Beach across the road.

Bike to the Sights of Ocracoke Island

Take a bike ride to see the prominent sights around Ocracoke village. The premier destination is the Ocracoke Lighthouse on Lighthouse Road. It’s the second oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. The creamy white tower still operates to protect boats from becoming part of what’s called the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” off-shore.

The backroads of the village reveal the true charm of Ocracoke. Ride under the gnarly live oaks on Howard Street to go back in time. Family graveyards dot the road, future adding to the historic beauty of the area.

The British Cemetery on the road of the same name is another great cycling destination. You will see the gravesites of four British sailors washed ashore after their ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine in WW2. The entire British crew of 37 is commemorated for their valor in protecting US shores.

Related post -> 18 Best Bike Trails in the United States

Hiking Outdoor Adventures on Ocracoke Island

Bird Watching at Springer’s Point

Springer’s Point Preserve is the highest point on Ocracoke and is a marvelous mix of ecosystems. The trails roam through the maritime forest with live oak and red cedar, down to the beach on Pamlico Sound. A tidal estuary on the property is home to ibis, herons, and egrets. We also saw snakes, raccoons, an osprey, and lots of oysters.

Shorebirds skitter in the surf on the beach or poke in the sand for food. Warblers flit around the ancient treetops. Mockingbirds, catbirds, and thrashers mimic the songs of other species so you feel as if you are surrounded by the entire Cornell Bird Laboratory audio. Come early in the morning and catch some of the 400 species that have been recorded on Ocracoke Island.

Springer’s Point is located on the Loop Road. There is no car parking at the trailhead. Therefore, bike over to access the trail. You can also park at the Ocracoke Lighthouse and walk over.

Even if you are not a bird watcher, Springer’s Point is a serene hike away from the bustle of the village.

Hammock Hills Nature Trail

Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4 mile hike that provides a great overview of the maritime forest, secondary dunes, and salt marsh ecosystems on Ocracoke. Located opposite the NPS Ocracoke Campground, the trail has interpretive signs to deepen your knowledge.

Hurricane Dorian has torn up portions of the trail, and poison ivy abounds. However, it’s still an interesting and shady hike.

Sea Kayaking Outdoor Adventures on Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke has many locales to explore by sea kayak. Beginners will enjoy a paddle around Silver Lake, a protected ocean body of water near the village. More experienced sea kayakers will enjoy exploring the estuaries and tidal rivers on both sides of the island.

Advanced paddlers can cross Ocracoke Inlet to visit or camp on Portsmouth Island. This challenging crossing should only be done with favorable wind and tide conditions. The swirling tidal currents and challenging beach landings make this a trip for experienced ocean kayakers only. If you want to visit Portsmouth Island, you can book a boat trip to take you over.

Rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards outside the Surf Shop on the corner of the main highway and Silver Lake Drive. You can conveniently launch on Silver Lake from the rental shop.

Related post-> Amazing Sea Kayaking in Sian Ka’an on the Yucatan Peninsula

Beach Outdoor Adventures on Ocracoke Island

The beaches are the prime destination for many Ocracoke visitors. There are 16 miles of wild, unspoiled beaches with easy access.

Choose your outdoor adventure on the beaches of Ocracoke. The waves are perfect for board sports or body surfing. Beachcombing for shells yield amazing finds. South Point beach is rumored to have the best shells due to its long hike in.

The National Park Service oversees Lifeguard Beach, a local favorite 3 miles from town. Find restrooms, changing rooms, and showers at the boardwalk access to Lifeguard Beach.

Pay heed to closed-off areas that protect endangered breeding birds and sea turtle nests. There are plenty of beaches so don’t accidentally harm the vulnerable wildlife by ignoring access restrictions.

Whether you are swimming or napping on the beach, the fabulous waters around Ocracoke will long stay in your memories.

Related post -> Kayaking and Snorkeling with the Amazing Sea Turtles of Tenerife

Camping Outdoor Adventures on Ocracoke Island

The National Park Service manages the Ocracoke Campground located mid-island on the main road. The campground has sites for both tents and RVs although there is no electricity. The campground offers grills, a modern bathroom, drinking water, cold showers, and is pet-friendly. A trail over the dunes brings you to miles of pristine beaches.

Accommodations on Ocracoke Island

Staying in one of the historic houses on Ocracoke Island is an alternative to camping.

Ocracoke Harbor Inn is a stone’s throw away from the beach. This 5-star hotel has great views, a continental breakfast, and an unpretentious vibe.

We were lucky enough to stay in the historic Hurricane House located right on Pimlico Sound. The house is so named as the owner recorded precise details of hurricanes as they blew through on the inside walls of the building. You can still see the writing today in this simple seaside house. The screened porch was the place to be each night to witness the glorious sunset.

Wrap Up of Outdoor Adventures of Ocracoke Island

The natural beauty of Ocracoke Island offers so many outdoor adventures. Besides the ones I’ve mentioned, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy surf and sport fishing, duck hunting, boat trips on the sound or over to Portsmouth island, and flying through the air on a parasail or kiteboard. There are also tons of other things to do in the Outer Banks.

Ocracoke Island is a precious part of the Outer Banks due to the work many have done to prevent miles of mini-golf courses, souvenir shops, and ice cream stands. Enjoy the outdoor adventures of Ocracoke as a gift to those who appreciate the peaceful beauty of this magnificent wild barrier island.