A short, self-guided loop through one of the last big maritime forests on the Atlantic coast
Buxton Woods Trail is a short, self-guided loop through one of the largest maritime forests left on the Atlantic coast, just off Lighthouse Rd near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The path is easy and mostly level, but it does climb an old dune ridge — among the highest natural ground on Hatteras Island — where live oak, loblolly pine, and yaupon holly grow dense enough to cut the wind that defines everything else on this stretch of the seashore.
This loop is the easiest way to walk into Buxton Woods without committing to a longer network of trails nearby. It pairs naturally with a stop at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds just up the road — the tower itself is currently closed to climbing, though the grounds remain open. In warmer months, expect mosquitoes; the same dense canopy that blocks the wind traps the bugs too.
The same dense maritime forest canopy that shelters Buxton Woods Trail from the coastal wind also traps mosquitoes once the weather warms up. Visiting during cooler months is the more comfortable way to walk the loop without heavy bug pressure building under the canopy. Because the trail is short and easy, timing here is mostly about comfort rather than difficulty or access — the mosquitoes are the one factor worth planning around, not the walk itself.
Buxton Woods Trail starts near a picnic area just off Lighthouse Rd, close to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Because the trailhead sits this near the lighthouse, the two pair naturally on one visit — walk the loop, then continue up the road to the lighthouse grounds. There's no long drive or separate detour required; the trail functions as an easy stop on the way to or from the lighthouse itself, making it simple to fit into a visit without extra planning.
Buxton Woods Trail is a short, self-guided loop under a mile long, easy and mostly level for most of its distance. Partway through, it climbs an old dune ridge — among the highest natural ground on Hatteras Island — where live oak, loblolly pine, and yaupon holly grow dense enough to cut the wind that defines everything else on this stretch of the seashore. The result is a shaded, sheltered walk that feels like a different world than the open beach and dunes just minutes away.
One thing to plan around: the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse tower nearby is currently closed to climbing. The grounds, museum, and visitor services remain open, so this doesn't affect the trail itself — just be aware before planning a lighthouse-tower climb around the same visit.
59 reviews
2 years ago
A very beautiful trail with lots of fun facts along the 3/4 mile loop. Dwarf palmettos grow naturally all throughout with a surprisingly amount of other plant life and vegetation. It's the largest forest on the National Seashore. Lots of things I could share but I would say come see and experience it for yourself. Thank you for your time for reading my review and with that being said, Happy Trails and Safe Travels. Love and Light Everyone!!!
2 years ago
A lovely 3/4 mile walk of various terrain! Good for bird watching, turtle and frog finding, or just a leisurely walk. Also infront is a quaint picnic area with a few little grills. Plenty of parking and two port-o-potties for convenience....(Although if you need a potty, head across the street to the lighthouse bathrooms - much nicer) 😀
4 years ago
This was a nice trail, and when you come to the fork in the road, just know that it loops around. There's a boardwalk section that kind of looks like the Everglades in Florida, and there are many interesting Flora to be found in this section of woods. As for time, I give yourself 30 to 40 minutes depending on how fast you walk and how many signs you read. My only complaint is that a lot of the signs were hard to read.
7 years ago
A magnificent view. Free unless you are in shape to walk up 12 story and back down. The light house is breathtaking. Beautiful and interesting. The perfect one day getaway or summer vacation. Beautiful get away for a family.
5 years ago
We found a lot of hiking trails while visiting the Outer Banks. It's not what most people do, but we're not big beach people (and it's not all that warm in November). This spot is right across the street from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, so it's conveniently located. The trail is really short and flat like most of the trails in the Outer Banks. It's only .8 miles, so it's a quick stop. The trail is wooded and goes through a swampy wetlands area, similar to most of the other trails we did. I wouldn't say this was my favorite hike we did, but it's worth a stop if you're going to the lighthouse anyway.