Nags Head Woods

Just as the magic of the Outer Banks invigorates those who come here, it shapes an ecosystem unique in the world. Nags Head Woods Preserve, a natural national landmark owned by the Nature Conservancy, is proof of this. Mysteriously, cool and nourishing fresh water pools bubble up out of the sandy loam to create a thousand-acre enclosure that is home to a variety of rare plants and animals.

There are only five listed maritime forests remaining in North Carolina. Other than Nags Head Woods, maritime forests are located at Buxton Woods and Kitty Hawk Woods. A nature trail is located at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, adjacent to NC 12 between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe. There's more than 160 species of birds found here, including snow geese, wading, shore and upland birds.

*All photographs courtesy of Dare County Tourist Bureau*

[Dare Tour]

[Search]