A few hundred yards from the busiest strip of the Outer Banks lies a hidden green world. Kitty Hawk Woods is one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the northern barrier islands, a tangle of live oak, loblolly pine, wax myrtle and cypress, threaded with tidal creeks and ponds that lead to Kitty Hawk Bay. The Kitty Hawk Woods Kayak Tour takes you into it by water, with a guide leading a small group along sheltered channels where the only sounds are paddle drips, bird calls and the occasional splash of a fish. It is rated 4.7 stars from 87 reviews, one of the best-reviewed outdoor tours in the area, and it shows a side of the islands that most beach visitors never see.
What you do
After a safety talk and a short paddling lesson, the group sets off through calm water, typically for around two hours. The route winds through forested shoreline, with mirror-like reflections of trees in the water and a good chance of seeing herons, egrets, kingfishers and ospreys. Turtles sun themselves on logs in warm months, and the guide points out plants, animals and the island’s ecology.
The pace is gentle, and the trip is suitable for beginners, though you will need to be able to hold a paddle for a couple of hours. Tours are offered at several times through the day, including sunset trips when available, and they usually run from spring through autumn.
Practicalities
Wear clothes that can get wet, apply sunscreen and insect repellent before you go, and bring water and a waterproof pouch for your phone. Operators supply kayaks, paddles and life jackets and may restrict very young children and weight limits, so check the details when you book.
Because the maritime forest shelters the creeks, wind is rarely a problem, though thunderstorms can cancel departures. The put-in is on the sound side of Kitty Hawk, a short drive from the beach road and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Parking at the launch is limited, so arrive a few minutes early.
Planning
Reserve ahead in July and August, when the tour is a popular antidote to crowded beaches. It is a natural rainy-day or hot-afternoon alternative to the ocean, and a good morning activity before a lunch of fresh seafood. Photographers should bring a camera in a dry bag. If you prefer to paddle on your own, the same operator family offers rentals, though a first trip with a guide is the best way to learn the creeks.
Combine the paddle with a visit to the Wright Brothers site and a sunset on the sound for a full northern-beaches day with very little time in the car.
Ecology
Maritime forests are rare on the barrier islands, because salt spray and storms usually stunt the trees, and Kitty Hawk Woods owes its survival to its sheltered position behind the dunes. The trees form a canopy that cools the creeks, and the water is tannin-stained and calm. Guides often point out the plants that thrive in the salty air, and the bird life changes with the seasons, with warblers in spring and waterfowl in winter. The tour is a gentle introduction to a landscape that most visitors drive past without noticing.
What to expect
The experience
A guided kayak tour through sheltered creeks and maritime forest in Kitty Hawk Woods, with equipment and instruction provided.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for light and wildlife; spring and autumn for comfortable weather.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Wear quick-drying clothes, use sunscreen and repellent, bring a waterproof pouch, and book ahead in summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers and first-time paddlers.
- Families
- Calm water and a gentle pace suit families with older children.
- Couples
- A quiet, shady escape from the beach crowds.
- Pair with
- Wright Brothers National Memorial and Jockey’s Ridge.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is the tour good for beginners?+
Yes. The water is sheltered, and guides give instruction.
What wildlife will I see?+
Herons, egrets, ospreys, turtles in warm months and plenty of fish and plant life.
How long is it?+
About two hours, plus check-in time.
What should I bring?+
Water, sunscreen, repellent, a hat and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
What if it rains?+
Light rain may not stop the tour, but storms can cancel it. Check with the operator.