Outer Banks Vacation Tips > Outer Banks Town Info & Attractions >Kitty Hawk

Community Description back to top

Kitty Hawk is located in the geographic center of the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk offers access to golf, fishing, mini golf, restaurants, nightlife, fine dining, shopping and movies. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Albemarle Sound to the West, Kitty Hawk is a water enthusiast’s paradise.

History back to top

Orville Wright arrived in Kitty Hawk in the fall of 1900 and would make history just four miles away in Kill Devils three years later when he completed the first air flight. Wright dispatched the telegraph announcing his breakthrough from Kitty Hawk.
The name Kitty Hawk is to come from the Native American term “Chickeawk” or “Chickahawk,” meaning a time or place to hunt geese.

Attractions back to top

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
Part of the N.C. Coastal Reserve System, most of the 1,800+ acres were acquired by The Nature Conservancy from the Resolution Trust Corporation in the early 1990s on behalf of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.
A maritime deciduous forest runs along the coastline and low, gently rolling dune ridges interspersed with wet swales run parallel to the shoreline. The protected portion of the area is mostly undisturbed maritime forest with southern red oak, water oak, willow oak and beech trees. The wetland swale area is a maritime swamp forest featuring sweet gum, black gum and bald cypress. Both forest communities are rare.
The area is great for birding during the breeding season and fall migration. Many species of birds make their home in Kitty hawk Woods, including Swainson's warbler, Acadian flycatcher, white-eyed vireo, gray catbird and pileated woodpecker.
Hiking Trails: A two-mile long hiking trail is located at the end of Birch Lane, off of Treasure Street. The trail winds through 460+ acres. A series of hiking trails is located near the intersection of Amadas Road and Colleton Road.
Boat Access: Two boat access areas are located in the reserve. High Bridge Creek winds through the reserve and is accessible by kayak, canoe, and small boat. A public boat ramp is located on Bob Perry Road.

Location: South of US 158. The forest is accessible via Woods Road. The easisest access can be found on the multi-use trail that parallels Woods Road. Public parking is available on the north end of Woods Road, behind the playground.
Hours of Operation: Open to the public during daylight hours.
Website: www.geology.enr.state.nc.us

Aycock Brown Visitor Center
See the “Outer Banks at a Glance” and enjoy state-of-the-art displays. Features a large picnic area.

Location: US 158; Mile Post 1 ½
Hours of Operation: (Memorial Day – August): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; (September – April 1): 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM