OBX Hiking (Segment 18)

[u/Jddunne2]

I’m considering tackling the OBX segment of this trail over the summer. I’ve done one long distance hike about two years ago but never one in the US. I’ve got some questions ab it if anyone is familiar with this section.

1. I’ve read that a lot of the trails are on the beach, but I’ve also driven down Highway 12. It relies heavily on bridges, so what’s it like hiking those bridges?

2. Lodging. I’ve read some about stealth camping and have no problem with that— is that the best option? It’s 82 miles, so I was thinking about 4 days of hiking / 3 nights. Any chance to get away with cheap hotel / Airbnb accommodations on there?

3. How impactful is high tide on these trails? Are parts of the trail inaccessible during high tide?

4. What questions haven’t I asked that I should?

Thanks in advance!

[u/Bt1975]

I haven't hiked that second but been to OBX a few times. I can say stealth camping is probably the best option at least for me. There are some air/BNB and cheaper hotels but most loging is on the higher side there. The trail is on the beach and on the road meaning either is fine. The trail was made through there knowing that sometimes the water does come up to the road especially with tropical disturbances off the coast. So you can hike HWY 12 or the beach and still be on the trail. I've heard the bridges are very scary to hike over. I think it is the traffic and the height of them! My biggest question is what footwear are you wearing for road and beach hiking? I haven't figured that part out just yet.

[u/chrislewhite]

Honestly when I did it, I went road the whole way besides the Okracoke, hatteras and final part.

Walking on the road wasn’t so bad and the bridges are wide enough that it’s not very sketchy.

I did it in 2 days but cheap accommodations aren’t great, the best you can do is tent campgrounds but they are still overpriced for what you get