Hammock Hills Nature Trail - Ocracoke, NC
Hammock Hills Nature Trail: Pet-Friendly Hiking in Ocracoke, North Carolina
Discover Hammock Hills Nature Trail, a scenic, dog-friendly hiking spot tucked away in Ocracoke, North Carolina. This peaceful loop trail offers a relaxed walking experience through beautiful maritime forests, secondary dunes, and marsh views. The trail is perfect for dog owners seeking a pet-friendly adventure, with the chance to birdwatch, enjoy nature plaques explaining local flora and fauna, and experience the unique coastal ecosystem—just steps away from the beach.
While the unmarked paths may require a bit of attention, the tranquil setting, wildlife sightings, and well-kept boardwalk make it a great outing for both you and your pup. The trail is not fenced and does not have specific off-leash areas, so be sure to keep your dog leashed at all times. Don’t forget to pack water, bug spray, and waste bags, as amenities are limited. Hammock Hills is also locally praised as a good spot for families with kids who enjoy exploring the outdoors with their canine companions.
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain leashed on the trail.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a loop hike featuring multiple habitats and educational signs.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, much of the trail runs through shaded maritime forest, providing natural shade but no covered shelter.
- Is it muddy after it rains? Some areas of the trail can become muddy after rain, so plan accordingly.
- Are pets allowed on the trail? Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on Hammock Hills Nature Trail.
- Is there a parking area? Yes, parking is available across the road from the NPS Campground entrance.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the trail can be visited throughout the year.
Reviews
This is a beautiful, looped, short trail. It is a short, easy walk that is mostly shared. You would never know you are near the beach. A must stop while on the island.
The trail is not well marked. The parking lot is across the road from the NPS Campground entrance. The trailhead is clear, but the trail along the way is very unclear. There are many points where one could easily turn off the trail without realizing it. The trail itself is mostly like walking through a sparse forest with a bench and a view of the sound side of the island in the middle. It was not a fun experience on a really hot day
In April 2025 around 8 AM this trail was lovely. Newer looking boardwalk, quiet and well-maintained trail, good bird watching. I can see patches that could turn muddy but were, at the moment, thickly coated in pine needles and very passable. No bugs for us but poison ivy edges the paths – easily avoidable. Very peaceful. Would recommend.
Nice trail thru the dune woods. The trail splits into a loop at the boardwalk so if you follow the all trails route to the right to the marsh overlook. You can then continue to the left and it will loop back around to the boardwalk. The trail is not marked well but there are several nature plaques along the way. It was a bit buggy and some muddy spots on our trip.
Beautiful examples of a Maritime Forest. I absolutely loved it, but it’s not for everyone. Plenty of signage installed along the trail of common flora and fauna. Also aspects of teaching about conservation. Not a very long loop, but again there are some not as interesting portions of the trail. It can be humid, windless, and a little buggy at times. The trail passes through different aspects of Maritime Forest (secondary dunes, marsh, etc.). It has a pretty view of the sound from marshland, but I wish the trail made it all the way to the sound. Wear big spray and water.