Happy Thanksgiving!

Ashley and I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends. Remember, the day after Thanksgiving is a great day to get out and do some hiking while everyone else is shopping at stores on black Friday. 

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (Red Wolf Howling Safari)

One of the places that Ashley and I had the opportunity to visit this past summer in North Carolina was the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a very unique place with the highest population of black bears on the east coast of the United States and is one of the only areas in the world that you can see the endangered red wolf in the wild. We did the Wildlife Drive, a hike on the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail, the Bear Tour, and the Red Wolf Howling Safari while visiting the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. (In the video above, the red wolf howling starts at around the 4 second mark and you can hear the wolves best around the 30 second mark and 45 second mark, you might have to turn your speakers up. Also sorry for background noise as people were walking)

Directions to Trailhead: The trailhead for the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located in Eastern North Carolina. The address for the trailhead is Milltail Road East Lake, NC 27953. For more information or directions to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge their office phone is: 252-473-1131 and their fax number: 252-473-1668. For directions and information for road networks in North Carolina click Here.

Description of Hike: Registration is now not required to take part in the Red Wolf Howling Safari however for inquiries about the Safaris you can call 252-216-9464. Usually the Red Wolf Howling Safari's are only offered during the summer months in North Carolina. Summer Howling Safari's cost $7 per person and Children 12 and under are free. However, they also offered Red Wolf Howling Safari's on other dates throughout the year that are free. For a list of the Red Wolf Howling Safari dates click Here. The Red Wolf Howling Safari is not a true hike, but is more of an outdoor experience. The Red Wolf Howling Safari begins at the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking area. For a map of that location click Here. The Red Wolf Howling Safari begins with a informational gathering where you learn about the Red Wolf. This is a perfect adventure for kids to do. After the informational portion of the Red Wolf Howling Safari, you travel in a large caravan of cars deep into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to a secluded location deep in the woods. Here, you howl and hopefully the wolves howl back at you!

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed the Red Wolf Howling Safari. The informational portion of the Safari was great. You get to learn about the almost extinction of the Red Wolf and how the captive breeding program has led to the re-introduction of the Red Wolf into the wild again. Their program is modeled similarly to the program used to introduce the grey wolf back into the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. You can also hold the pelts of Red Wolfs that have died of natural causes at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

The Red Wolf Howling Safari is something that the entire family will enjoy. There were many families on the safari when we went as we can tell it is a popular program. The Red Wolf Howling Safari typically lasts about two hours. You are going to want to make sure you bring a flashlight and insect repellent. Also, dress for the weather; the Red Wolf Howling Safari will occur except with lightning, heavy rain, or wind or impassable roads. Decision to cancel will be made at least 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled program. Also, plan ahead! The Creef Cut Wildlife Trail is about a 20 minute drive from Manteo. (Picture on this paragraph from Durham Museum of Life and Science)

Make sure you exercise patience when you get to the howling portion of the safari. The wolves usually cooperate and howl back at you (But it is not always guaranteed). It took the wolves about 15 minutes to begin to howl back at us. Unfortunately by that some people had given up and began to walk back to the place their cars were parked. Overall, Ashley and I would highly recommend the Red Wolf Howling Safari. We really enjoyed it in addition to spending a day at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. (Picture on this paragraph from Durham Museum of Life and Science)

Rating: Elevation Gain: Minimal (Very Easy), Distance: 0.25 Miles (Very Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 2 hours.

MORE TRAIL WRITE-UPS ON THE ALLIGATOR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Creef Cut Wildlife Trail

Red Wolf Howling Safari (This Post)

Wildlife Drive

View Red Wolf Howling Safari in a larger map

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (Creef Cut Wildlife Trail)

One of the places that Ashley and I had the opportunity to visit and hike in was the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a very unique place with the highest population of black bears on the east coast of the United States and is one of the only areas in the world that you can see the endangered red wolf in the wild. We did the Wildlife Drive, a hike on the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail, the Bear Tour, and the Red Wolf Howling Safari while visiting the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Directions to Trailhead: The trailhead for the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located in Eastern North Carolina. The address for the trailhead  is Milltail Road East Lake, NC 27953. For more information or directions to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge their office phone is: 252-473-1131 and their fax number: 252-473-1668. For directions and information for road networks in North Carolina click Here.

Description of Hike: The Creef Cut Wildlife Trail is a half-mile long (1 mile roundtrip) hike with minimal elevation gain. It is an out an back hike. There is an informal trail that continues all the way to the highway which would make the total hike close to 2.5 miles roundtrip. It is a universally-accessible trail that's ideal for school groups or families, as well as individuals. A kiosk at the trailhead provides information about the refuge and the habitats and wildlife that occur. Also at the trailhead is a universally-accessible fishing platform. Since there is a canal that links this site directly with South Lake, there is a constant supply of crappie, bluegill, and other freshwater fish. A state fishing license is required.Interpretive signs along the trail identify vegetation types or wildlife that may be seen in the area. A 200-foot boardwalk takes visitors out onto the freshwater marsh to the north of the trail. On the south, an overlook provides viewing of the Creef Moist Soil management area where waterfowl, raptors, and other migratory birds can be seen. The entire Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is open during daylight hours only, a 1/2 hour before sunrise to a 1/2 hour after sunset. The speed limit on all refuge roads, unless otherwise posted, is 35 miles per hour. Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated roads. For a map of the trails location Here.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed our hike on the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The majority of the trail is paved, which is good because of the marshy terrain this Coastal North Carolina Hike goes through. You have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife while on this hike. When Ashley and I were on the trail there were fresh black bear tracks that crossed the trail in several places. Additionally, we were told that alligators frequent some of the ponds there.

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a broad expanse (152,000 acres) of wildlands and waters. There are many options available to explore the refuge and the designated wildlife drive and trails offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Black bear, deer, river otters, and red wolves, along with a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians may be seen here. During the winter months, large numbers of waterfowl and other migratory birds are present.

We would suggest that you make sure to bring plenty of insect repellent and water, especially during the hot summer months. Additionally, to better see wildlife at the viewing areas, you might want to bring a pair of binoculars. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers a wide variety of programs that you can attend. They have the Red Wolf Howling Safari, Bear Tours, and much more. For a list of programs click Here.

Rating: Elevation Gain: Minimal (Very Easy), Distance: 1 Mile Roundtrip (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

MORE TRAIL WRITE-UPS ON THE ALLIGATOR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Creef Cut Wildlife Trail (This Post)

Red Wolf Howling Safari

Wildlife Drive


View Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (Creef Cut Wildlife Trail) in a larger map

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (Wildlife Drive)

One of the places that Ashley and I had the opportunity to visit and explore was the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a very unique place with the highest population of black bears on the east coast of the United States and is one of the only areas in the world that you can see the endangered red wolf in the wild. We did the Wildlife Drive, a hike on the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail, the Bear Tour, and the Red Wolf Howling Safari while visiting the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Directions to Trailhead: The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located in Eastern North Carolina. The address for the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is Milltail Road East Lake, NC 27953. Office Phone: 252-473-1131, Fax: 252-473-1668. For directions and information for road networks in North Carolina click Here.

Description of Hike: The wildlife drive, is not a hike, but is a drive through the vast expanse of the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge. The drive allows you to see how expansive the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge is and provides you with an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. While on the drive Ashley and I did see 2 black bears. There is no cost to drive on the refuge, but donations are welcome. The refuge is open during daylight hours only, a 1/2 hour before sunrise to a 1/2 hour after sunset. The speed limit on all refuge roads, unless otherwise posted, is 35 miles per hour. Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated roads. When driving on the refuge, when you stop, make sure that your vehicle does not block the road, or you risk the possibility of citations. One other priority is to make sure you have a full gas tank when you go on the drive as there are no gas stations in the immediate vicinity. For a map of the drive click Here.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed our visit to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. We especially enjoyed the wildlife drive because it truly allowed us the opportunity to see the wide variety of habitat and large expanses of land that compose the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a broad expanse (152,000 acres) of wildlands and waters. There are many options available to explore the refuge and the designated wildlife drive and trails offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Black bear, deer, river otters, and red wolves, along with a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians may be seen here. During the winter months, large numbers of waterfowl and other migratory birds are present.

Ashley and I had the chance to see many different types of birds and we even saw two black bears while on our drive in the refuge as well as several deer. Wildlife in the refuge is usually most active at dusk and dawn. Ashley and I highly recommend that you bring plenty of insect repellent and water, especially during the hot summer months. Additionally, to see the wildlife best, make sure to bring a pair of binoculars or even better a spotting scope! Furthermore, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers a wide variety of programs that you can attend. They have the Red Wolf Howling Safari, Bear Tours, and much more. For a list of programs click Here.

Rating: Elevation Gain: Varies depending on how much you get out of your car (Easy), Distance: Varies depending on how much you get out of your car (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 1 - 2 hours. (It really depends on how long you stop to watch for wildlife in each area.

MORE TRAIL WRITE-UPS ON THE ALLIGATOR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Creef Cut Wildlife Trail

Red Wolf Howling Safari

Wildlife Drive (This Post)

View Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in a larger map

Duke Gardens (Duke University Durham, North Carolina)

One of the places that Ashley and I had the opportunity to visit and hike at was the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. This is a beautiful area to explore and relax and the walking trails here are top notch. Duke Gardens is often spoken of as "the crown jewel of Duke University" and is a beautiful place. Duke Gardens occupies 55 acres in the heart of Duke's West Campus and is recognized as one of the premier public gardens in the United States.

Directions to Trailhead: There are several options to reach Duke Gardens. From Chapel Hill and points southwest via 15/501: Take 15/501 North toward Durham, merge right onto the 15/501 bypass, exit onto Hwy. 751 (a.k.a. Cameron Blvd.), turn right at bottom of exit ramp onto Hwy. 751, proceed on Hwy. 751 to third stop light, turn left onto Duke University Road, follow Duke University Road to second stop light, turn left onto Anderson Street, after first intersection, main entrance is 150 yards up on the left (a half-circle drive with stone walls).

From Raleigh and points south and east via I-40 & Hwy. 147 (Durham Freeway): Take I-40 west to Hwy. 147 (Durham Freeway), follow Hwy. 147 to the Swift Avenue exit, turn left onto Swift Avenue, pass one traffic light and proceed to Campus Drive (a four-way stop), turn right onto Campus Drive, proceed to first stop light and turn right onto Anderson Street, main entrance is 150 yards on the left after the intersection (a half-circle drive with stone walls).

From Greensboro and points west via I-85: Take I-85 North to Durham, exit onto Hillandale Road, turn right at the top of exit ramp onto Hillandale Road, continue on Hillandale, which will merge with Fulton Street at the Hwy. 147 overpass, proceed on Fulton Street to the Erwin Road intersection, turn left on Erwin Road, proceed to second stop light,  turn right onto Anderson Street, entrance is about one-half mile up on the right (a half-circle drive with stone walls).

From points north and east via I-85: Take I-85 South to Durham, exit at Hillandale Road, turn left at the top of the exit ramp onto Hillandale Road, continue on Hillandale, which will merge with Fulton Street at the Hwy. 147 overpass, proceed on Fulton Street to the Erwin Road intersection, turn left on Erwin Road, proceed to second stop light, turn right onto Anderson Street, entrance is about one-half mile up on the right (a half-circle drive with stone walls).

Note, there is a fee for parking at Sarah P. Duke Gardens during these hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. They have automated machines to pay at. The current fee is $1 per half an hour for parking. For more information click Here. A map of the area can be found by clicking Here, as well as the Google Map below.

Description of Hike: This is not so much a true hike, but more of an outdoor adventure. When you visit Duke Gardens you will see many people out enjoying the serenity in this area. For an interactive map of the different sections within Duke Garden you can click Here. In reality the elevation gain while exploring Duke Gardens is minimal and you can make your hike/walk as long or as short as you would like. The paths and trails are well maintained. The Google Map below provides the path of where we visited at Duke Gardens. We spent a couple hours here and that was not enough time to visit all sections of Duke Gardens.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed our visit to Duke Gardens. We enjoyed taking our time and exploring the different sections of Duke Gardens. The trails were well maintained and the best thing was all the plants were labeled so we knew what we were looking at. The amount of care that has to go into the upkeep for Duke Gardens is amazing. It is really tough to capture the beauty and diversity of the plants that are found at Duke Gardens in a blog post. The best way to see the diversity of plant life that is at the gardens is to visit Duke Gardens.

Rating: Elevation Gain: Minimal (Very Easy), Distance: 1 - 2 Miles Roundtrip (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 1 - 2 hours.


View Sarah P. Duke Gardens in a larger map

Fort Macon State Park

Ashley and I also had the opportunity to visit and explore was Fort Macon State Park, near Emerald Isle North Carolina. Ashley and I both loved visiting Fort Macon and learning about the history of the fort during the Civil War and its use in World War II. The area surrounding the fort was newly renovated when we visited and it was very nice and we both highly recommend a visit to Fort Macon especially for history buffs.

Directions to Trailhead: Fort Macon State Park is located in Carteret County on the eastern end of Bogue Banks. From I-95, take US 70 east to Morehead City, and turn south on Atlantic Beach Causeway. Cross the bridge to Atlantic Beach, and turn left on NC 58. The fort is located at the tip of the island. For a map of the area click Here. For a specific map of the Fort Macon State Park click Here.

Description of Hike: This is not so much of a true hike, but is more of an outdoor adventure in Coastal North Carolina. There is currently no cost to enter and explore Fort Macon State Park. Visiting Fort Macon is well worth the visit and will take you back to a different period in American History. There is minimal elevation gain to exploring the fort. However, there are stairs at the fort and some of them are rather steep (Fort Macon was designed for war, not tours, so be careful when using the stairs). Your walk will be under a mile to explore the fort, however a majority of that time will be outside so make sure to use sunscreen, inspect repellent, and maybe bring water on a hot day. A couple of the rooms at the fort are air conditioned/heated, which will provide relief from summer heat and winter cold. For the state park brochure on Fort Macon click Here. For a map of Fort Macon State Park click Here.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed our trip to Fort Macon State Park. We loved exploring the fort and learning about the rich history of this area in Coastal North Carolina. Fort Macon State Park offers public access to the surf, sun, and sand of the Crystal Coast. It is located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, one of a series of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast, the park is surrounded on three sides by water—the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet and Bogue Sound. This area of undisturbed natural beauty is the perfect place to explore salt marshes and estuaries vital to the coastal ecosystem. But the best thing to explore is Fort Macon itself. Here, is a little history on the fort to continue reading more about the history of the fort click the link below:

The five-sided Fort Macon is constructed of brick and stone. Twenty-six vaulted rooms (also called casemates) are enclosed by outer walls that average 4 1/2 feet thick. In modern times, the danger of naval attack along the North Carolina coast seems remote, but during the 18th and 19th centuries, the region around Beaufort was highly vulnerable to attack.

Blackbeard and other infamous pirates were known to have passed through Beaufort Inlet at will while successive wars with Spain, France and Great Britain during the Colonial Period provided a constant threat of coastal raids by enemy warships. Beaufort was captured and plundered by the Spanish in 1747 and again by the British in 1782. To continue reading about the history of Fort Macon click Here. Additionally, if you are looking for a list of activities click Here.

Ashley and I both highly recommend a visit to Fort Macon State Park. It is very educational and is something that the whole family will enjoy doing together and best of all it is Free!

Rating: Elevation Gain: Minimal (Very Easy), Distance: 1 Mile Roundtrip (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 1 - 2 hours.


View Fort Macon State Park in a larger map

Durham Museum of Life and Science

One of the places that Ashley and I have visited and explored on multiple occasions is the Durham Museum of Life and Science. The Durham Museum of Life and Science has a little bit of everything and is a great place to visit for the entire family. It is a place the entire family will enjoy. There are a wide variety of both indoor and outdoor adventures at the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Directions to Trailhead: The Durham Museum of Life and Science is located at 433 West Murray Avenue Durham, NC 27704. Here are some driving directions. From the East, including Raleigh (via I-40) and Fayetteville Take I-40 west from Raleigh to Highway 147 North (Durham Freeway). Take Highway 147 to downtown Durham and take the Duke Street exit (Exit 12C). Drive north two miles on Duke Street. After crossing over I-85, turn right at the third traffic light onto Murray Avenue. As you proceed on Murray Avenue, turn left into the Museum parking lot just past the Mercury Redstone Rocket.

From Raleigh, Highway 70: Take Highway 70 west from Raleigh. Merge onto I-85 south. Go south on I-85 and look for the Museum signs. Take exit 176 (Highway 501 North/Duke Street). Take a right onto Duke Street, go up the hill, and turn right onto Murray Avenue. As you proceed on Murray Avenue, turn left into the Museum parking lot just past the Mercury Redstone Rocket.

From Chapel Hill: Take 15-501 Bypass north. Merge onto I-85 north. Take exit 176B (Highway 501 North/Duke Street). Go up the hill, and turn right onto Murray Avenue. As you proceed on Murray Avenue, turn left into the Museum parking lot just past the Mercury Redstone Rocket.

From the West, including Greensboro: Take I-85 north to Durham and look for the Museum signs. Take exit 176B (Highway 501 North/Duke Street). Go up the hill, and turn right onto Murray Avenue. As you proceed on Murray Avenue, turn left into the Museum parking lot just past the Mercury Redstone Rocket.

Description of Hike: This is not so much a true hike, but is more of an outdoor adventure in Central North Carolina. There is no cost for parking, but there is a cost for admission into the Durham Museum of Life and Science. Admission prices are as follows: $14.00 Adults, $11.00 Seniors (age 65 and older) and active military with ID, $10.00 Children ages 3-12, and members and children under age 3 are admitted free. There are additional charges for some attractions at the Museum of Life and Science as well as more discounts and group rates available. For more admission charges and ride costs click Here. The neat thing is you can make your walk/hike around this area of the Durham Museum of Life and Science as long or as short as you would like to.

The Durham Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top attractions and is situated on 84 acres of land. The interactive science park includes a science center, a butterfly conservatory which is one of the largest in the world, a beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits which are safe havens for rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves. You want to make sure you get a chance to see the red wolf exhibit as well as the other animals that call the Durham Museum of Life and Science home.

The Museum's Dinosaur Trail, which is great for kids, takes visitors on a journey through the late Cretaceous period. Other attractions include a Farmyard, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Contraptions – a hands-on exhibit for older children and adults, a sailboat pond, The Lab, Play to Learn – an exhibit for children under six, more than 60 species of live animals and so much more. For information on daily programs at the Durham Museum of Life and Science click Here. Bottom-line is there are so many exhibits and things that everyone in the family will find something that interests them.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed our visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. We had the opportunity to look at the butterfly conservatory which was amazing. It was cool to see so many butterfly's in one room. We also enjoyed the explore the wild trail. This trail goes through the museum's wildlife exhibits. They have black bear, lemurs, the endangered red wolf, and much more. The trail meanders through some beautiful parts of the outdoor property the Museum of Life and Science sits on.

Inside the museum there are even more things to do. They have an exhibit with indoor animals that has snakes, otters, alligators, owls, and other wildlife. Additionally, they have exhibits on space travel, flight, and so much more. There is much to do at the Museum of Life and Science and you would likely need a couple of days to do it all at a pace you would enjoy. If you are interested in information on how to become a member of the Durham Museum of Life and Science click Here. This is fun that the whole family can enjoy together.

For more pictures of animals at the Durham Museum of Life and Science click Here.

Rating: Elevation Gain: Minimal (Very Easy), Distance: 1 - 3 Miles Roundtrip (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: Variable depending on how many things you look at, from a couple of hours to all day.


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Wright Brothers National Memorial

Recently, Ashley and I had a chance to visit and explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. This was my second time here and it was her first. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a must see for those who love history and like exploring where history was made.

Directions to Trailhead: The Wright Brothers National Memorial is located at mile post 7.5 on U.S. Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Here are driving directions to the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

From the North - Follow I-95 South to Richmond, Va. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, Va. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway.* Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into U.S. 158 East. Follow U.S. 158 through Kitty Hawk to Kill Devil Hills, N.C. *Chesapeake Expressway is a toll road which costs $2.00 each way.

From the West - Via I-95 into North Carolina. Take U.S. 64 East toward Rocky Mount. Follow U.S. 64 east through Williamston and Plymouth. From Plymouth, continue east to Nags Head and the junction of U.S. 158 through Nags Head to Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

From the South - Coming from South Carolina, take I-95 to Wilson, N.C. Take US-264 East through Greenville and Washington. From Washington, take State Route 30 to Plymouth, and follow U.S. 64 east to Nags Head. Continue on U.S. 158 through Nags Head to Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Description of Hike: This is not so much a true hike, but is more of an outdoor adventure. The Wright Brothers National Memorial has a number of walking trails on the memorial grounds. The trails are well maintained. Your walk can be made as long or as short as you would like. You can even drive to most of the places on the memorial grounds. The only elevation gain is on Kill Devil Hill, which is where the Wright Brothers Monument is located. The hill on which the Wright Brother Monument stands is 90 feet tall. The cost to enter the Wright Brothers National Memorial is $4 per person. An annual pass is $20 per person. For more information on fees click Here. Additionally, for a schedule of events at the Wright Brothers National Memorial click Here.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed our visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. It is always amazing to visit a place with such amazing history. It is even more amazing that from the first flight here at Kitty Hawk, it took only 66 years for us to put a man on the moon. When you go to visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, there is a chance that it will be crowded, especially during the summer time. There is additional parking located close to the entrance, as well as close to Kill Devil Hill, where the Wright Brothers Monument is located.

The Monument is amazing to see. The Monument is 60 feet tall and sits atop Kill Devil Hill which is 90 feet tall. The Monument honors the Wright brothers and marks the site of the hundreds of glider flights that preceded the first powered flight. From this location you have great views of the surrounding area as it is one of the taller locations on the outer banks.

The visitor center and the first flight centennial pavilion are worth a visit. Inside both, there are historical exhibits about flight and the Wright Brothers. Additionally, if you are looking for a souvenir or a drink that is the place to go. Furthermore, the buildings are air conditioned and let you get out of the heat on a hot day.

Outside, there is the reconstructed 1903 hangar and quarters/workshop. One building depicts the hangar the wright brothers used for their 1903 flyer and the other building is similar to their workshop and living quarters. Right next to this area is where the first flight actually took place. There is the First Flight Boulder which marks the start where all the flights originated. There are a total of 4 more markers which mark the end point of each of the 4 flights. The first flight lasted 12 seconds and went 120 feet. The second flight lasted 12 seconds and went 175 feet. The third flight lasted 15 seconds and went 200 feet. The fourth flight lasted 59 seconds and went 852 feet.

Ashley and I would highly recommend a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial because there is so much history associated with this location.

Rating: Elevation Gain: 180 ft. (Easy), Distance: Variable (0.25 - 2) Miles Roundtrip (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 1 - 2 hours.


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