The best road cycling routes around Southern Shores

Road cycling in Southern Shores, located within the Outer Banks, is characterized by its predominantly flat terrain. The area features extensive paved multi-use paths and dedicated bike lanes, often shaded by live oak trees, providing a smooth and scenic experience. You'll find a blend of coastal landscapes, maritime forests, and sound-side routes.

Yes, Southern Shores is very accommodating for beginners and families. Many routes are designed for leisurely rides on flat, paved paths, offering safe passage away from main roads. For example, the Bay Drive Cycle path loop from Southern Shores is an easy 24.8-mile route that combines neighborhood roads and dedicated bike paths, perfect for a relaxed outing.

You can enjoy diverse scenery, from coastal views along the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound to shaded maritime forests like those in the Kitty Hawk Woods NC Coastal Reserve. Notable landmarks accessible by bike include the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Whalehead in Historic Corolla. The Whale Head Hill – Currituck Beach Lighthouse loop from Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a popular route that passes by the lighthouse.

Yes, the region offers routes through natural areas. The Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary loop from Southern Shores Crossing is a 24.6-mile trail that leads through natural surroundings, providing opportunities for wildlife observation within the sanctuary.

The Outer Banks generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal. Summer can be warm, but the almost constant sea or sound breeze often makes for enjoyable rides. Winter cycling is possible, though cooler temperatures and stronger winds are more common.

While the terrain is predominantly flat, some routes offer longer distances for those seeking a more extended ride. The Whale Head Hill – Currituck Beach Lighthouse loop from Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a moderate 50.2-mile route, offering a longer excursion with coastal views and a landmark destination.

There are several road cycling routes available around Southern Shores, with komoot featuring 5 distinct routes in this guide. These include options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the flat, well-maintained paved paths, the scenic coastal views, and the ability to explore both natural areas and charming towns. The presence of dedicated bike lanes and shaded routes is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Southern Shores are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bay Drive Cycle path loop from Southern Shores and the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary loop from Southern Shores Crossing, providing convenient circular journeys.

Absolutely. Southern Shores is well-connected to neighboring towns. You can use shortcuts through quiet residential areas like Kitty Hawk Woods to link with Kitty Hawk and even Kill Devil Hills, significantly expanding your exploration possibilities on two wheels. The paved paths in Duck and Southern Shores also run parallel to NC Highway 12, offering continuous access.

Yes, for a different experience, the Bay Drive Cycle path loop from Southern Shores offers a combination of neighborhood roads and dedicated bike paths. This route provides a change of scenery and even a few rare, gentle inclines on the Kitty Hawk side, moving away from the immediate coastline.

Yes, the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary – Pine Island Beach Access loop from Duck is a 29.3-mile route that takes you through the natural surroundings of the sanctuary and offers access to Pine Island Beach. This route is rated as easy and provides a great opportunity to experience the local ecosystem.