Outer Banks Virginia Dare Trail

This 15-mile beach and forest route follows the path of the original Virginia Dare Trail established in the 1920s, connecting Roanoke Island to the outer beaches through some of the most pristine maritime forest on the East Coast. The trail weaves between massive sand dunes and ancient live oaks, crossing three tidal creeks before emerging at the wild beaches near Oregon Inlet. Mile 8 brings you to the site of the Lost Colony’s original landing, marked only by weathered pilings and your GPS coordinates.

Easy to moderate difficulty depending on sand conditions and tide levels. Any AWD vehicle with good ground clearance can handle most of it, but the beach sections require proper tire pressure and momentum. Summer can be brutal with mosquitoes and heat, while winter offers the clearest views but potentially rough surf. Permits required for beach driving, and bring recovery gear for sand — getting stuck here means a long wait for help. The isolation and history make this a must-run for any East Coast overlander.