You wouldn’t think being on a barrier island you would have the opportunity to hike through the woods. But Hatteras Island has it all! Even beautiful hiking woods. Granted they are not gigantic but that’s okay because it is very unlikely for you to get lost in the woods.
The widest part of Hatteras Island is in the village of Buxton. This part of the island is about 3.5 miles wide. The average width of Hatteras Island is about half a mile. Buxton is where you will find the lovely Buxton Woods. In its entirety, Buxton Woods is 1,007 acres. Which is filled with amazing coastal foliage, animals and salty air.
However, there are still important things to pack in your backpack before heading out for a kid-fun Hatteras Island woods adventure.
· Bug/Tick Spray – Unless it is the dead of winter, and been extremely cold, then you want to make sure this is in your bag! Typically, there is standing water at all times in this coastal woodsy area, hence the likelihood of mosquitos. Ticks are also prevalent in this area. But don’t let that deter you, just be prepared with the right repellants. And always do a tick check when you get home or to your rental! My favorite bug repellents are Raise Them Well and TickWise.
· Snacks! – Seriously, any mom (parent) knows that any adventure with kids must have snacks. I suggest packing snacks that are easy to eat as they play. Snacks like meat sticks, fruit leather, apples, easy to peel oranges, dried fruit, apple sauce go packs, granola bars and lollipops.
· Water – Make sure everyone has a filled bottle of water. In the summer, I usually throw in one more bottled of water in my backpack too.
· First-aid Kit – Again, since the woods area is small (in comparison to other state parks) I only take a few first-aid needs in my backpack. The rest I keep in my car. In my bag, I carry Band-Aids, gauze & medical tape.
· Small Towel – I saved my old baby towels for hike and outdoor days. Great way to repurpose! A small towel in your bag is perfect for sitting on during snack time or if a kiddo gets wet.
· Hand Sanitizer/Wipes – You never know what those kids will touch! Plus, before eating, it’s nice to feel like you have “cleaned” your paws. Lol Wipes are great when they get into something icky or mucky.
· TP – When you gotta go, you gotta go! So be prepared. Bathrooms are not always available depending on where in the woods you are hiking/playing. However, please take your TP with you. Don’t just leave it in the woods.
· Small Tote Bag – These are perfect for taking back your trash! Or even carrying a few treasures, like shells.
· Knife – Just incase you need to cut kids out of vines, need it to open a food package or whatever the case may be. It is always a great idea to have a pocketknife with you.
· Outdoor Tools/Toys – These are items I typically have my kids carry in their own backpacks. The usual suspects in this category are twine, binoculars, magnifying glass, shovel, trucks, and honestly, I never know what they might choose to bring. lol
· Bright Colors During Hunting Seasons – During the fall and winter months on the Outer Banks is some sort of hunting season. So, it is a smart idea to wear bright colors or carry a bright color backpack. My son's yellow backpack is from Walker Family Goods, I highly recommend this family-owned business!
It may seem like a lot, but you’ll thank me later. It all fits in my backpack. Things that the kids want to bring (like the tools & toys) I have them carry in their backpacks, along with their water bottle.
One important thing to remember when hiking/playing in the woods on Hatteras Island is to “Leave No Trace”! This is essential thinking at any State or National Park. Please leave it like you found it, so it continues to be a thing of beauty for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Spring Break is around the corner, and it is time to think/plan summer vacations. Consider traveling to Hatteras Island, OBX, NC for your vacations! This island is gorgeous, rich with history and full of outdoor fun!
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