Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial located at MP7.5 on Hwy 158 in Kill Devil Hills is a must see for any visit to the Outer Banks beaches. Listed as one of the Frommer’s 500 Places To Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up, the National Memorial is an impressive site. For this excursion be sure to pack water and snacks for the kids and wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking and not a lot of shade so be prepared for your visit. Stay on the paths and trail surrounding the memorial to avoid stepping on tiny cactus plants.
The Memorial itself is a 60 foot granite monument that stands on a 90 foot hill. Orville and his brother Wilbur Wright chose this location, then known as Kitty Hawk, for its steady winds and open space. Their first heavier than air powered flight was taken here and is marked showing the distance flown during their first four flights. The Visitor Center displays reproductions of both the 1902 glider and the 1903 Wright Flyer. The Centennial Pavilion features exhibits chronicling the evolution of aviation. Also on the premises is the Living Quarters and Hanger exhibit which features a reproduction of the Wright’s living quarters and hanger for their 1903 flyer. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is part of the National Park Service and is open 9-5 in the summer, and 9-6 September-May, seven days a week. The fee to visit is $4 per person. Persons ages 16 and under are free. Admission passes are valid for 7 days.
Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/northcarolina/
701 W. Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-2525
While hiking through this mystical place you will forget you are on an Outer Banks beach vacation. Surrounded by towering ancient oaks and a myriad of wildlife, nature abounds. The entrance to the preserve is in Kill Devil Hills at MP9.5 off the 158 Bypass west to Ocean Acres Drive. Drive through a residential area to the entrance of the preserve at the visitor center. Trail maps are available for self guided nature trails. This 1,400 acre maritime forest is home to over 100 species of birds and a large variety of plant and animal life. The environment is very fragile so please stay on the footpaths. Kayaking through the Nags Head Woods is a wonderful way to view nature and tours are available here. The Conservancy is open from dawn to dusk and dogs and bikes are prohibited on trails.
Shipwrecks in Kill Devil Hills
Shipwrecks are legendary on the Outer Banks Beaches. In North Carolina the entire coast is often referred to as the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’. In the town of Kill Devil Hills folklore credits shipwrecks with origin of the town name. Rum, strong enough to “kill the devil” was said to have washed ashore from doomed ships returning from the islands.
From the shores of the beach in Outer Banks a few wrecks are visible. The ribs of the Schooner Irma which sank April 29, 1925 can often be seen in the surf of Kill Devil Hills. Wreck divers can visit the USS Huron and the “Triangle Wrecks” in Kill Devil Hills. The USS Huron ran aground November 24, 1877 after encountering a storm off the coast. On route to Cuba the Federal Gunship Steamer was battered by the storm and 98 men lost their lives to the sea.The “Triangle Wrecks” popular with divers include the Carl Gerhard, and the Kyzickes. The Kyzickes was a 292’ Greek tanker bound for Spain. In December of 1927 the Kyzickes got caught in a storm which ruptured her hull and rendered her powerless. After running aground the tanker broke into two pieces. The Carl Gerhard was a 244’ long freighter that sank on September 24, 1929 carrying a cargo of plasterboard. The shell of Carl Gerhard rests near the bow of the Kyzickes and the stem of the Kyzickes forming a triangle in 15’ – 20 ‘of water. The bow of the Kyzickes is lying about 200 yards from shore.
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