Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills sits on the Outer Banks and stretches across nearly 15 square kilometers (5.61 square miles) of narrow land between the ocean and the sound. Several public access paths lead from the center of town straight to the beach, which runs flat and sandy.

The Wright brothers conducted the first powered airplane flight here in 1903, lasting only a few seconds. The area remained lightly settled until more people moved in during the decades after World War II.

The name comes from a nearby sand dune that was once steep enough to slide down for fun. Today, locals gather in the small shops along the main road and at the beach, which remains open year-round.

The wind from the ocean is often strong, so wind-resistant clothing helps when walking along the shore. In summer the sun can be intense, so look for shade and bring enough water.

At Run Hill State Natural Area you can roam freely across about 50 hectares (123 acres) of dunes and forest without following fixed paths. This freedom to explore is unusual in many protected areas of the region.

Location: Dare County

Elevation above the sea: 2 m

Website: http://kdhnc.com

GPS coordinates: 36.02556,-75.67000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:57