Pathways in our villages will reduce traffic congestion, increase mobility for children and others without vehicles, promote healthy lifestyles and enhance the island's economic activity. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway Committee, appointed by Dare's Board of Commissioners in 2003, has developed conceptual plans for pathways in all villages. The National Park Service is a working partner with the committee.

The islandwide plan is a multi-million dollar project which calls for an estimated 22.75 miles of paved pathway and 2.4 miles of sidewalks along N.C. 12. Dare County's Tourism Board has allocated $500,000 in matching funds for pathways on Hatteras Island.

The Scenic Byway committee for Dare County submitted a grant application to the national program in April 2010 for building a pathway on the soundside of NC 12 starting at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building and ending in the National Park Service’s Salvo Day Use Area. As of Feb. 21, 2011 the national program has not announced the successful grant recipients..