Its stunning beaches, dunes and cliffs have long been a favourite among ramblers and holidaymakers who come to enjoy breathtaking views.
But whereas until now walkers have relied on the goodwill of landowners to access the paths, now visitors have a right to walk from Sea Palling to Weybourne.
The 25-mile stretch of signposted route was formally opened yesterday at Trimingham, where north Norfolk MP Norman Lamb cut the ribbon in a cliff-top ceremony.
It is part of a country-wide scheme to open a National Trail around the whole coast, and this stretch is the first to be opened in Norfolk.
Sally Fishwick, for England Coastal Path, said the path would move back with coastal erosion, meaning it would be maintained for future generations.
'People have never had a right to this land before,' she said. 'There is great new access. It is brilliant for tourism and for local people.'
The remaining stretches of the county's coast are expected to be opened within the next three years.
Among the crowd celebrating yesterday were members of walkers' charity The Ramblers, who had campaigned for the country-wide coastal path.
Norfolk secretary Ken Hawkins has walked the route with his wife Catherine.
He said: 'Once the path is finished you will be able to walk along the coast for as long as you like.'
People gathered at Trimingham village hall for yesterday's event, where refreshments were served by the villagers raising money for a new hall.
Linda Brown, 64, of Middle Street, said she hoped the route would bring a tourism boost to the village.
'We are hoping it will regenerate the village,' she said. 'We have no facilities at the moment, but we are planning to open the old village hall as a coffee shop for walkers.'
It is hoped that over the next two years work will have started or been completed on 17 stretches of England's coastline.
Mr Lamb said people had enjoyed the existing coastal path from Hunstanton to Cromer, and said the new path was an investment in Norfolk's future. He added: 'It provides a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy our beautiful coastline, bringing valuable tourist trade to businesses along the path, and helping people across Norfolk to stay active and healthy.'
North Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council have assisted in securing the route.
Maintenance has been handed to the county council.
To find out more about the coastal path and National Trail, visit www.edp24.co.uk for a link.
Have you got a coastal story? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk
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