With approximately 64 miles of impressive paths on the island for bikers and pedestrians, which one is best suited for your outdoor excursion? Our top five trails offer a wide range of gorgeous scenery, local wildlife, and island living on and off the beaten path. The insider tips will help you personalize the length of your journey, meet your fitness goals, and consider the weather conditions.
- Pickney Island is located off the bridge to Hilton Head Island. The nature preserve is an excellent opportunity to experience a flourishing, undisturbed ecosystem and wildlife native to the area. There are 19 miles of semi-groomed trails that you can travel for an hour or all day. A great start to the day is an early morning hike or bike to spot a bobcat, red fox, American alligator, white-tailed deer, and various birds, including bald eagles. The main 8-mile loop is approximately two hours biking or about three hours walking to the shell-filled waterfront and back.
Tips for Pickney Island:
- Bring your water, snacks, and bug repellant.
- There are no restrooms on-site.
- Stay on trails, and do not approach wildlife.
- Sea Pines at the Southern tip of the island is a beautiful, gated community with impressive views, historic landmarks, and activities along its 15 miles of well-kept paths. The peaceful neighborhood offers several interesting destinations to visit while biking or walking, such as Lawton Stables, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Stoney Baynard Ruins, Harbour Town Lighthouse, and more.
Tips for Sea Pines:
- A guest pass may be purchased to drive bikes into Sea Pines or rent them once inside at Harbour Town or South Beach.
- Allow time to tour the area and shop and dine!
- Mitchellville Freedom Park at 229 Beach City Road provides a glimpse of the past with historic Gullah landmarks and interpretive signage. Stroll down the boardwalk, rest under the gazebo and savor the stunning view of the salt marsh. A short path leads you to Fish Haul Beach, where you can experience sea birds, oysters, and other wildlife.
Tips for the Mitchellville area
- There are showers, restrooms, and free parking.
- Expand your journey along Beach City Road, learn about the Civil War, tour Fort Howell's earthen embankments, and view the historic old school building.
- Jarvis Creek Park at 50 Jarvis Creek Road is an attractive 53-acre park that features restrooms, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a paved one-mile loop, and fitness stations around a dazzling lake filled with wildlife.
Tips for Jarvis Creek Park:
- The boardwalk over the marsh and oversized live oak trees are perfect photo spots.
- To extend your journey, use the connecting bike path on William Hilton Parkway.
5. Celebration Park and Coligny Beach, located on Pope Avenue and Forest Beach, is a perfect outdoor venue with well-designed facilities, including a nautical-themed playground, restrooms, showers, water fountains, plus plenty of open space with picnic areas.
Tips for Celebration Park:
- Wear a swimsuit to cool off in the sprinklers.
- Use the paths along Pope Avenue for extra fitness time to travel there or take advantage of the free parking.
- Allow time to enjoy Coligny Plaza shops and restaurants at the end of your journey.
- A bonus! In addition to the top 5 trails, our ultimate island walk or ride is along Hilton Head's white sandy beach, which offers 13 miles of tranquil ocean views enhanced with shore birds gliding overhead and dolphins swimming joyfully in the waves! The refreshing ocean breeze keeps walkers and bikers cool even in the afternoon sun.
Tips for Beach:
- Low tide offers an expanded shore and compact sand.
- Use mile markers to navigate your entrance and exit points.
- Chaplin Park and Coligny offer easy starting points with restrooms, showers, and free parking.
Your outdoor island adventure is just a step or pedal stroke away! Enjoy the views, history, and healthy activity that makes Hilton Head Island unique!
Contributed by Janice Magnin
Posted by Christina Galbreath-Gonzalez on
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