Hilton Head Island Trails and Conservancies
Hilton Head Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of scenic nature trails and protected conservancies that showcase the beauty of the Lowcountry. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Audubon Newhall Preserve offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring diverse ecosystems. Visitors and residents can enjoy walking and biking paths that wind through maritime forests, salt marshes, and lagoons, creating a perfect balance of recreation and conservation. Hilton Head’s commitment to preserving natural spaces makes its trails and conservancies an essential part of island living.
Hilton Head Island Trails
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
A protected area of more than 600 acres with walking and biking paths through forests, wetlands, and along lakes. Boardwalks take you over marshes, and observation platforms provide opportunities to view alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Located between Hilton Head Island and the mainland, this 4,000-acre refuge offers miles of trails for hiking and cycling. Trails pass through salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds, and hardwood forests. Wildlife sightings may include egrets, herons, white-tailed deer, and armadillos.
Jarvis Creek Park
Features a one-mile walking path that circles a freshwater pond, shaded picnic areas, and open green space. It is a favorite for casual walks and fishing.
Audubon Newhall Preserve
A peaceful sanctuary with short walking trails through maritime forest. Educational signs identify native plants and trees. The preserve is known for its birdwatching opportunities.
Bluffton Trails
New River Linear Trail
A six-mile unpaved trail that follows the historic Seaboard Air Line Railway bed through forest and wetlands. It is ideal for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve
More than 1,000 acres of protected land with trails through pine flatwoods, marshes, and along the Colleton River. The area is home to unique plant species and is a favorite for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Bluffton Oyster Factory Park
A scenic waterfront park with short walking paths along the May River, perfect for a quiet stroll before or after exploring Old Town Bluffton.
Experiencing the Outdoors
Whether you prefer a shaded forest walk, a peaceful marshside path, or a long ride through coastal terrain, the trails of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton offer endless opportunities to connect with nature. Many are open year-round and provide access to some of the most scenic and ecologically rich landscapes in the Lowcountry.
