Explore the Natural Beauty of Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island may be known for its gorgeous coastline, but there’s a reason the south is known as the land of the pines. When exploring a new destination, it’s essential to discover not just the obvious attractions. Visitors want to find the hidden gems rather than beelining to the most crowded lookout points. Therefore, when venturing to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, it’s not just about the beaches.
While the white-sand beaches of Hilton Head Island are inviting year-round, there’s also plenty of natural beauty to uncover on the island’s hiking trails. You can see every magnificent vista the lowcountry has to offer on these five stunning Hilton Head Island hikes.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Nestled within the enchanting Sea Pines Resort, nature lovers will find the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Whether you’re keen on a trail run winding along any of the four lakes within the preserve, or you’re walking just long enough to scout the best wildflower vista for an Instagram pic, Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers all the trails and scenic views you need. Moreover, the caption “headin’ down south to the land of the pines” feels particularly appropriate paired with the Sea Pines Forest Preserve geotag.
Audubon Newhall Preserve
Hilton Head Audubon takes immense pride in preserving the nature and wildlife habitats on this island. A hike through the Audubon Newhall Preserve showcases just how impactful their preservation efforts have been. Visitors can grab a trail guide at the entrance to the 50-acre preserve, which points the way to beautiful rare trees and plants along the two-mile hiking trail through the preserve.
Mitchelville Freedom Park
Mitchelville Freedom Park is beloved because it blends the best of inland and coastal Hilton Head Island into one small stretch of terrain. A scenic wooded trail sweeps you through Mitchelville Freedom Park and leads right to Fish Haul Creek Beach. For travelers hoping to taste the hiking scene and enjoy some time on the beach, hiking through Mitchelville Freedom Park before relaxing at Fish Haul Creek Beach is a perfect combination.
Jarvis Creek Park
Although Hilton Head Island is known for its lowcountry beach life, it also features lakeside hiking. Within the 53-acre Jarvis Creek Park, hikers can enjoy a quick 1.1-mile loop, which is open to walkers, runners, and bikers. Budding bird watchers might catch a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron, while those who hike simply for the post-hike picnic will enjoy sprawling by the 11-acre lake with a sandwich and some trail mix.
Burkes Beach
It would be remiss not to include a beach trail that allows one to traverse Hilton Head Island’s idyllic coast. Walking along the Atlantic Ocean is not only stunning but also serves as great resistance training. The path winds slightly inland towards Chaplin Community Park. If lucky enough to be at Burkes Beach during high tide, you’ll notice water from the Atlantic flowing into a salt marsh, creating a makeshift creek to walk alongside.