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The Ultimate Guide to Bike Trails on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

  • Writer: Hilton Head Outfitters
    Hilton Head Outfitters
  • Apr 29
  • 4 min read

​Hilton Head Island, a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community, offers over 200 miles of bike paths, making it a cyclist's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just looking for a leisurely pedal, the island's diverse trails cater to all. This guide delves into the top cycling experiences Hilton Head Island has to offer, ensuring you make the most of your two-wheeled adventure.​

A smiling man and four children with bikes in lush greenery. They wear helmets. A "Bicycle Friendly University" gold badge is visible.

Top 10 Bike Trails to Explore on Hilton Head Island, SC

  1. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Trails: Begin your journey within the Palmetto Dunes Resort, which offers scenic trails winding through lush landscapes and around an 11-mile lagoon. It's an excellent starting point, especially if you're renting bikes from Hilton Head Outfitters, conveniently located within the resort.

    Coastal scene with a group of buildings and a boardwalk by Shelter Cove Marina. Boats are docked, and people walk near palm trees at sunset.

  2. Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina: A short ride from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, this area boasts picturesque views, dining, and shopping options. The ride along Queens Folly Road provides a pleasant experience and a safe path under the highway to the marina.

    Aerial view of a beach with people walking, ocean on the left, and a hotel on the right. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a peaceful mood.

  3. Coligny Beach Park: Accessible via the island's bike trails, this popular beach and plaza at the south end of the island offers amenities like gazebos, swings, and fountains. It's an ideal spot to relax after a ride and one of the only public beaches on Hilton Head Island.

  4. Sea Pines Forest Preserve: Explore this natural treasure featuring wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife. The trails here offer a mix of paved and unpaved paths, immersing you in the island's natural beauty.​

    Five people on red Hilton Head Outfitters bikes smiling in a sunny park with trees. They're wearing casual clothes and hats, enjoying an outdoor activity.

  5. Jarvis Creek Park: Located off William Hilton Parkway, this park offers trails around a scenic lake, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a family-friendly destination.​

  6. Fish Haul Creek Park: A 16-acre preserve off Beach City Road, featuring natural settings, marshes, and an observation deck, perfect for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. ​

    Red Hilton Head Outfitters bike with a basket on a wooden deck beside a calm lake. Trees and blue sky in the background reflect on the water. Text: Hilton Head Outfitters.

  7. Old House Creek Pier: Situated on Sterling Point Drive, this 225-foot pier is ideal for wildlife observation and offers a tranquil spot for reflection.

  8. Barker Field Observation Deck: Located along Mitchelville Road, this boardwalk leads to an observation deck with expansive views of the Broad River and surrounding islands.

  9. Mitchelville Freedom Park: Rich in history, this park offers trails that provide insights into the island's past amidst serene natural surroundings.​

    Two women ride bikes along a sandy beach at sunset, the sun casting golden reflections on the water. Buildings and trees line the background.

  10. Bike the Beach: Within Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, start on the bike path along Ocean Lane Drive and then via the beach access points, bikes can be ridden easily on the packed sands, especially at low tide.


Hilton Head Island Family-Friendly Bike Routes for All Ages

Hilton Head Island’s flat terrain and well-maintained trails make it perfect for family biking. The Palmetto Dunes bike trails are particularly suited for families, offering safe paths away from traffic. Additionally, the ride to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is manageable for children with the protected highway underpass and provides engaging stops along the way (like the Palmetto Dunes General Store).


Check out our Palmetto Dunes Bike Safety video on how to safely travel by bike from Hilton Head Outfitters to the underpass and over to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.


Hidden Trails: Off-the-Beaten-Path Cycling in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

A person bikes on a sunny pathway through a forest with tall, moss-covered trees. The ground is leaf-strewn, creating a peaceful scene.

  • Barker Field Observation Deck: A secluded spot offering serene views, accessible via a boardwalk hidden behind sports fields on Mitchelville Road. ​

  • Old House Creek Pier: A tranquil 225-foot pier on Sterling Point Drive, perfect for wildlife observation and quiet reflection.

  • Fish Haul Creek Park: This 16-acre park off Beach City Road features natural settings, marshes, and an observation deck, making it ideal for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. ​


Beach Biking Guide: How to Ride Along Hilton Head Island’s Shores

Two people riding red Hilton Head Outfitters bikes on a beach. The ocean is in the background under a clear blue sky. The mood is joyful and relaxed.

Biking on Hilton Head Island's beaches is a unique and relaxing experience. The hard-packed sands, especially during low tide, provide a smooth surface ideal for cycling and limiting the risk of getting sea water in your bike gears, which can lead to rust. The trick to beach riding is not to try and go too fast. 


Take in the atmosphere of Hilton Head Island along the Palmetto Dunes beaches and stop at The Dunes House, which not only provides delicious food with a beautiful view, but its beach access is the perfect entry point to a leisurely ride along Hilton Head Island’s beautiful shores.

Sunset over a serene beach with rippled sand and a winding stream reflecting the vibrant orange and blue sky, creating a calm mood.

Additionally, bike, shop, dine & play at Hilton Head Island’s popular Coligny Beach & Plaza, located on the south end of the island off of Pope Ave.


Best Scenic Spots to Stop While Biking Hilton Head​ Island, South Carolina

The Neptune Statue of a man holding a long spear stands in front of a building at sunset, with string lights overhead and trees in the background.

  • Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina: A picturesque marina with boats, dining, and live entertainment along with the iconic King Neptune Statue and the world’s largest working sundial. Bike Trail Map

    Photo Credit: Shelter Cove Towne Center

  • Shelter Cove Community Park: For a relaxing bike ride, take the bike path from Shelter Cove Community Park, past the pavilion stage, along the boardwalk. This path will take you along the water on a beautiful, scenic route about a mile long.

    Tall trees with sunlight streaming through in a lush park. A white lighthouse stands beside a winding path. Peaceful, natural setting.

  • Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse: located in the Leamington neighborhood of Palmetto Dunes Resort overlooking the Arthur Hills Golf Course, this historic landmark is the island’s one true lighthouse. This lighthouse is free to the public to visit and accessible within the Palmetto Dunes Resort.


Hilton Head Island’s Award Winning Bike Rentals

Woman smiling, riding a bicycle on a sunny path surrounded by lush greenery. She's wearing a hat and casual outfit, creating a joyful mood.

Embarking on a cycling adventure in Hilton Head Island allows you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty, history, and vibrant community. Whether you're seeking popular bike routes or hidden gems, the island's extensive trail system promises an unforgettable experience for every cyclist. Reserve your Hilton Head Island, SC bike rental equipment today.

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