Here’s your complete guide to Hilton Head, SC bicycle trails and rentals
Hilton Head Island is bustling with things to do, sights to see and food to try.
But one of the rather popular activities that has grown over the years is biking. From the serene trails around the island, captivating views of nature and just good exercise — biking is a major attraction for both locals and visitors to Hilton Head.
So popular, in fact, that Hilton Head is recognized as one of the top 39 bicycle-friendly communities in the United States by the League of American Bicyclists. The island is one of the three Gold Level communities in the Southeast and only one of five on the East Coast to receive this designation.
With it being such a common activity, beginners may find themselves stuck on where to start and even the pros might be looking to switch up their routines.
Here is a rundown of the different bike trails around Hilton Head and the different bike rental places.
Popular bike trails on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is completely connected by bike paths, with both scenic routes and more challenging trails. Whether you want a short ride to the beach or an adventure through nature, there are multiple options to choose from:
Audubon Newhall Preserve
A two-mile interpretive trail located on 50 acres, an easy bike ride or hike for the whole family.
Barker Field Observation Deck
Bike to the observation deck to enjoy views of the marshes, water and Port Royal Sound.
Coligny Beach Park
A popular park with a boardwalk and bike racks, but it can get crowded in busy seasons.
Fish Haul Creek Park
A 16-acre park featuring shaded trails through maritime forest, wetlands, marshes and beach access.
Fort Howell
A historic site preserved by the Hilton Head Island Land Trust, this trail features a statue of a USCT soldier.
Greens Shell Community Park
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this park offers picnic pavilions, a basketball court and wooded paths…perfect for nature lovers.
Jarvis Creek Park
A 53-acre park with a 1.1-mile loop trail, fishing docks and picnic pavilions.
Mitchelville Beach Park
Take a trip back in time with this historic trail. Known for its dirt road lined with ancient oak trees, it’s a favorite for clamming and nature walks.
Old House Creek Pier
This trail is a top destination for wildlife watching, crabbing and fishing all while enjoying the views of the waterway.
Palmetto Dunes Bike Paths
With five miles of shaded paved pathways, plus three miles of sandy beach riding, this is an ideal path if you’re looking to stay connected with the town of Hilton Head.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Main Trail
If you are up for more of a challenge, this is a broad and windy trail system, offering nearly 14 miles of biking and hiking, featuring expansive oaks and wildflowers in spring.
Sea Pines
Sea Pines is 15 miles of trails passing through popular attractions like Harbour Town, the Sea Pines Shell Ring and the Stoney Baynard Ruins.
Shelter Cove Community Park
This park is a go-to spot for live music, community events and views of the marshland. An added plus is that it’s adjacent to the Shelter Cove Towne Center.
Spanish Moss Trail
While not located on the island, this 10-mile concrete pathway connects you through the cities of Beaufort and Port Royal, passing through the historic Magnolia Line Railroad site.
South Beach in Sea Pines
This is a fan-favorite bike ride from Lawton Stables to South Beach Marina, extending to the beach access at the island’s tip.
Here is a map of all the bike trails on Hilton Head Island:
To get your version of the map of all the bike stops and kiosks dotted around the island, click here.
For a map of the paths specifically with beach trails, click here.
Where to rent bikes on Hilton Head Island
There are numerous rental services on the island, offering bikes for all types of riders. Many places provide delivery services directly to vacation homes.
Here are a few of the services that can help you secure your two-wheel ride if you don’t have your own.
Offers a range of bicycles for rent, including standard bikes, tandem bikes and kids’ bikes. 360 Spanish Wells Road, Hilton Head.
More than just bikes … they also offer rentals for bike attachments, beach chairs and umbrellas. 4D Mathews Court, Hilton Head.
Another popular bike rental company on the island, they offer convenient delivery and pick-up services. N Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head.
This company offers bike rentals for all ages and skill levels. 112 Arrow Road, Hilton Head
Conveniently located in Palmetto Dunes, this rental service offers bike rentals for all cyclists, from casual riders to more serious bikers. Delivery and pick-up services are available. 80 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head.
Offers bike rentals with the convenience of delivery, catering to the needs of visitors who want to enjoy Hilton Head on two wheels. 36 S Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head.
This service has you covered with more than bikes, they have baby strollers and beach chairs, too. 25 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head.
Mike’s Bikes has various bike rental options. The shop has its own island bike map to help cyclists plan their route. 136 Beach City Road, Suite B, Hilton Head.
Specializes in bike rentals, offering a variety of bikes and accessories for all cyclists. 1 Executive Park Road, Suite A, Hilton Head.
A local rental shop with a variety of bikes for rent, including electric bikes and provides delivery services to Sea Pines. 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 509, Hilton Head.
Rules for riding on the beach
It is permitted for bikers to be on the beach, but there are a few local rules and regulations to stay safe.
According to the Town of Hilton Head ordinances, riders are allowed to bike on Hilton Head beaches, but there are certain rules about where you can and can’t go.
Cyclists must avoid sensitive wildlife areas or designated protected zones on the beach.
Specific beach access points are designated for bike access to ensure that riding on the beach does not disturb natural habitats, so follow all signage.
Do not bike anywhere that may interfere with pedestrians or local wildlife, especially near dunes and nesting areas.
In some seasons, specific times when riding on the beach may be restricted during certain parts of the day, particularly when it would interfere with other beach-goers or natural events (such as nesting seasons for sea turtles). Make sure to watch your surroundings and check for any posted signage.
Bicycle safety tips on Hilton Head
Bicycles are considered vehicles. Riders must obey all traffic laws.
Always wear your helmet and other proper safety gear.
Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, except on pathways that are explicitly designated for biking.
Bikes should be ridden on the right side of the road, as close as possible to the edge, in a single file unless there are special accommodations.
Bicycles must be equipped with reflectors when riding at night. A white light visible from the front and red reflectors visible from the rear are required.
Parking & storing bicycles
Cyclists should park their bikes at designated bike racks or bike parking areas to keep pathways clear and prevent bikes from blocking walkways or entrances.
It’s prohibited to leave bikes unattended in a way that blocks public pathways, sidewalks or roads, as this can impede pedestrian traffic or create safety hazards.
Penalties for violations
Cyclists who violate any of these ordinances may face fines or penalties.
Repeat offenders or those found violating safety laws could be subject to escalating fines.
This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
