Need a change of scenery? Here are some of the best trails and paths for runners in Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas have long been ideal locations for outdoor activities such as golf, biking and even the increasingly popular sport of pickleball.
Those who like to get their exercise in through a morning stroll or evening run can also be added to that list.
With an abundance of facilities and over 60 miles of public pathways throughout Hilton Head, it can sometimes be hard to figure out what kind of track best fits your running needs.
From indoor tracks, outdoor spaces, nature trails and more, these are some of the top publicly accessible locations for those who love to run, jog or walk.
Beaufort County Recreation Centers
Beaufort County offers a few spaces dedicated to walkers and runners alike. There is a fee attached to using these facilities, but setting up an account is free.
Costs are $2 per day for those over 18 and $1 a day for those over 55. You can also opt to pay weekly, monthly or yearly. For more information, visit the Beaufort County Recreation Center fee page.
Here are some of the specific spaces runners and walkers can use:
Indoor location
Buckwalter Recreation Center indoor walking track: 905 Buckwalter Parkway
Outdoor locations
Shell Point Park outdoor walking path: 381 Broad River Road
Burton Wells Park outdoor walking path: 64 Burton Wells Road
Beaufort County Recreation Centers are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mitchelville Freedom Park
If you’re on the hunt for a tranquil running spot on the north side of the island, Mitchelville Freedom Park may be the place for you.
This park features historic exhibits, beach access, a picnic pavilion, an observation gazebo, restroom facilities and a trail.
Mitchelville Freedom Park is located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way and is open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bristol Sports Arena & Crossings Park
For a more central location on the island, the Bristol Sports Arena and Crossing Park are right next to each other and provide a wide range of space for runners. They are separate locations, but both provide a great location for those looking to get a workout.
The Bristol Sports Arena has an outdoor skate park and other basketball and hockey facilities. It is located at 4 Helmsman Way.
Right across is Crossing Park, which is a 74-acre park. The wooded park features a baseball complex, a small playground, grass meadow, a picnic shelter, soccer field and interpretative trails. It is located at 4 Haig Point Circle.
Both parks are open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Trails on Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is home to roughly 64 miles of publicly accessible trails and pathways for runners, walkers, bikers and all things in between.
Below is a map of the entire trail and the paths runners, walkers and joggers can use.
Cardio equipment
The Beaufort County Recreations Centers also offer indoor cardio facilities that guests can use.
Here are the locations that have cardio equipment available:
Buckwalter Recreation Center: 905 Buckwalter Parkway
Burton Well Recreation Center: 1 Middleton Recreation Drive
Charles Lind Brown Recreation Center: 1001 Hamar Street
Beaufort County Recreation Centers are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Running groups
Hilton Head and Bluffton have a variety of options for runners, walkers and joggers. This list included only a few.
If you are looking to use a dedicated running track like athletes do, there are not many options other than using the high schools, which is often not permitted due to school safety concerns.
However, joining a running group may be a good option for you if you’re just looking to hit the track once a week.
The Hilton Head Running Company has a weekly running group that uses the Hilton Head High School track on Tuesday mornings before students arrive.
The Palmetto Running Company also offers group running.
Running with a group is also a great way to increase your safety if you are worried about running solo.
Safety tips for runners
Just like any sport, runners, walkers and pedestrians need to be mindful of their environment no matter if they are running indoors or outdoors.
Here are some safety tips from the Road Runners Club of America that all runners can keep in their back pocket:
Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Trust your intuition; avoid any areas or persons that make you feel unsafe.
Vary your running routine if you prefer to run alone.
Plan your route or location with safety and familiarity in mind.
At night, wear reflective clothing.
Never forget your phone or ID.
Follow all traffic laws and signage.
Run against the direction of traffic.
Use the sidewalks.
Be aware of all drivers.
Don’t keep the music in your headphones too loud.
Be mindful of fellow runners.
Consider getting self-defense training, especially if you run alone.
