‘There’s nothing else like it’: New bike-friendly trail underway on Hilton Head
Cyclists, rejoice: a new scenic bike-friendly trail will open soon on Hilton Head Island.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve Foundation is putting “finishing touches” on a new bicycle-friendly trail in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, according to comments from David Henderson, Director of Special Projects and Operations, during a March 3 meeting of the Sea Pines CSA Board of Directors.
Residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy walking or cycling through the woods on the new leisure trail.
“The experience is unique,” Henderson said at the meeting. “There’s nothing else like it on Hilton Head Island.”
Where will the new trail be?
The exact location of the new trail has not been confirmed by Sea Pines officials.
At the board meeting, Henderson did not mention the exact location of the new trail during the meeting, nor the exact opening date. A call to Henderson was not returned Monday afternoon.
A public announcement will be made within the next month or two, Henderson said at the meeting.
The trail will be located somewhere within the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. It will take pedestrians and cyclists through a heavily-wooded section of the preserve that’s “currently inaccessible to most users,” and will offer multiple water views, according to a grant application Henderson filled out for the Town of Hilton Head Island Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is the largest tract of undeveloped land on Hilton Head Island. The 605-acre nature preserve offers opportunities for bird watching, fishing, biking, hiking and wildlife photography.
How was it funded?
The new trail was funded in part through a $40,000 Accommodations Tax Grant from the Town of Hilton Head Island.
The new trail will not be paved, but instead use a type of aggregate, Henderson said at the meeting.
The foundation purchased 1,080 tons of processed asphalt millings — recycled asphalt that’s ground into gravel — to improve 4,000 feet of existing trail, according to the foundation’s ATAX grant application.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve Foundation spent $40,000 in 2023 preparing the area to serve as a leisure trail, according to the application.
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 that 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.
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.
Shelter Cove Community Park/Veterans Memorial
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.
This story was originally published March 16, 2026 at 2:30 PM.
