Hilton Head has some 60 miles of multi-use trails, which function as pathways alongside the main roads and also as a form of recreation for those visiting the island. This provides some great opportunities for off-road running, plus the added benefit of access to some gated communities that one can’t enter by car. We don’t hugely recommend the path along the main road (Highway 278), since it’s not that scenic. A few favorite loops and sections:
Shipyard Area Path. Author Photo
Shipyard and Forest Beach Path. A lovely, winding bike path runs alongside Pope Rd. in the Shipyard area down to the public tennis center and Coligny Beach (1.5 miles). At Coligny Beach, there’s a nice path along Forest Beach Rd. for ~2 miles (no beach views but nice trees).
Historic Loop. For a quieter part of the island and a nice run, the 10-mile ‘Island History Loop’ is a good bet. It’s the green line on the bike map. For a shorter option and the best section, we like the Historic Mitchville and Fish Haul Park areas. TRAIL MAP
Longer Options. This trail map shows a couple of longer bike path loops options, which provides a good option for those looking for a longer run. A good option is the path along Spanish Wells Rd. to Wild Horse Rd., then looping back along Marshland Rd. TRAIL MAP
Palmetto Hall/Port Royal Area. Some nice paths on the eastern end of the island, around Port Royal.
Note: Be aware of those on bikes!
Hilton Head has some 60 miles of multi-use trails, which function as pathways alongside the main roads and also as a form of recreation for those visiting the island. This provides some great opportunities for off-road running, plus the added benefit of access to some gated communities that one can’t enter by car. We don’t hugely recommend the path along the main road (Highway 278), since it’s not that scenic. A few favorite loops and sections:
Shipyard Area Path. Author Photo
Shipyard and Forest Beach Path. A lovely, winding bike path runs alongside Pope Rd. in the Shipyard area down to the public tennis center and Coligny Beach (1.5 miles). At Coligny Beach, there’s a nice path along Forest Beach Rd. for ~2 miles (no beach views but nice trees).
Historic Loop. For a quieter part of the island and a nice run, the 10-mile ‘Island History Loop’ is a good bet. It’s the green line on the bike map. For a shorter option and the best section, we like the Historic Mitchville and Fish Haul Park areas. TRAIL MAP
Longer Options. This trail map shows a couple of longer bike path loops options, which provides a good option for those looking for a longer run. A good option is the path along Spanish Wells Rd. to Wild Horse Rd., then looping back along Marshland Rd. TRAIL MAP
Palmetto Hall/Port Royal Area. Some nice paths on the eastern end of the island, around Port Royal.
One of the best beaches for running in the southeastern U.S. 11+ miles of continuous, flat & wide beach, much of it with reliably hard, packed sand. Beach itself is all public but with specific access points and parking spots.
A good long run option in Hilton Head, this 12 mile loop incorporates the Cross Island Bridge, with great harbor and marsh views. There are bike lanes along nearly the entire run. Marshland Rd. offers a good canopy for those hot days.
Resort occupies the southern third of Hilton Head. Combination of paved, hard sand, gravel, and grass trails. Miles of bike trails and 650 acre forest preserve. Great mix of marshes, boardwalks, canopy, and water views. $6 entry fee required for non-guests.
Extensive resort between Shelter Cove and the beach, with numerous hotels. Lots of paths and quiet roads for running, including 5 miles of bike paths. Great to combine with a section along the beach.
Island near Hilton Head with 14 miles of trails. Marsh views, lakes, dripping oaks, and wonderful birding opportunities. The main trail is 3.5 miles one way.
A combination residential community and resort area 20 miles west of Hilton Head. Some 20 miles of gorgeous trails open to the public. Highly recommended is the River Rd. Trail, with woods, live oaks, views to the May River, and freshwater lagoons.
A great tour of historic Beaufort, the second oldest city in South Carolina. Enjoy two bridges, a moss canopied bike path, and Beaufort's historic area with its gorgeous homes.
5,000 acre state park on barrier island, 15 miles east of Beaufort. Lovely beach, and water related activities. Over 8 miles of recently renovated, relatively forested trails.
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