Biking

On Hilton Head Island, bike paths are as common as roadways as evidenced by the two in parallel harmony just about everywhere you turn.  It's not just the fact that bike paths exist that has earned Hilton Head 1 of 25 Gold Level Biking Community designations in the United States (and the only Gold award in South Carolina) by the League of American Bicyclists, it is also that they are so well maintained and perfectly networked throughout the island.  Although Hilton Head is only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide at its broadest points, there are 60 miles of bike paths and 100 miles of protected public pathways for your enjoyment.

Some of our favorite rides...

Sea Pines:  If you visit Sea Pines, bring your bike or make sure to rent one.  Thanks to the most comprehensive network of paved bike paths, everything is accessible on bike in Sea Pines, from the Harbour Town Marina to the South Beach Marina, Lawton Stables, the Forest Preserve, Baynard Ruins, the Plantation Golf Club and the Sea Pines Beach Club.  Bike paths wind effortlessly around trees and through wooded areas to get you from one area of the resort to another, and chances are good there will be a bike path within yards of your front door to take you in any direction you desire, depending on your chosen destination.

Pinckney Island:  Located between the two bridges from the mainland to Hilton Head, Pinckney Island is a protected nature and forest preserve that is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Limited to hikers and bikers, Pinckney Island offers 14 miles of trails among it's 4,000+ acres with a hard-packed gravel road and grass-covered paths.  This island is like stepping back in time with it's undeveloped beauty, natural wildlife and scenery, and the deep water views of Skull Creek and the Chechessee River are simply spectacular.

The Beach:  During low tide, the beach along the Atlantic Ocean is perfect for biking with the hard packed sand and gorgeous scenery.  Whether your goal is a short ride or all 12 miles (one way), treat yourself to a ride on the beach for exercise or a casual stroll.  You won't forget it!  The Altantic Ocean beach runs along areas of Sea Pines, Forest Beach, Palmetto Dunes, Singleton Beach, Folly Field and Port Royal.

Forest Beach, Coligny Plaza and Pope Avenue:  In addition to beach access for bikes, Forest Beach offers a wide network of paved bike paths that will take you to Coligny Plaza with shops and restaurants and Pope Avenue with Compass Rose Park.  Continue past the Sea Pines Circle and paved trails will take you to the Bristol Sports Arena, skate park and baseball fields and a network of mountain biking trails for the young at heart.