Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Nature preserve · Hilton Head Island ·

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Nature preserve · Hilton Head Island ·

Nature preserve with trails, boat tours, wildlife & shells

Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by Louise Heusinkveld/Alamy
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null
Sea Pines Forest Preserve by null

Information

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Get directions

Information

Static Map

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Get directions

+1 843 842 1979
seapines.com
@seapinesresort

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Nov 19, 2025

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@travelleisure
27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

Why Hilton Head Island Is the Best Weekend Trip From Savannah

"A roughly 4,000-year-old shell ring — an ancient, mysterious archaeological feature accessible from nearby trails; noted for its fascination and historical intrigue rather than recreational amenities." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/why-hilton-head-island-is-the-perfect-weekend-trip-from-savannah
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
@travelleisure
27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

Best Hilton Head Island Hikes for Every Time of Year

"Tucked within the enchanting Sea Pines Resort, we found the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve, which offers trails around four lakes perfect for trail runs or casual walks to scout wildflower vistas and scenic views — great for photography and even begging an Instagram caption like “headin’ down south to the land of the pines” paired with the preserve geotag." - Maya Kachroo-Levine Maya Kachroo-Levine Maya Kachroo-Levine is the digital senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She covers hotels, destinations (focusing on Europe, Asia, California, and Mexico), food and drink, cruises, and luxury aviation. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/hilton-head-island-hikes
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
@cntraveler
41,178 Postcards · 5,521 Cities

3 Best Day Trips from Charleston, South Carolina | Condé Nast Traveler

"Hilton Head usually brings to mind the beach , and for good reason—but this area of lush, dense greenery bucks that reputation a bit. The reserve's 650 square acres are a veritable playground for nature lovers, part maritime forest, sand ridge, scenic wetlands, and natural ponds. There’s also a 4,000-year-old history to the area: Check out the Shell Pines Sea Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a pretty spectacular archaeological site made up of thousands of oyster, clam, and mussel shells. It’s thought that the site was a religious or social gathering place for the Native American tribes who inhabited the region. Consider the whole natural experience a vacation from your spa- and golf course-laden vacation." - Paul Oswell

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-day-trips-from-charleston
Louise Heusinkveld/Alamy
Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Sarah H.

Google
We went for a nature walk with hopes to see some gators and we got both! I do suggest grabbing a map before taking the walking trails bc it was confusing on the way back from Lake Joe. We didn't get a map until the way back where we made a wrong turn and walked for a long time before figuring out way out. But it was fun and beautiful sunny weather so we didn't mind. There is informational brochures at the parking area as well as the maps. And a lot of cool informational posts throughout the walk. We had a blast! It's so beautiful and very well kept!

Kristen

Google
The forest preserve was very nice and peaceful. There is a driving entrance and a walking entrance. The driving entrance allows you to drive your car around the preserve. The walking entrance allows you to park your car so you can get out and walk along the trails and boardwalks. From what we saw, it looks like you can also rent bikes and book a horse ride. It is $9 to enter the Sea Pines area.

Chris B

Google
Beautiful park with so much to do! There's plenty of trails to explore throughout the preserve with abundant wildlife! Make sure if you're walking the trails to bring plenty of BUG SPRAY!!! The mosquitoes on the preserve are from Jurassic Park, so be prepared! Plenty of turtles and a few gator sightings as well! Kids had a great time!

Steve K.

Google
A very nice hiking trail. There is a boardwalk that takes you through a swampy area. We saw quite a few turtles as we walked this area. The hiking trails are not very long and it was not too hot, so it made for an enjoyable walk.

Sarah S.

Google
Went during the week day. Very nice and beautiful! Saw alligators and lots of other wildlife! We had a Sea pines pass to get in not sure what protocol is used if you don't have a pass.

Katie S.

Google
We just had the most amazing alligator tour in Hilton Head with Anthony, our incredible guide! He’s a 6th grade science teacher, a master naturalist, and even wrote a book about the local nature—which shows in every part of the experience. The tour takes you out on a very safe boat where you get up close with the area’s wildlife. We saw alligators, turtles, birds, and even snakes (we got to hold a small one!). Anthony’s knowledge and enthusiasm made it fun and educational for everyone. It’s the perfect adventure for families—we brought our 8-year-old niece, and she was fascinated the entire time. Can’t recommend this tour enough!

D Z.

Google
These were really nice trails in the woods, very peaceful and nice. Families, people walking dogs there. Can get a little desolate. Spotted lots of turtles and an alligator. Really liked it, great place to walk off a meal. $9 per car to enter the area. Were no restrooms by trails we were at, may have been some elsewhere in the area.

Sonja J.

Google
Lovely place to walk. The trees and marsh and water was all so beautiful and peaceful. The weather was perfect. We brought the dogs and they loved it also.
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Ron H.

Yelp
Absolutely Great. We do not object to the price increase to this preserve. Lots and lots of bikes - so be very careful. May be better to use GPS for objectives rather than wander. Expect popular areas to have very tight parking. Currently some road construction with stopped traffic Enjoy
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John B.

Yelp
The large section of the island cordoned off as a private community is open to visitors for a $9 charge, which was not as apparent as I would have liked (really, I just turned down this road because the nearby traffic circle was backed up). Paying that fee entitles you to visit some shopping centers and things, but not the beaches. The trails here, however, are reasonably well-maintained, save for some weathered informational plaques, and give you a nice sense of atmosphere. Bug spray is advised. Listening to the birds is a large part of the experience. A couple of boardwalks through a swamp and a rice field make this a relatively easy journey for anyone who can walk in South Carolina weather. There is a stop on the entrance road to walk into the area, or you can drive around and take your car well into it. I didn't really see a ton of advantage having done the latter, given that walking into the area is the entire point anyway. While I'm not a fan of exclusive island communities, it's at least to their credit that they keep a good part of it in this natural state, and that it's available for visitation, as not all island communities in the region can say that.
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Ophelia M.

Yelp
Spent the day in this amazing forest preserve. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is gorgeous with plenty to do and see. We enjoyed beautiful nature walks. The vanishing swamp trail has boardwalks over the swamp area and we were able to see turtles, some incredible birds, and tons of luscious green. The rice field trail has a similar boardwalk and we were able to see similar sights. The boggy gut trail takes you through the trees and areas that have a higher chance of seeing alligators (they also warn of snakes, but we didn't see any). We did see some alligators and a few pretty big turtles sunning themselves on the creek bank. Beyond the trails, there's several small lake/ponds where we saw people fishing. We also saw a group horseback riding on one of the larger trails. And, of course, there's golf! We also went to the harbor town lighthouse, which is in the preserve area. There are lots of little shops and eateries in harbor town area as well. All in all--a really fun day awaits at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Get to it!
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Ann C.

Yelp
This takes you deep in the woods. I'm pretty sure this is where they filmed a little bit of Forrest Gump. Normally, we would park and walk, but this time we rode our bikes through here which was really fun. It's a bumpy ride in spots but totally worth it. Before you know it, you're in the middle of the woods and it's so serene. This is also close to the stables where you can see all the horses and they have activities for kids there. There is a lake on the ride, so always be cautious of alligators. The trail rides from the stables take you through here also, so you might see some riders. This is a great place to go and relax.
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Carol R.

Yelp
This would be the perfect trail except for the ten minutes when the path was covered in horse poop. We saw turtles, a variety of birds, and some gators. $9/car.
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Deanna D.

Yelp
This is a really beautiful area. Lots of trails to explore and also a driving option too. We have a baby so we did the driving route and that was really enjoyable for us. Beautiful greenery. Nice to see so many trees and nature.
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Evan G.

Yelp
Sea Pines Forest Preserve at Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island is a great place to go for all things nature and trails. I really like the location and the variety of different trails that they have available here. It is very quiet and plenty of room to run around and get some fresh air. I also like all of the water and fishing spots that they have here.
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Suzanne S.

Yelp
Enjoyable walk or bike through 400 acres of swampy marshland. See wildlife and beautiful plant life as you explore. We saw an alligator!