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Where To Go Biking On Hilton Head Island

By Hilton Head Insider

With a well-earned reputation for outdoor adventure and breathtaking natural beauty, Hilton Head Island invites you to savor picture-perfect views while having the vacation of a lifetime — and there’s no better way to do that than by exploring on two wheels. Whether chasing those Atlantic Ocean breezes on a beachside trail or cruising beneath Spanish moss-covered trees, biking here feels like peddling through paradise. Here’s our ultimate guide to biking on America's Favorite Island®.

Why Hilton Head Island is Perfect for Biking

Rated as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the American League of Bicyclists, the Lowcountry has more than 70 miles of multi-use trails and an additional 12 miles of hard-packed beach to ride on. With nearly 30 bicycle rental shops offering approximately 15,000 bicycles for rent, it's easy to see why Hilton Head Island is considered one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the country. The question is, where are the best spots to pedal?

Popular Biking Trails and Paths

Sea Pines Leisure Trails
The iconic Sea Pines Resort boasts 17 miles of leisure trails perfect for biking. Pedal your way past the historic Stoney-Baynard Ruins, through the serene beauty of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and onward to the picture-perfect Harbour Town Pier. After your ride, grab a table at The Quarterdeck for fresh seafood and stunning sunset views.

Shelter Cove Community Park
Perfect for a casual ride, Shelter Cove’s trail area features the Shelter Cove Sculpture Trail, where outdoor art meets the Lowcountry's natural beauty. Ride the scenic path along Broad Creek, pause at the observation deck for sweeping marsh views, or even check out the Veterans Memorial.

Greens Shell Community Park
If you love a little history with your ride, Greens Shell is home to one of the Island’s best-preserved shell rings, believed to be thousands of years old. It’s a quick stop but a worthwhile one, especially for curious minds. After your loop, coast over to Benny's Coastal Kitchen for a well-earned waterfront meal.

Fish Haul Creek Park
Nestled in Bay Gall and overlooking Port Royal Sound, the park features shaded trails winding through maritime forests, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife and enjoy serene views. Discover this hidden gem as you explore the park’s many boardwalks and dirt paths leading to the beach, ending your ride with perfect picnic areas for a well-deserved meal.

Barker Field Pathways
Located along Mitchelville Road next to Fish Haul Creek Park, Barker Field offers a peaceful vantage point for soaking in famous Hilton Head Island sunsets. As you bike the boardwalk trail toward the picturesque Barker Field Observation Deck, you’ll pass behind the field’s soccer and baseball areas—keep an eye out for local teams sharpening their skills along the way.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Ride through centuries of layered history at Mitchelville, the site of America’s first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people. This 16-acre park blends wetlands, forests, salt marshes, and beaches, making it a ride full of both natural beauty and historical depth.

people walking bikes to the beach

Bike Rentals and Services

No bike? No problem. Hilton Head Island makes renting bikes easy and accessible with a variety of trusted local providers. Whether you're looking for beach cruisers, kid-friendly rides, or tandem bikes for two, you'll find top-notch service and convenient delivery options. Here are some options you can choose from.

Hilton Head Outfitters & Bike Rentals
Located within Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Outfitters offers a wide range of top-quality bikes, including cruisers, tandem bikes, and children's bikes.

Pedals Bicycles
Pedals Bicycles provides an extensive inventory of rental equipment, including beach cruisers, kiddie karts, and tandem bikes. They offer delivery and pick-up services between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily.

Peddling Pelican Bike Rentals, Inc.
Peddling Pelican has been offering quality bike rentals and service for over 30 years. They provide delivery and pickup in Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, North Forest Beach, and South Forest Beach. ​

Wheelz of Hilton Head
Wheelz provides Hilton Head Island bike rentals for the whole family, with beach cruisers, kids' bikes, step-through bikes, and more. They also offer delivery services to make your vacation hassle-free.

LowSea Bike, Beach & Baby Rental, Inc.
LowSea offers bike rentals for the entire family on Hilton Head Island, including beach cruisers, trailers, and more. They also offer baby gear rentals, including cribs and high chairs, with free delivery and pickup services.

Hilton Head Bicycle Company
Hilton Head Bicycle Company's fleet includes beach cruisers, kids’ bikes, and accessories, with free Island-wide delivery and pickup. Friendly service and easy online booking make it a go-to for vacationers.
 

people biking on a train

The Lowcountry Biking Community & Events

Pedal Hilton Head Island
Pedal Hilton Island is a can’t-miss annual event that takes place in early May for cycling fans and casual riders alike. Pedal Hilton Head Island is more than a ride—it’s a community celebration that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Riders of all ages and abilities can choose from multiple scenic routes, from beachside loops to forested pathways, all while supporting an incredible cause.

EZ Riders Bicycle Club
If you're looking to pair your cycling exploring with a dose of community and fun, check out the EZ Riders Bicycle Club. This local group is all about enjoying Hilton Head Island's bike paths at a relaxed, conversational pace. Their typical rides cover around 10–12 miles and cruise along paved, level routes (perfect for casual cyclists). Led by a ride leader and followed by a sweep to keep everyone on track, these rides are thoughtfully paced and stop occasionally at scenic spots or local points of interest. 

Kickin' Asphalt Bicycle Club
Looking to go a little farther and faster on your bike rides? The Kickin' Asphalt Bicycle Club is a great fit for cyclists who enjoy scenic routes, organized rides, and a strong sense of community. With over 250 members, the club offers weekly group rides around Hilton Head Island and the surrounding Lowcountry, welcoming a range of paces and skill levels.

pedal bike race

General Tips for Biking on Hilton Head Island

Biking on Hilton Head Island isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about the beauty of the experience. From planning your ride around the tides to catching a glowing sunset and looking out for Lowcountry wildlife, these simple tips will help you make the most of your time on the trails for a memorable adventure.

  • Respect the Beach: Only ride on the beach at low tide, and steer clear of dunes and turtle nests.
  • Go Early or Late: Midday can get warm, especially in the summer. Early mornings and late afternoons are cooler and often less crowded.
  • Watch for Wildlife: From birds to turtles, the Island is full of surprises. Always give animals plenty of space and admire them from a distance.
  • Bring a Basket: Perfect for snacks, sunscreen, and souvenirs — or maybe a fresh bakery find on your ride!
  • Sunset Rides are Magic: If you time it right, a ride during golden hour is pure Hilton Head Island magic. 
Two bikes parked on a beach with a family in beach chairs in the background

Staying Safe

Although biking may seem like all fun and games, safety always comes first. Before you take off on your adventure, take a moment to familiarize yourself with local rules and riding etiquette. From obeying traffic signals to choosing the right time to tackle the beach, these tips will help ensure every pedal stroke is as safe as it is unforgettable.

  • Safety First, Photos Later: Keep your hands on the handlebars and your eyes on the trail. That perfect photo-op can wait until you’re safely stopped.
  • Follow the Signs: Obey all traffic signals and pathway markings — stop signs included. They're there to keep everyone safe.
  • Pedestrians Come First: Always yield to walkers on the pathways. A friendly "on your left" goes a long way!
  • Light the Way: If you're biking after sunset, wear light-colored clothing or carry a flashlight to help you see. By law, bikes must have a headlight and a red rear reflector.
  • Ride Single File: It keeps the path clear for others and gives you more room to react to surprises along the way.
  • Ride at Low Tide: Only bike on the beach during low tide when the sand is firm and smooth. Biking at high tide makes for soft sand and tricky pedaling.
  • Know the Folly: A "folly" is a spot on the beach that may become impassable at high tide. Make sure to check the tides ahead of time.
family going to the beach on biked

Lowcountry Cruising: The Best Way to Get Around

Biking is more than a way to get around on Hilton Head Island — it's a way to connect with friends, family, nature, and more, while having fun doing so. Whether you're biking to the beach, pedaling through peaceful preserves, or just cruising to dinner, there’s something about exploring Hilton Head Island on two wheels that feels effortless and joyful. It’s a beautiful, breezy way to slow down and soak in everything that makes America’s Favorite Island® so special. You can start planning your ultimate biking trip-of-a-lifetime using our vacation planner here.

See you on the trails!

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