Hilton Head Island has nearly 60 miles of public pathways and nature trails on which pedestrians and cyclists may enjoy the diverse destinations and activities. In addition, there are more than 50 miles of pathways and shared roadways within the private developments. These private pathways are for the use of residents and renters of the respective communities and their guests. Please contact your rental agency or the individual development’s security office regarding their policy on entering and exiting the community.
The pathway map highlights the existing public pathways. Many kiosks are located along the pathways with an island-wide map on one side, and local route maps on the other.
With 12 miles of the world’s finest beaches, Hilton Head Island provides the ideal opportunity at low tide for your family to enjoy the coastline on your bicycle. Public beaches can be accessed via the beach parks highlighted on the pathway map.
There are plenty of parks that capture the unique character of Hilton Head’s natural environment and recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors. While using the pathway system, please visit and enjoy these facilities. Public restrooms are available in most parks.
Rules For The Road
- Please obey all traffic signals and pathway markings. Stop signs must be obeyed for safety. Bicycles are vehicles and must obey SC traffic laws.
- Travel the pathways at speeds that allow for the safety of pedestrians and other users.
- Never ride within the roadway against traffic. State law requires bicycles to drive like all other vehicles.
- Please do not ride on roads where a pathway is available.
- Please ride single file and keep a safe distance from other bicyclists.
- Watch out for motorists! Motorists must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists within marked crossings, but they may not see you.
- Please yield to pedestrians. When resting or stopped, please move off the pathway.
- Most sections of the pathways are not illuminated. If you must bike at night, please wear light-colored clothing or carry a flashlight. Bicycles must have a red rear reflector and a headlight when biking at night.
- When approaching slower pathway users from behind, please sound your warning device, or call out, “Passing on your left.” Always pass on the left.
- Bicyclists should always wear a helmet, especially children 12 and under.
- Make eye contact and use hand signals. Assume other bicyclists and motorists don’t see you. Hand signals tell motorists and other path users what you intend to do and will ensure everyone’s safe enjoyment of the pathways.
- Be courteous, alert and predictable.
- Pathway Markings
- White Diamonds – Restricted Travel Lane. Travel with the flow of traffic.
- White Stripe & Stop Sign – Road crossing. Stop and look for motorists.
- Yellow Center Line – Two-way traffic. Keep to the right.
- Several Ladder Hatching Stripes – Crosswalk.
- Please lock your bicycle when not in use! Bicycle thefts are preventable.
