Baynard Cove Creek Paddling

Review

Intro

Baynard Cove Creek is located on the southern end of Hilton Head Island, and nearly separates the tip of the island from the rest of Hilton Head completely. The Creek runs from Calibogue Sound River on the west side of the island, straight into the interior of Hilton Head, and almost all the way to the beach. This end of Hilton Head is mostly marsh and tidal flats, with infrastructure and residential areas that run like veins down the solid portion of the Island.

What Makes It Great

This is the perfect short length trip on Hilton Head. It is easy to get to, and the water is nice and calm for beginners, though the water recedes dramatically during low tide. The best characteristic of Baynard Cove Creek is the vast marshland located inside the Island. You do not have to cross any main channels to get to the marsh, or worry about fighting tides and currents. You can access this creek from within the island, or from Calibogue Sound if you want to extend the length of your tour. The marsh on this creek is like a nursery for marine life. This in turn brings larger fish inshore, which attract dolphins. Long story short, you’re going to see dolphins and it’s going to be awesome.

Who is Going to Love It

If you’re a kayak angler, then you need to hightail it to Baynard Cove Creek. It almost feels like cheating there are so many fish. Hilton Head has a decent sized fishing community, but you’re mainly going to be paddling with groups of kayakers, and the occasional paddleboarder, so the fish are not pressured as much as other parts of the island and will most likely eat anything you throw at them. Beginning paddlers will really enjoy this route as well. It’s laid back and easy to handle. If you plan on launching from inside Hilton Head, the hardest part is going to be getting your boat to the water. From the road where the creek dead ends, it’s going to get dirty, especially on a low tide. Try to make a high tide when there will be much more water in the creek to work with.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Launching from Hilton Head, the drop in is on South Sea Pines Drive, about a mile down the road from local United Foods Store. To get there, take Highway 278 South all the way to the roundabout at Sea Pines Circle, then follow Greenwood until you run into S Sea Pines Drive. There is no launch fee, but parking here is not an option. Have a friend drop your boats off at the end of the creek and park back at United Foods. The other launch point, for a much longer and challenging trip, is at the boat landing  on Pinckney Island. From there, just head South and follow Google Earth on your smartphone to find the mouth of Baynard Cove Creek.