Trail Running in Hilton Head, SC

Savannah National Wildlife refuge is located just outside of Hardeeville, SC, about 22 miles or 30 minutes West of Hilton Head Island.

Jarvis Creek Park is where you want to take the family for a day outside. If you come here looking for a challenging trail run, you’re going to be disappointed by all of the happy children running around you and the perfectly manicured paved trail system.

There are 7 trails within the park’s boundaries, two of which are significantly longer than the rest, though none of the trails are longer than 2 miles. The Spanish Mount Trail-a 1.7 mile long stroll through pine and hardwoods that leads to one of the oldest Native American shell mounds in the country.

The island is home to one main trail that runs down the length of the island, and gives the opportunity for bikers, runners, and hikers to share the road. There are several tangential trails that begin from different points along the the main gravel path.

This trail is perfect for a shorter trail run, or if you’re looking to go further take another lap. This trail is akin to running through the jungle in some parts. If you run the loop twice going in opposite directions, it feels like an entirely different trail.

The Buckwalter Greenway Trail is a 1.35-mile nature trail carved into the wetlands surrounding the Buckwalter Place shopping complex in Bluffton. It’s a quick trail with soft mulch underfoot for an easy dose of nature.

Bear Island is home to just under 5 miles of out-and-back trail systems that lead you along dikes, beside marsh, and over wetlands. Closer toward mainland you’ll run through pine and hardwoods, and on the southern end of the island.