Hilton Head Island Pathways

The Town of Hilton Head Island provides 64 miles of public pathways and nature trails on which pedestrians and cyclists may enjoy the diverse destinations and activities provided by this wonderful place to work and play. 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.

The Town of Hilton Head Island contains 12 miles of the world's finest beach. At low tide, it is the ideal opportunity for your family to enjoy the coastline by bicycle. Public beaches can be accessed via the beach parks highlighted on the pathway map.

Pope Avenue Pathway Temporary Closure & Detour Map pdf icon

The Town of Hilton Head Island is proud to provide a network of parks that capture the unique character of the Town'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.

Plantation Pathways
The pedestrian and bicycle paths within the various plantations are for the use of plantation residents and their guests.

Unsafe Pathway Conditions?
If a public pathway is in need of repair, please contact our Facilities Management Division at 843-342-4580. Photo of Pope Avenue Pathway Skaters

Pathway Regulations

Pathway Regulations can be located in the Town's Municipal Code Section 12-1-511 which states:

Motor vehicles are prohibited on pathways.

Any publicly owned pathway or lane designed for pedestrians or bicycles shall not be traversed or utilized in any way by any of the following:

Cars, trucks, tractors, or any other motorized vehicles, with the exception of emergency vehicles, authorized maintenance vehicles, or electric-powered wheelchairs for the handicapped.
Motorcycles, motor-assisted bicycles such as mopeds, motorscooters, golf carts, lawn mowers, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, or any other similar, small motorized vehicles.
Horses or any other large animals, except for small pets such as dogs and cats on a leash.
Surreys and other types of carriages.

Learn How a HAWK Signal Works at a Crosswalk

Pathway Markings

Marking	Meaning	Instructions
White Stripe and Stop Sign	Road Crossing	Stop and Look for Motorists
Yellow Center Line	Two-way Traffic	Keep to the Right
Several Ladder Hatching Stripes	Crosswalk	Watch out for other bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists

Tips for Safe Bicycling - 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.
When riding in the roadway, ride with traffic, not against. State law requires bicycles to drive like all other vehicles.
For your own safety, please consider riding bicycles on a pathway when one is available instead of the roadway.
Please ride single file and keep a safe distance from other bicyclists.
Watch out for motorists! In South Carolina, 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. An audible signal such as a bell or voice commands like "Passing on Left" are useful to let other pathway users know of your approach and/or intentions.
Be courteous, alert, and predictable.

More Bike Safety Tips...

video transcript

Please lock your bicycle when not in use!
Bicycle thefts are preventable.