Hilton Head is a barrier island built around its maritime forest and marshland — nature preserves here rival the beaches as the top reason to visit.
Over 4,000 acres of marsh, forest, and lagoons just across the bridge onto the island, laced with 14 miles of trails and one of the largest wading-bird rookeries on the East Coast — alligators are a near-guarantee.
A 605-acre protected maritime forest inside Sea Pines Plantation, with quiet trails past lagoons, the shell ring, and plantation ruins — a genuinely wild pocket in the middle of a resort community.
A compact 50-acre native plant sanctuary with a self-guided nature trail through pine flatwoods and freshwater ponds, maintained by the Hilton Head Audubon Society.
Tips for Parks & Gardens
- Bring insect repellent — marsh trails get buggy at dawn and dusk.
- Pinckney Island has no restrooms or water fountains; come prepared.
- Visit Sea Pines Forest Preserve early morning for the best wildlife sightings.