Islands and Beaches of the South Carolina Lowcountry

South Carolina Beaches in Lowcountry are located on barrier islands like Daufuskie Island, Edisto Beach, Fripp Island, and Hilton Head Island.

BEAUFORT

Fripp Island

Fripp Island is the most seaward of the the state’s sea islands. Located halfway between Charleston and Savannah, it is conveniently positioned between Hunting Island State Park to the north and Pritchards Island to the southwest. A wide marsh and estuarine system separates these islands from the larger St. Helena’s Island to the northwest. The upland acreage of the island is approximately 3,000 acres. Fripp has approximately three miles of beachfront along the Atlantic, though some parts of beach are fully submerged at high tide. Fripp Island is dog friendly. Read about spending time on Fripp Island HERE.
Fripp Island is located approximately 20 miles from Beaufort and is connected with the city via U.S. 21.

Harbor Island

Harbor Island, a private 1400-acre barrier island on the Atlantic seacoast, is located outside the city of Beaufort. The natural beauty of the island lies in its graceful sand dunes covered with sea oats and coastal grasses, and in its tidal waters and saltwater marshes.
Three miles of pure, untamed sandy beach is waiting for your exploration, relaxation, and play. Walk among the terns, pelicans, egrets, herons, and horseshoe crabs or sit in the sands and bask in the sun while watching the dolphins play.
Sunrises, flowing waters, gentle breezes, sunsets, and spacious views make your vacation retreat an experience worth repeating. A peaceful, gated community exists with nature on Harbor Island.
Tidewatch Vacation Rentals has the largest selection of villas and homes on the island.

Hunting Island

Hunting Island State Park is the most popular state park beach in South Carolina. It is a 5,000 acre park with 3 miles of natural beach. White sands and warm waters grace this state park preserved for visitors and locals to “get back to nature”. Hunting Island State Park is located just 16 miles east of Historic Beaufort on US 21.
Hunting Island has a 200 site campground with showers and dressing rooms on the beach. There are also a boardwalk, nature trails, lagoon, fishing pier and boat landing. In the center of the park stands a historic lighthouse which provides a magnificent view of the shoreline from the top. Hunting Island Lighthouse is open for viewing daily with an admission fee. Hunting Island is also a popular nesting ground for Loggerhead turtles.
There is a visitor center located within the park with a pond that is home to turtles and alligators. The park has several hiking trails. Read about them HERE.
HUNTING ISLAND BEACH AND TRAIL MAP

Port Royal Sands

The Town of Port Royal is located between the Beaufort River and Battery Creek in the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry. Way down on the southern tip of the town of Port Royal, you will find a wonderful area where Battery Creek flows into the Beaufort River. From the sandy beaches you can get some great views of the river and estuaries. A ramp here lets you launch boats onto the rivers. A long boardwalk runs along Battery Creek, and is a popular place for strolling and fishing. Near the end of the boardwalk is a large observation tower. You can see for miles around from the upper levels of the tower.
Within walking distance are the town of Port Royal’s walking trails, consisting of a 3.1 and a 5 mile walking and jogging path. The trails are marked and wind through the town village area, Live Oaks Park, Cypress Boardwalk and Sands Beach and Boardwalk. Read more HERE.
PORT ROYAL SANDS BEACH MAP

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND

Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island is South Carolina’s southernmost barrier island. It lies roughly one mile south of Hilton Head Island, SC, three miles north of Tybee Island and 12 miles north of Savannah. The island is about 5 miles long and 2.7 miles wide and is only accessible by water.
Transport can be arranged at www.daufuskiedifference.com . Typical travel time by ferry is about 45 minutes. There is approximately 3.5 miles of beachfront on Daufuskie Island. The Island has a rich history, and is the site of Pat Conroy’s teaching experiences that were the basis of his first novel The Water is Wide, and the motion picture Conrack. Read more about the history of Daufuskie Island HERE.
ROBERT KENNEDY TRAIL MAP

EDISTO ISLAND

Edisto Beach

The Town of Edisto Beach is located about 45 miles south of Charleston and is accessed via US 17, the coastal highway and state route 174. The town is a quiet, old-fashioned, family-style beach without a lot of commercial development. There is good fishing and shelling along the length of the Town beach, and especially on the popular state park beach. Read more about Edisto Beach HERE.
EDISTO BEACH BIKE PATH MAP

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Hilton Head Island has many beaches along its coastline.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND BEACHES MAP

Alder Lane

This is a nice wide beach and is relatively uncrowded. Amenities include restrooms and a drink vending machine. It is great for bike riding. There is parking across South Forest Beach Rd at the meters. This beach is also equipped with mats that make it wheelchair accessible.

Coligny Beach

This beach is located at Coligny Circle at Pope Avenue and South Forest Beach Drive. It’s the island’s busiest beach. There are restrooms, changing rooms, water fountains, sand showers, and other amenities. The town has recently added mats designed to make the beach wheelchair accessible at this location.

Burke’s Beach

Burke’s Beach is located off William Hilton Parkway at Burke’s Beach Rd. Parking is limited.

Dreissen Beach Park

Dreissen Beach is also off of William Hilton parkway, at Bradley Beach Rd. It has plenty of parking, rest rooms, sand showers and vending machines. It has a playground and a few picnic tables. There is a boardwalk to the beach. This beach is equipped with mats that make it wheelchair accessible.

Folly Field Beach

Folly Field beach is located on Starfish Road, a right turn off Folly Field Road. Parking is somewhat limited, but restrooms, sand showers and water fountains are available. This beach also is equipped with mats that make it wheelchair accessible. It is a favored beach for surfers.

Fish Haul Creek Park

This beach is on Port Royal Sound. This beach offers privacy.

Islander’s Beach Club

This beach is intended primarily for locals and their guests. Parking is available only for those who purchase annual permits, which are limited to Hilton Head property owners. Amenities here include restrooms, changing rooms, a playground, soft drink machine, sand showers and a few picnic tables. It’s located off Folly Field Road at Sparkleberry Lane (actual address is 94 Folly Field Rd.). This beach also is equipped with mats that make it wheelchair accessible.

State Parks Nature Tourism in Lowcountry

The state of South Carolina set aside some of the best examples of its natural, cultural & recreational resources, and presents them to you as Lowcountry state parks. Forty-seven of these properties, found from the edges of the Blue Ridge to the shores of the Atlantic, protect and preserve the rich heritage of the Palmetto State and invite you to sample its unique offerings. The South Carolina State Park Service takes stewardship of the resources and service to you, the visitor, seriously, and invites you to visit the following state parks in this region.

Colleton State Park
147 Wayside Ln.

Colleton State Park is located on Hwy 15, 10 miles north of Walterboro, near Canady’s. Edisto River Resource Center and Ranger Station – 35 acres, picnic shelters, nature trails, canoeing, camping, river fishing along the longest free flowing water in North America.
(843)538-8206
CYPRESS SWAMP NATURE TRAIL
COLLETON STATE PARK MAP
COLLETON STATE PARK BLOG

Edisto Beach State Park
8377 State Cabin Rd.

Edisto Beach State Park is located on Edisto Island. 1,255 acres, cabins, picnic shelters, playground, swimming, nature/hiking trails, ocean fishing, beach combing, boat ramp, camping, nature center, gift shop. Admission fee.
(843)869-2756
EDISTO STATE BEACH PARK MAP
EDISTO STATE PARK BROCHURE
EDISTO BEACH STATE PARK BLOG

Hunting Island State Park
2555 Sea Island Pkwy.

Hunting Island State Park is located 17 miles from downtown Beaufort.  5,000 acres, cabins, campground, handicap access, picnic shelters, lagoon & pier fishing, ocean swimming, boat ramp, nature programs, park store, gift shop, tackle shop. Admission fee.
(843)838-2011
HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK TRAIL MAP
HUNTING ISLAND CAMPGROUND MAP
HUNTING ISLAND BLOG

Lake Warren State Park
1079 Lake Warren Rd.

Lake Warren State Park is located at 1079 Lake Warren Rd, Hampton. Open seven days a week 9am – 6pm. 400 acres, picnic shelters, lake fishing, boat rentals, boat ramp, playground, primitive camping, and nature trails. Free admission.
(803)943-5051
LAKE WARREN STATE PARK MAP
LAKE WARREN PARK BROCHURE
LAKE WARREN BLOG

Wildlife Preserves and Nature Tourism Trails in Lowcountry

“Take only pictures, leave only footprints”

South Carolina Lowcountry Wildlife Preserves, Nature Trails and Sights

Read our blog on hiking in the SC Lowcountry.

Beaufort

Spanish Moss Trail

Beaufort’s Spanish Moss Trail is 10-mile-long hiking and biking trail that is a favorite outdoor recreation destination. The trail offers beautiful water and marsh views along with coastal wildlife viewing.
TRAIL MAP
SPANISH MOSS TRAIL BLOG 1
SPANISH MOSS TRAIL BLOG 2

Victoria Bluff Wildlife Management Area

Sawmill Creek Rd.
The Victoria Bluff Wildlife Management Area is located in Bluffton on Hwy 278 and the Colleton River. Controlled hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping. Regulated hunting. Check website for closings. 1(800)922-5431
TRAIL MAP

Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County

Audubon Newhall Preserve

55 Palmetto Bay Rd
Hilton Head’s Audubon Newhall Preserve is open to the public at no charge from dawn to dusk daily.
It has a series of short, easy walking trails through the fifty-acre preserve. Pick up a trail guide at the entrance which will guide you through a wide variety of trees and plants, from Florida Scrub to native hardwoods. (843)785-5775
TRAIL MAP

Coastal Discovery Museum of Hilton Head Island

Discover and explore the wonders of the South Carolina Lowcountry at the Coastal Carolina Discovery Museum. Take a leisurely stroll around the museum’s 68-acre property. Trails include the sea shell nature trail which leads to Jarvis Creek, and the camellia garden with its 120 different varieties of bloom and color. Visit the region’s only native butterfly enclosure and experience the life cycle of the local butterfly population. (843)689-6767

Jarvis Creek Park

Jarvis Creek Park is located just east of the intersection of US Hwy. 278 at 50 Jarvis Creek Road. Freshwater pond fishing, floating dock, playground, grass meadow, picnic facilities, grills, swings, paved pathways, mulched trails and restrooms.
PARK MAP

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Off Hwy 278 past Graves Bridge, Hilton Head Island.
4,052 acres that preserve the salt marsh and maritime habitat. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset every day. You can observe and photograph wildlife, go fishing, or during the season, hunt white-tailed deer.
(843)784-9911
TRAIL MAP
PINCKNEY ISLAND NWR BLOG

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a protected area for wildlife habitat and outdoor exploration. The preserve includes bridle paths, wetland boardwalks, bridges and fishing docks. Explorers can choose from guided boat tours, horseback rides, fishing expeditions, or wagon tours, or simply pick up a map and stroll the trails independently. (843) 785-3333
TRAIL MAP

Hunting Island – Beaufort County

Hunting Island State Park Trails
2555 Sea Island Pkwy.

Hunting Island State Park attracts more than a million visitors a year. Five miles of pristine beach, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure. The park has eight different trails to explore, winding through the beach, forest and along Johnson Creek. Visitors can view a vast array of land and marine wildlife. (843)838-2011
TRAIL MAP
HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK BLOG
HUNTING ISLAND MARSH BOARDWALK BLOG

Lady’s Island – Beaufort County

Crystal Lake Park
124 Lady’s Island Dr.

Crystal Lake Park is a 25-acre park winds through forested habitats, salt marsh and around Crystal Lake. The park has many opportunities for visitors to learn about the Lowcountry’s natural resources. Walk the trail or visit the interpretative center. Catch and release fishing can be done from the docks. (843)255-6680
MAP
CRYSTAL LAKE PARK BLOG

Port Royal – Beaufort County

Cypress Wetlands Walking Trail

Paris Avenue
Come to the Cypress Wetlands Walking Trail to view abundant populations of native wildlife. The forests, fresh and saltwater marshes, cypress swamps, and ponds provide habitat for a diverse community, including over two hundred species of birds.   The highest species diversity can be seen in the winter. Several species of wading birds including Egrets and herons can be seen nesting in the Rookery as well. (843)986-2211
TRAIL MAP
CYPRESS WETLANDS BLOG

Sands Boardwalk

Sands Beach Rd.
The Henry Robinson Boardwalk along Port Royal’s Battery Creek is a great place for a stroll. Enjoy the wildlife while walking along the vast waterway. Located on the southern tip of Port Royal, Battery Creek flows into the Beaufort River. Search for shark’s teeth on the sandy beach. Boats and kayaks can be launched from a ramp into the river. The boardwalk is a popular place for strolling, crabbing and fishing. An observation tower is located near the end of the boardwalk.
TRAIL MAP
SANDS BOARDWALK BLOG

Edisto Island – Colleton County

Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area
Botany Bay Rd, off Hwy. 174

The 4,360.5 acre Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area is located adjacent to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast corner of Edisto Island. The area’s location near the North Edisto river places it within the boundary of the ACE Basin Focus Area, one of the largest remaining relatively undeveloped wetland ecosystems along the Atlantic Coast. (843) 869-2713.
TRAIL MAP
BOTANY BAY WMA BLOG

Edisto Beach State Park Trails

Edisto Beach State Park has seven different trails that lead explorers through the maritime forest and along Bib Bay Creek. The Spanish Moss Trail takes hikers on a four mile walk to one of South Carolina’s oldest Native American shell mounds, (843)869-2156
TRAIL MAP
EDISTO BEACH STATE PARK BLOG

Edisto Island Serpentarium

1374 Hwy. 174
The Edisto Island Serpenterium features snakes, alligator pits, turtles, lizards. You can view these beautiful creatures in both indoor and outdoor facilities. alligators and turtles swim and play in outdoor ponds in outdoor gardens, while other reptiles bask in the large indoor solarium. (843)869-1171

Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
8675 Willtown Road

The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast. Located on a former rice plantation, the area is home to a wide variety of wildlife.  The refuge office is located in the Grove Plantation house. Built in 1828, it is one of a few surviving antebellum mansions in the ACE Basin area. (843) 889-3084
TRAIL MAP
ACE BASIN NWR BLOG

Green Pond – Colleton County

The ACE Trail

The Historic Ace Trail is located on a three acre site about 2 miles north of the intersection of US Hwy 17 and SC Hwy 303 in Colleton County.  It is adjacent a CSX rail crossing in the Green Pond community. The 3-mile trail is ideal for walking, biking, general exercise and bird watching.
TRAIL MAP

Bear Island Wildlife Management Area
Bennet’s Point Rd., off Hwy 17

The Bear Island Wildlife Management Area  is managed to provide quality habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland wildlife including threatened and endangered species such as woodstorks and bald eagles; to provide habitat for upland game and nongame species; and to provide recreational opportunities for the hunting and nonhunting public. Open Feb. 9th – Oct. 31st. Sunrise to sunset. Located between the Ashepoo and South Edisto Rivers, off US Hwy 17 and approx. 2 miles east of Green Pond.  Regulated hunting. (843)844-2952
TRAIL MAP
BEAR ISLAND WMA BLOG

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
585 Donnelley Dr., off Hwy. 17

With more than 8,000 acres of diverse habitats, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area is a favorite Lowcountry destination for bird watchers. Located in Green Pond on land once used for rice cultivation, the property features a historic rice field system now managed to attract waterfowl and other migratory birds. Donnelley is part of the ACE Basin ecosystem and is one of 17 SC sites designated a global Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. An 11-mile driving tour of the property takes you to some of the best spots to see the variety of birds and other wildlife. (843)844-8957
TRAIL MAP
DONNELLEY WMA BLOG

Jacksonboro – Colleton County

Edisto Nature Trail
17038 Ace Basin Pkwy., Hwy 17

The Edisto Nature Trail is located within the ACE Basin. Hikers can choose between a short or long looped trail. The scenic trail offers several historic features including an old phosphate operation, an old canal, rice fields, and an old railroad tram, all along the historic King’s Highway.
TRAIL MAP
EDISTO NATURE TRAIL BLOG

Walterboro – Colleton County

Colleton State Park Nature Trail
147 Wayside Ln.

Conveniently located just five minutes off I-95, Colleton State Park’s Cypress Swamp Trail is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the SC Lowcountry. Pick up a self-guided nature brochure for this short, level, easy walking, loop trail. Numbered signs will help you identify a variety of trees and plants including cypress, poplar, hickory, sweetgum, maple, dogwood, birch, and magnolia. You can follow the canoe dock board walk spur trail to the dark water of Edisto River. Watch for a variety of birds, deer, turtles, snakes and other wildlife. Other amenities include a campground and picnic shelters. (843)538-8206
TRAIL BROCHURE
COLLETON STATE PARK BLOG

Edisto River Canoe & Kayak Trail

The Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail is a recreational gem comprised of a series of access sites and points of interest along a 62-mile stretch of the Edisto River’s Main Stem. The trail starts at Green Pond Church Landing and meanders eastward past Colleton State Park.  At roughly the halfway point in the trail, the river passes Givhans Ferry State Park.  The trail officially ends at Lowndes Landing.  With ample camping and access throughout its length, the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail offers a variety of single and multi-day trips for all ability levels.

Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary

Walterboro, Detreville St.
Comprosed of over 800 acres of braided creek and hardwood flats. The Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary offers boardwalks, bridges, bike and walking trails for viewing natural Lowcountry wildlife and beauty. Spanish Moss drips from Cypress trees and wildflowers abound as you pass a beaver pond, duck pond and butterfly garden. (843)538-4353
TRAIL MAP
WALTERBORO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY BLOG

Hampton

Lake Warren State Park Walking Trails

Hampton’s Lake Warren State Park has three trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The Nature Trail winds through the woods and around the fishing pond. The Fitness Trail has 10 exercise stations. The Yemassee Trail follows a path along Lake Warren. Interpretive signs are placed throughout.
TRAIL MAP
LAKE WARREN STATE PARK BLOG

Webb Wildlife Management Area

Webb Wildlife Management Area is located off Hwy. 321, bordering the historical Savannah River. The 25,000+ acres provide excellent viewing of deer, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, gray squirrel and many types of birds. Several nature trails. Ponds available for fishing. Regulated hunting. (803)625-3569
MAP
WEBB WMA BLOG

Grays – Jasper County

Cypress Creek Wildlife Management Area

4605 acres northwest of Grays between Highways 3 and 278. Deer, wild turkey and small game. Regulated hunting. (843)726-6775

Hardeeville – Jasper County

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and nature trail is located on Hwy 17, north of the Georgia border, near Hardeeville. The 3-mile drive through old rice field dikes can be accessed via Hwy 170. The refuge is home to over 7,000 acres of wetlands flora and fauna. There are also over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails for your enjoyment.
(843)784-2468
TRAIL MAP

Ridgeland – Jasper County

Blue Heron Nature Trail

Walking tour of Lowcountry Wetlands.
This 10-acre green space boasts the Blue Heron Nature Trail, a quarter-mile  trail around a three-acre pond, and a quarter-mile of boardwalk through forested wetlands. The property also includes a butterfly garden, picnic area, outdoor classroom, observation decks and a  Learning Center. Trailside displays help visitors learn more about the native flora and fauna of Jasper County and the Lowcountry. Exit 21, Ridgeland, (843)726-7611
TRAIL MAP
BLUE HERON BLOG

Tillman – Jasper County

Tillman Sand Ridge Wildlife Management Area
Sandhill Rd, County Rd. 119

Located 5 miles west of Tillman on Hwy 119. The Tillman Sand Ridge Wildlife Management Area is a 952-acre tract protects the endangered Gopher Tortoise.  The preserve also protects more than a half mile of frontage on the Savannah River. Trail access can be found just before the boat ramp at B & C Landing.
(843)546-8119
MAP

Turtle Island – Jasper County

Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area

Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area can be reached by boat access only between Daufuskie Island and Savannah. 1700 acres of salt marsh, maritime forest and barrier beach. The beach is an important foraging and resting area for migratory shorebirds as well as a known nesting area for beach-nesting shorebirds. By appointment only. Regulated hunting.
(803)625-3569
MAP