Sea Pines Forest Preserve Hilton Head
As you plan your trip to Hilton Head, your first thoughts likely go to the 13 miles of white sand beaches, beautiful trees, immaculate landscaping, and amazing food. However, I would challenge you to look outside the coast and find the hidden gems that makeup so much more. One of these hidden gems is the Sea Pines Forest Preserve Hilton Head. We love going to the Forest Preserve in Sea Pines and feel it is a great place to visit if you are interested in exploring nature and history and would like to envelop yourself in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. Trust me when I say, “The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is worth visiting.”
Exploring the Beauty of Sea Pines Forest Preserve
We have visited the Sea Pines Forest Preserve many times, and each time, we find something new. The preserve covers over 600 acres of protected land, and is the largest area of undeveloped land on Hilton Head Island.
There are many trails at the preserve that take you deep into the forests, where you will see lagoons and some of the expansive marshlands around the Island. Keep an eye out for the Native American Shell Ring where you can see history come to life in a well preserved 4,000 year old site.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve Information:
Location: Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
Preserve Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Admission: Free for everyone staying in Sea Pines. (see additional information)
Tips when visiting the Hilton Head Forest Preserve in Sea Pines:
- There are a couple of entrances to the Preserve. One is off of Greenwood Drive, about 1 mile from the Greenwood Drive Entrance on your left. You can also find an entrance off of Lawton Canal Road. Lawton Canal Road is located 0.16 miles from Lawton Stables off of Greenwood Drive or off of Lawton Drive.
- If you are not staying in the Sea Pines Resort gated community, you will need to pay the entrance fee to have access to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The fee is minimal and gives you a full day of access to the amenities inside of Sea Pines. It is well worth the cost of admission.
- The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is accessible by car, bike, walking path or by horse. Yes, you can schedule a horseback ride through the Preserve from Lawton Stables. Taking a horse trail is one of the most unique experiences when making your way through the forest. It is also nice to have a guide to point out all of the interests along the way.
Hilton Head Island Sea Pines Forest Preserve:
An Adventure Every time you visit!
Every time we visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, it is a brand new adventure. This Forest Preserve offers a diverse range of experiences in the natural environment. With over 600 acres to explore, you can find yourself walking under a lush canopy of tall oaks and pines one moment, and then standing in front of a tranquil lake the next, each experience more exciting than the last.
Immerse yourself in the unique experiences the Preserve offers. Pay attention to the sights and sounds when venturing into each section of this ecosystem. When you visit the rice fields, listen to the symphony of bird calls, and keep a look out for other animals that might pass by. As you sit by Lake Joe or Lake Mary, keep an eye out for an alligator making its way through the water. You might just see some eyes above the surface looking back at you.
If you enjoy nature and exploring, the Forest Preserve Hilton Head is the right place for you. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the wildlife is most active. Take a day to explore or visit multiple times and visit a section at a time. No matter what, be sure to add this one to your list of things to do when visiting Hilton Head Island.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve: What to Expect
You will find that there are many unique places to explore at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Starting your journey from the Greewood Drive entrance, you can walk along the entry trail and head across the Rice Field Boardwalk or take the Boggy Gut Trail making your way to the three lakes in the Preserve. The trail system around the lakes are some of the most scenic and there is a nice spot over by Lake Joe called Fish Island where you can have a picnic before you continue your trek around the Preserve. Let’s take a closer look at some of the great places to explore.
Trail System
While the Forest Preserve was founded in 1959, the first trails were added in 1970. Since that time, more trails have been added to increase the easier access to the massive 600+ acres that make up this protected Sea Pines treasure. Some of the trails are walking only while others allow bikes as well. There are also some trails around the three (3) lakes that allow vehicles. These are nice and will get you to many of the other trailheads to explore by foot or bike. All of the trails are amazing and worth your time to explore.
The 3 Lakes: Lake Joe, Mary and Thomas
No matter how you get to the three lakes, Lake Joe is the first one you will see. If you are walking from the Greenwood Drive Entrance, you can take the elevated bridges across the Rice Fields and Vanishing Swamp and you will come out across from Lake Joe. You can also ride your bike or take a car on the Fish Island Trail entrance to visit the Lakes. Each Lake has its own charm and offers a relaxing environment full of Hilton Head beauty and access to amazing birds and other wildlife.
Native American Shell Ring
After visiting Lake Joe and Fish Island, be sure to take a walk along the Lake Joe Trail. As you make you walk along the lake you will see the Shell Ring Trail on your left. A short walk takes to to the Indian Shell Ring, anther can’t-miss area if you are interested in history. This Shell Ring dates back over 4,000 years and is one of the oldest Native American archaeological sites in the region. Each time we visit the Native American Shell Ring, we look in awe while we stand in a place with such deep historical roots. It is quite humbling in fact. You will see plaques placed around the ring to give you the historical significance of this area and explain more on how the Native Americans used this area so long ago.
Rookery Point and Rookery Island
Drive, walk, or ride down to Lake Mary and head over to Rookery Point and Rookery Island. These areas are nesting grounds for various bird species, making them a fantastic spot to observe Hilton Head’s rich birdlife. We have spent many peaceful hours here, watching great blue herons, egrets, and other wildlife in this Hilton Head habitat. Sit on a bench on the water’s edge or walk out to the pier from Rookery Island and take in the magic of this place. Gazing at the beautiful sunset over the lake is a great reminder of how vital these protected lands are for the local ecosystem.
Wildlife and Plantlife Viewing Areas
As you make your way through the trail systems in the Sea Pines Preserve you will find many observation decks and points at which you will want to stop and take time to look around. We have had some wonderful moments along these paths observing birds, turtles, and even the occasional alligator. Have your camera (or phone) ready because you will have some of the best vantage points in the Preserve while viewing the habitats around you from the observation points.
Fish Island at Lake Joe
Fish Island is another calm location by Lake Joe that we stop at each time we go to the Reserve. You can get to Fish Island by walking across the raised wooden path beside Lake Joe, driving your car, or riding your bike. Once you arrive, you will see why we recommend it. There are picnic tables and seating by the lake, making it a perfect place to stop for a picnic or sit and enjoy the natural beauty. After your stop, go to the many trails that lead behind Lake Joe and find the gem of the Indian Shell Ring.
Old Lawton Rice Fields
One of the historic and lesser-known areas in the Sea Pines Preserve is the Old Lawton Rice Fields. You can find these fields near the Greenwood Drive entrance. A great way to see the old rice fields is to take the Boggy Gut Trail and cut off on the Rice Field Boardwalk. These fields were once used for rice cultivation during the 18th and 19th centuries. While the rice fields are no longer used, they remain a significant part of Hilton Head’s history. As you walk through this area, it’s easy to imagine what life might have been like for those working the fields centuries ago.
Did you know?
The Antebellum Rice Dike used a system of dikes and drainage to cultivate rice in the low-lying fields, which were ideal for this type of farming due to their proximity to freshwater marshes. The rice fields, including the dike system, played a significant role in Hilton Head Island’s agricultural history. You can find remnants of these rice fields by walking along the Boggy Gut boardwalk. The dikes are still visible and offer a glimpse into the plantation’s operations during the antebellum period.
Sea Pines Nature Preserve History
In the 1950s, Charles Fraser founded Sea Pines Resort, and from the beginning, his approach to development was revolutionary. Rather than building over the island’s natural landscapes, environmental preservation was at the top of his list.
The concept of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve was to set aside a large portion of the Sea Pines Plantation (now Sea Pines Resort) as a permanent conservation area, allowing everyone who visits to enjoy the island’s natural habitats in their untouched form. This was groundbreaking at the time, as most coastal developments focused solely on resorts and residential communities.
Establishing the Preserve
In 1970, Sea Pines Forest Preserve was officially designated, setting aside 605 acres of marshes, forests, lakes, and historical sites. The preserve’s diverse landscapes include ancient maritime forests, freshwater wetlands, and archaeological sites such as the Indian Shell Ring, which dates back over 4,000 years.
Tours at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve
It is wonderful to explore all of the sights and sounds at the Forest Preserve in Sea Pines on your own, however, there are some other options. Taking a tour on horseback, by boat, on a wagon or even walking with a guide can really enhance your appreciation for the beauty and vastness of this area.
Alligator and Wildlife Boat Tour
These guided tours are provided by H2O Sports and take you on a one-hour journey through the freshwater lakes, Thomas and Mary. The tour starts off of Fish Island and you will join up to 12 other excited nature lovers in an electric boat that quietly moves along the waters allowing you to get up close to alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Led by an experienced guide who shares your interest in the natural habitat of Hilton Head, they will share insights about the local ecosystem, point out spots to look for alligators and show you the local wildlife up close. It is well worth the cost and time for this boat adventure.
Book your tour and get more details: H2O Sports Alligator Tours
Horseback Riding
Lawton Stables offers guided horseback trail rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Mount your horse and take a ride through the Bridle Trails at the Preserve. These rides are great for beginners and experienced riders. The trails wind through the peaceful landscapes under a canopy of moss-covered oaks, providing a unique perspective of the Lowcountry environment. These rides typically last about an hour and are a great way to explore the preserve from a different vantage point.
Book with Lawton Stables and make great memories with your family.
Wagon Tours
If you want to explore the Sea Pines Preserve in a different fashion, consider the very relaxed option of a wagon tour. Wagon Tours are offered by Lawton Stables as an alternative to getting on a horse. Hop aboard the wagon and travel through the scenic paths of Sea Pines Forest Preserve. A Wagon ride is ideal for families or groups looking to enjoy the sights while learning about the natural beauty of Hilton Head. Along the way, you will have many opportunities to view wildlife, and the beautiful land that makes up this amazing preserve.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve FAQ
Yes, there are several guided tours provided for the Preserve in Sea Pines. The Horseback riding tour is amazing and is offered by the Lawton Stables group. If you want to get on the water and look for alligators, the boat tour is a great option.
If you are a birdwatcher or just like to see some amazing wildlife native to Hilton Head Island, the Forest Preserve in Sea Pines is a great place to visit. Egrets are majestic birds found in most locations but you will also find herons and other waterfowl such as ducks and geese depending on the time of the year. There are other types of wildlife including alligators and turtles. Be sure to bring your camera (or at least your phone). This is a great place to capture magnificent photos in the wild.
Yes, fishing is allowed at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. There are multiple lakes, Lake Joe, Thomas and Mary. You will need a fishing permit in order to fish legally within the Preserve. Go to the Sea Pines Resort Office to get additional information.
Yes, you can bring your dog with you to the Forest Preserve. A couple of rules exist if you decide to bring your pet with you. You must always keep them on a leash and please clean up after them at all locations through the preserve. Having your pet is a lot of fun but always be courteous of everyone around you.
This is a really good question. We will typically ride our bikes to the Sea Pines Preserve and walk along the trails to see as much as possible. Driving your vehicle has its advantages as well. If you are staying outside of the Sea Pines Resort and visiting for the day, you have the option of Parking at the Greenwood Drive entrance or driving up to Fish Island. There are multiple places to park and once on the grounds, you can walk the many paths to explore the entire 605 acres. Remember though, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is huge and it might take more than a day to explore it all.
The Forest Preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset. This gives you plenty of time to explore the many trails, lakes, and historical sites at the Preserve. Anything you can’t fit in, you can come back another day.
Yes and No. If you are staying inside of the Sea Pines Resort gated community, you automatically have access to everything inside of Sea Pines. If you are staying somewhere other than Sea Pines Resort, there is a small entrance fee to gain access to the history, activities, restaurants and shops inside of the gates of Sea Pines.
Insider Note: If you plan to visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, start early so you can visit multiple areas in Sea Pines. Each entrance fee is good for the entire day at Sea Pines Resort!