Town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Government Website

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Hilton Head Island Pathways

Hilton Head Island Bicycle Friendly Community Silver Designation LogoThe Town of Hilton Head Island provides nearly 54 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 a localized map of the area on the other.

photo of Pope Avenue Pathway BridgeThe 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 on your bicycle. Public beaches can be accessed via the beach parks highlighted on the pathway map.

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 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 Codeexternal link icon Section 12-1-511 which states:

Motor vehicles 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:

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

Pathway Markings

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

Photo of Helmsman PathwayTips 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.
  • Never ride within the roadway against traffic. State law requires bicycles to drive like all other vehicles.
  • For your own safety, please consider riding bicycles on a pathway instead of the roadway when one is available.
  • 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...

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

Bike Path Brochure pdf icon