If you move best on two wheels, you will fall in love with autumn along the Carolina coast. Biking is the perfect (some say only) way to get around these beach communities, both for recreation and as a means of transportation.
Kiawah Island is best explored on bike, with a 30-mile network of biking trails. Some trails are paved while others are made up of boardwalks and even the beach. These trails are easy rides the whole family can enjoy as most are flat and well-marked.
Note that walk-up bike rental locations are currently closed at Kiawah Island Resort, so make bike reservations in advance. Check-in with Alligator Bikes for a comfortable beach cruiser and add-ons like a beach tow cart. They will even deliver bikes directly to your door on Kiawah or Seabrook Islands.
Popular Bike Trails to Explore
One of the more popular rides on Kiawah Island is a route that takes bikers around Night Heron Park. Start at Sea Forest Drive and head around East Beach to get some views of Kiawah wildlife. The park makes a nice place to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
Mingo Point is a short ride but offers a great view of the Lowcountry wetlands.
The ride down Kiawah Island Parkway takes bikers through the Vanderhorst gate to Rhett’s Bluff. The area offers beautiful scenery including spectacular marsh views and the Bass Pond. There is a good chance you’ll spot an alligator along the way.
The Marsh Island Viewing Tower on Kiawah Island also offers great views of the marsh. Ride a bit further down the road to Blue Heron Overlook, which is also scenic. These are easy treks that are flat and about one mile, but the views are spectacular.
Wannamaker North Trail in nearby Goose Creek boasts about 15 miles of features for all levels of cyclists. The paths are well defined and well maintained. There are several different routes with various levels of difficulty. The ridge riding on the red/green loop is fun and takes riders through a variety of terrain.
Biking on Seabrook Island is a breeze with Alligator Bike rentals. Start at Freshfields Village and head to the crabbing dock and boat ramp. You can then wind around the trails by the Golf Oak Park to the Lake House. A ride through St. Christopher Oaks Homes is spectacular as it takes riders along a protected forest at the edge of the Edisto River toward Pelican Beach.
Be sure to follow safe biking guidelines, such as:
• Ride single file on the right side of the road.
• Be sure to have lights on after dark.
• Automobile drivers follow 25 mph speed limits and are strictly enforced.
• Wear a helmet.
Now, who is ready to ride?