The best way to explore the communities of the South Carolina coast is on foot or two wheels. With fall temps ranging from the high 60s to mid-70s, it’s the perfect time to escape to nature along one of the area’s many paths and walking trails. You’ll take in some breathtaking scenery and catch sight of some of the local wildlife. You might even spy a pretty good size alligator. Bring your bike or slip into some tennis shoes to experience the area up close and at a slow pace.
Palmetto Islands County Park
Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park has bicycle paths, along with boardwalks, and nature trails. There's a $2 admission fee. The park has a 50-foot observation tower, tidal creek fishing and nature trails. Bike rentals at Boat-Bike-Rentals are available onsite.
Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail
To get in some birdwatching, beach trails and observation decks head to the Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail, which crosses maritime forests and wetlands and offers beach access. It’s a comfortable walk, just over a half-mile and there are benches along the way.
Marsh View Trail
The Marsh View Trail starts at the Mount Pleasant Dog Park with a butterfly garden. Then, the trail meanders through woods to an open marshland. Take a rest on a shaded bench that overlooks the marsh where you’re sure to spot some beautiful birds like great blue herons, snowy egrets, brown pelicans and kingfishers. It’s just a half-mile round trip but you feel a million miles away.
Shem Creek Park
Take a leisurely walk along the 2,200-foot boardwalk to the Charleston Harbor at Shem Creek Park in Mount Pleasant.
Kiawah Island
Bicyclists have hit the Mother Lode on Kiawah Island, which has more than 30 miles of flat bike paths and 10 miles of hard-packed sand for beach riding. Any direction you go, the scenery is spectacular. You’ll see a lot of wildlife and some “Danger: Alligators” signs. Those are not just for looks. About 450 alligators live in Kiawah Island. Trails are spread across the island and take riders to Night Heron Park, Mingo Point, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Marsh Island Park and Eagle Point. You can even bike to Freshfields Village shopping area to pick up supplies.
Get a good view of a thriving saltwater marsh with a stop at the Marsh Island Park and Tower. If you’re really feeling energetic go a little farther to Blue Heron Pond Observation Tower, where you can climb the spiral staircase for more magnificent, panoramic views of the marsh.
After you’ve hiked and biked your way around, you’ll want to kick off your tennis shoes and relax back at your vacation rental. We have rentals of all types on Kiawah Island right on the network of trails. 4521 Parkside Villa on Kiawah Island is a two-bedroom, two-bath cottage near Night Heron Park. Windswept Villas puts you right in the center of everything. From one-bedroom condos to large homes, we’ve got the property that’s just right for your outdoor adventure.