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The private community of Seabrook Island is known for its serene, secluded Atlantic beaches, lush Lowcountry landscapes, and a natural unspoiled beauty and charm that has sustainably stood the test of time. The destination itself sets the tone for nature inspired activities, eco-friendly tee times, leisurely bike rides along quiet streets lined with moss-draped live oaks, and relaxing outdoor exploration on the scenic trails that wind around the island’s tiny 2,200 acres.
However you choose to explore the trails – by bike, by horse, by paddleboat, or on foot – you’ll find it here on Seabrook Island. The Seabrook Island Equestrian Center has dedicated equestrian trails for horse riding, endless bike paths connect the activities and amenities on the island, and there are beautifully maintained walking trails for a peaceful stroll in nature.
The nature trails on Seabrook Island do not allow dogs, but with 3.5 miles of uncrowded, pet-friendly beaches and a wide selection of vacation homes that welcome your pup, Fido has plenty of space to sniff, smell, and swim along the shoreline of Seabrook Island.
Trailhead: Hidden Oak Drive
Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Distance: ½ mile
The Hidden Oak Nature Trail near Pelican Beach is the most popular nature trail on the island and our favorite place to birdwatch in Seabrook. The half-mile trail parallels Hidden Oak Drive and is relatively easy, aside from two sets of wooden steps on the steeper sections of the trail.
From the trail parking, you’ll wander through woods with wildlife, around a lagoon with a resident alligator, and on to a beautiful live oak fondly known as The Kissing Tree (take a peek at the backside of the tree for a mouth-like shape). From here, you can either walk back through the woods or along Hidden Oak Drive.
Trailhead: Pumping Station on Old Drake Drive
Level: Easy
Distance: ½ mile
The Old Drake Nature Trail is a short out-and-back trail from the pump station on Old Drake Drive to the trails at the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center. The T-shaped path winds through lush Loblolly pines around the tranquil marshlands with benches to take in the sights and sounds of nature’s beautiful birdlife and wildlife. The end of the trail meets a clearly marked private property on the left and the equestrian trails on the right for horse riders only.
Trailhead: SIPOA Community Center
Level: Easy
Distance: ½ mile
The Bobcat Dune Nature Walk is a short beachside boardwalk from the SIPOA Community Center through the dunes and marshlands on Seabrook Island North Beach. Bobcat Dune Nature Walk is perfect for an easy, sunny, oceanfront stroll! The ½ mile trail is entirely boardwalk with sweet grass and sea oats, colorful birdlife, and scenic ocean views. The boardwalk continues to meet the more difficult Six Ladies Trail or head back the way you came. The beaches of Seabrook Island are a nesting site for Loggerhead sea turtles, please stay on the boardwalk and away from the dunes.
Trailhead: SIPOA Community Center
Level: Advanced
Distance: â…“ mile
The Six Ladies Nature Trail begins at the parking area off Oyster Catcher Court or can be joined from the Bobcat Dune Nature Walk. The trail is only 1/3 of a mile, but it’s the most rugged of them all, traversing through the maritime forest and old dunes formed when the ocean covered more of the island. The trail climbs to a lookout over Cap’n Sams Creek with a bench and picnic table to pause and soak up the views. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife, our local otters, and the bucket-list opportunity to witness dolphins strand feeding in Cap’n Sams Creek. After the overlook, the trail becomes more difficult over the old dunes into a palmetto forest and climbing up to Oyster Catcher Court.
Trailhead: Camp St. Christopher Welcome Center
Level: Easy
Hours: Monday to Friday
Call for Reservations: (843) 768-0429
Bordered by the North Edisto River and Privateer Creek, Camp St. Christopher protects over 300 acres of undisturbed maritime forest and more than a mile of beachfront with several nature trails winding from the Welcome Center through the preserve. There are three easy trails open to the public from sunrise to sunset, however, reservations must be made one to two days in advance by calling (843)-768-0429.
Trailhead: Seabrook Island Lake House
Level: Easy
Distance: ¾ mile
The Lake House is a fitness and wellness facility and the hub of the local Seabrook Island community. The state-of-the-art facility includes an indoor pool and fitness center, an outdoor pool and playground, and two tranquil trails for a nature walk. The Lake House Nature Trail is past the playground and crosses a bridge into a wooded trail through the maritime forest to join the bike path on Seabrook Island Road. A path leads off the Lake House Nature Trail for a scenic stroll around Palmetto Lake.
Seabrook Island Equestrian Trails
Location: 2313 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island, SC
Hours: Monday to Saturday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Call for Reservations: (843) 768-7541
For a unique and memorable way to explore Seabrook Island, check out the award-winning Equestrian Center, one of the few destinations on the east coast you can book a beach horse ride! Aside from bucket-list beach rides, you can book private or group lessons, and trail rides on dedicated equestrian trails through the woods, marshlands, and tidal creeks on Seabrook Island.
Beach & Trail Rides:
Walking Beach Rides | Ages 12 and older | Starting at $135 per person
Scenic Trail Rides | Ages 8 and older | Starting at $63 per person
Pony Rides | Ages 7 and younger | Starting at $40 per pony
**Riding Lessons Available**
Exploring Seabrook Island by bike is a peaceful nature experience in itself! The low-speed limit makes it a safe and fun way for families to venture between the beach pools, golf courses, crabbing docks, Equestrian Center, and the nature trails on the island. The bike path continues past the main gate to Bohicket Marina and open-air shopping, dining, and events at Freshfields Village. Check out our Guide to Biking Around Seabrook Island highlighting the recommended bike routes and you’ll receive discounted deals for the whole family from Surfscooter Bike Rentals when you stay with Seabrook Exclusives.
Nature Trails at Night Heron Park
Neighboring Kiawah Island is equally as appealing as a nature destination with 30+ miles of bike paths connecting to Seabrook Island, 10 miles of award-winning beaches for shoreline strolls or bike rides, and a network of nature trails and guided naturalist walks at Night Heron Park. For a nature-inspired vacation in paradise, the beautiful barrier islands of South Carolina are unbeatable.
Kick Back and Relax with Seabrook Exclusives
Wherever you stay on Seabrook Island, you’re surrounded by peace and quiet with wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or even dolphins strand feeding right in your own backyard! Our exclusive collection of Seabrook Island vacation homes and villas complement the natural beauty of the island and are hand-picked with your Lowcountry nature escape in mind. Browse our Seabrook Island collection online or call our local vacation specialists at (843) 768-0808 – from matching you with the perfect vacation home to tips on the local trails, we are here to assist you throughout your vacation planning process!
