Bluffton trails: the 3.2-mile New River Linear Trail, the Buckwalter Place Greenway, Pinckney Island's bike trails, plus distances, parking and rules.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Facts come from the Town of Bluffton, the town code, SC Trails and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Trail conditions change; check before you go.

Bluffton’s trails are short and flat: a grassy trail along the New River, a mulch greenway at Buckwalter Place and the bike-friendly trails of Pinckney Island.

Who to call

  • Town trails and parks: Town of Bluffton Public Services, 843-706-4500, or report problems on SeeClickFix
  • Pinckney Island refuge: managed from Savannah National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in Hardeeville; see fws.gov/refuge/pinckney-island
  • Emergencies: 911

The trails at a glance

Trail Length Surface Uses
New River Linear Trail 3.2 miles one way Grass Walk, run, bike
Buckwalter Place Greenway About 1.4 miles Mulch and boardwalk Walk
Pinckney Island NWR About 2 miles round trip to Ibis Pond; more beyond Refuge trails Walk, bike

Lengths and surfaces for the first two are from SC Trails.

New River Linear Trail

  • Where: the town gives the trailhead as 3829 Okatie Highway (S.C. 170) in its 2025 bid notice, and SC Trails puts the main parking area on May River Road, off S.C. 46/170, with another access from Heritage Parkway. The trail runs between the New River and Sun City Hilton Head and is part of the East Coast Greenway.
  • Hours and rules: sunrise to sunset. No motor vehicles except ADA-compliant motorized wheelchairs, no horses, no alcohol, no smoking and no fireworks (Town Code Sec. 13-45). Dogs go on a leash under the town’s park rules.
  • Work on the trail: in 2025 the town sought bids for surface improvements, pier construction and bridge reconstruction between the New River and Sun City Hilton Head, according to its state procurement notice, and the state parks department lists a $2 million grant for ADA accessibility improvements on the trail. Parts may close while work is under way; call the town before you go.

Buckwalter Place Greenway

At Buckwalter Place, behind the Publix at 101 Buckwalter Place Blvd. About 1.4 miles of mulch path and boardwalk for walking, with the first two sections built to be ADA accessible, according to SC Trails. Buckwalter Place Park, with its playground and Veterans Memorial, is at 2 Venture Drive.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is open sunrise to sunset every day. Cars stop at the parking area; from there, it is about a 2-mile round-trip walk to the first pond, Ibis Pond, on what the refuge calls an extensive trail system. Bikes, including e-bikes, are welcome; bring your own. There are no restrooms, drinking water or shelter, and dogs and other pets are not allowed anywhere on the refuge. The refuge is closed to the public on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, for its managed deer hunt (refuge page).

Short walks in town parks

  • Wright Family Park, 111 Calhoun St.: a walking path on the bluff over the May River.
  • Field of Dreams at Oscar Frazier Park, 7 Recreation Court: a walking path beside the playground and splash pad.
  • Buckwalter Recreation Center, 905 Buckwalter Parkway: an indoor track for hot or wet days (county).

Rules on wheels

Golf carts may not use pathways or sidewalks under the town’s specialized vehicle law; see our getting around guide. Bicycles and skateboards are not allowed on town docks.

What this means for you

  • For a long walk or ride, start at the New River trailhead on S.C. 170.
  • Leave the dog at home for Pinckney Island; bring water.
  • Trails close at sunset.

More: parks and trails, dog-friendly Bluffton and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the New River Linear Trail in Bluffton?

SC Trails lists it at 3.2 miles one way on a grassy path. The town lists the trailhead on Okatie Highway (S.C. 170), and the trail runs between the New River and Sun City Hilton Head.

Can you bike at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge?

Yes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says bicycles, including e-bikes, are a good way to explore its trails. Bring your own; there are no rentals, restrooms or drinking water, and pets are not allowed.

What are the hours of the New River Linear Trail?

Sunrise to sunset, under Town Code Sec. 13-45. Motor vehicles, horses, alcohol, smoking and fireworks are banned on the trail.

Where is the Buckwalter Place Greenway?

At Buckwalter Place, behind the Publix at 101 Buckwalter Place Blvd. SC Trails lists it at about 1.4 miles of mulch path and boardwalk for walking.