Five Under-the-Radar Outdoor Adventures in the Lowcountry

Off the beaten path

For those who call the Lowcountry home, outdoor exploration is more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle. While favorites like Broad Creek, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge continue to draw crowds, there’s a wealth of overlooked destinations waiting to be discovered. Whether you are casting a line, spotting wildlife, cycling scenic paths, trekking through nature or paddling serene waters, these five underappreciated locales offer fresh opportunities to experience the Lowcountry’s beauty in a whole new way. Why stick to the expected when there’s so much more to uncover?

Biking 

Palmetto Bluff nature trails

While many locals have enjoyed biking Hilton Head Island’s beaches and over 200 miles of pathways, fewer have discovered the nature trails of Palmetto Bluff, a cycling haven with an expansive trail system spanning nearly 20,000 acres of pristine Lowcountry beauty. Here cyclists of all levels can explore a variety of trails that blend natural splendor with rich history. For a tranquil ride, the one-mile Maritime Loop meanders through coastal forests teeming with wildlife. For more adventurous riders, the five-mile River Road Trail features rugged terrain, historic landmarks and intimate river views. Bring your own bike, or book a guided two-hour bike tour through Outside Palmetto Bluff, which includes a cruising bike, helmet and expert guide for $70.

Go there: 302 Old Palmetto Bluff Road, Bluffton (15 miles from HHI)

Birding 

Cypress Wetlands

While popular birding destinations like Pinckney Island, Audubon Newhall Preserve and Sea Pines Forest Preserve often draw the crowds, the Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal offers a quieter, equally captivating alternative. This tranquil sanctuary is a haven for birders, with over 200 species of birds calling it home. Among the highlights are great egrets, snowy egrets and a dazzling array of herons, including little blue, green, tricolored and black-crowned night herons. Nesting season kicks off in early spring, when the islands, trees and water-fringed shrubs become alive with activity, transforming the wetlands into a vibrant rookery. The meandering walking trails provide an up-close look at the lush wetlands and their winged inhabitants, while strategically placed benches along the paths invite visitors to pause, observe and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the surroundings.

Go there: 1700 Paris Avenue, Port Royal (33 miles from HHI) 

Kayaking 

Chechessee River

If you own a kayak, chances are you’ve explored popular spots like Broad Creek and Skull Creek on Hilton Head or the May River and Colleton River in Bluffton. For a quieter alternative with equally breathtaking scenery, consider kayaking the Chechessee River, which begins where Hazzard Creek and Euhaw Creek meet near Okatie. Flowing southeast, the river winds between lush green sea islands and the vast marshlands of the Lowcountry, eventually emptying into the Port Royal Sound, where it merges with the Broad River and Coosaw River. Paddle through calm waters flanked by spartina grass, and you may encounter dolphins gliding nearby, herons wading along the shoreline or ospreys soaring above. Launch your kayak from the Edgar C. Glenn Boat Ramp, located next to the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center in Okatie, for easy access to this serene and stunning waterway.

Go there: 305 Okatie Highway, Okatie (23 miles from HHI) 

Fishing

Hunting Island Fishing Pier

Looking for the perfect spot to fish without the hassle of a boat? While popular locations like the C.C. Haigh Fishing Pier on Hilton Head, the Broad River Fishing Pier near Beaufort and The Sands Boardwalk in Port Royal draw plenty of anglers, the Hunting Island Fishing Pier remains somewhat of a hidden gem. Stretching 950 feet into the Fripp Inlet, this recently reconstructed pier offers a unique opportunity to fish or drop crab nets in waters up to 28 feet deep. Anglers can reel in a variety of catches, including redfish, flounder, spotted trout, sheepshead, black drum, sharks and more. For the best chances, bait your line with shrimp, menhaden or mullet. The scenery here is equally enticing. Surrounded by the breathtaking views of Little Hunting Island, Fripp Island and the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll feel immersed in outdoor beauty.

Go there: 2809 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island (49 miles from HHI)

Hiking

Tupelo Trail, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Hiking during the cooler months is a cherished Lowcountry tradition, offering the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the nuisance of no-see-ums and mosquitoes. While well-loved spots like Pinckney Island, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Audubon-Newhall Preserve provide tranquil woodland escapes, the Tupelo Trail at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Hardeeville offers an adventurous twist. This scenic trail meanders through upland forests and alongside reedy marshes brimming with wildlife. Come March and April, the swamp transforms into a painter’s palette, as blooming swamp irises burst into vibrant indigo against the shimmering blackwater backdrop. For a forested trek, begin at Kingfisher Pond on Highway 17, or start from Highway 170 near the Port Wentworth bridge to take in the historic rice fields before your journey. Either way, the Tupelo Trail offers a slice of Lowcountry beauty at its finest.

Go there: 279 King Fisher Drive, Hardeeville (23 miles from HHI)