Life moves a little slower on Hilton Head Island. Maybe it’s some combination of salt air, the gentle sound of the waves or the shimmer of a sunset reflected off of marshy waters.
But maybe it’s because getting around Hilton Head Island by car is nowhere near as fun as traveling by bike. Across the island, 64 miles of public pathways and nature trails take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the South, meandering for miles in stretches that demand to be conquered on two wheels.
In fact, the experience of cycling on the island is so divine that Hilton Head Island has been named a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, one of just 25 communities in the entire country, and the only one in the southeast, to earn such a distinction. This designation was earned through the efforts of countless volunteers who not only pushed for more trails throughout the island but also encouraged town leaders to embrace the tourism potential and healthier lifestyle cycling culture creates.
A Celebration of Cycling
This dedication to cycling will come to a head during Pedal Hilton Head Nov. 16-18 What began as a simple series of cycling events has blossomed into a regional celebration that draws cyclists from all over to Hilton Head Island in support of the Hilton Head Island Boys & Girls Club.
Pedal Hilton Head spans the entire weekend starting with a celebration at Coligny Plaza on Friday and Saturday night with local musicians Javon Daly, NAYTIV and Cranford Hollow performing the music of the Grateful Dead. The festivities then shift into high gear with a slew of rides ranging from a family-friendly beach ride to a metric-century ride that takes riders over three bridges on a trip to the mainland and back. New for this year is Beach Grinder Beach Race which is run entirely on hard packed sand.
It all benefits the Hilton Head Island Boys & Girls Club. Spots are still open – check out https://pedal4kids.org for details.
Where to Stay
Your cycling adventure on Hilton Head Island will take you all across this stunning island paradise, so you’re going to want to stay somewhere blissfully luxurious so you can unwind in style after a long day on the trails. And if it’s luxury you’re looking for, Vacation Company is the place to go. In addition to being a supporter of Pedal Hilton Head, they also provide a wealth of wonderful options for those looking to tackle Hilton Head Island on two wheels.
For five-star luxe living right along some of the island’s finest trails, you need to check out some of the companies jaw-dropping offerings in Palmetto Dunes. Beside some of the island’s best beaches thanks to a recent nourishment project, Palmetto Dunes offers some of the most gorgeous homes you’ll find along the island’s bike paths. Check out the map here to get you where you want to go.
What makes Palmetto Dunes so great for cyclists is its central location along the bike paths, plus its close proximity to the only spot at which the pathways cross U.S. 278, just outside the gates. They cross over to nearby Shelter Cove where, as you would expect, Vacation Company also offers some outstanding properties.
