Culture // 5 min Read

Paradise Found: Hidden Nature Trails in Palmetto Bluff

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Top 7 Palmetto Bluff Nature Trails

Do you ever get the feeling of wanting to escape and wander into a serene paradise? The nature trails at Palmetto Bluff afford opportunities to roam and admire the vastness of the Bluff’s 20,000 acres. Throughout the community, trails and pathways  connect residential villages  to green spaces, waterways, and amenities, providing opportunities for recreational activities or to simply enjoy a leisurely stroll. 

Palmetto Bluff invites you to explore its natural paradise. Continue reading to learn about the many nature trails Palmetto Bluff has to offer. 

1. Old Palmetto Bluff Road Trail

The main crossroads leading into Wilson Village marks the beginning of this 5.4-mile nature trail, and sprawls beyond May River Forest and the Headwaters Conservation area towards the Greeters Cottage. Its smooth  surface is perfect for  walking, jogging, biking, or cruising in  a golf cart. The Sand Hill Loop and Lake Haynes Loop gravel trails are along the Old Palmetto Bluff Trail.

palmetto bluff nature trails

2. River Road Trail

Winding through the 130-acre River Road Preserve at Palmetto Bluff, this natural trail weaves beneath a canopy of Spanish oaks and through protected maritime forest. Hikers and bikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Bluff’s Inland Waterway, salt marshes, and wildlife habitats as they traverse the 4.1 miles of the River Road Trails.

palmetto bluff nature trails

3. Long Leaf Pine Trail

This wide and level trail weaves through pine uplands for 2.9 miles, offering an exciting experience for mountain bikers. Palmetto Bluff’s team of dedicated land managers ensure the path is freshly cute and clear, so riders can have a safe trek.

4. Calder Trail

Twisting and turning through May River Forest, the members-only trail stretches a scenic 2.8 miles and features a splendid grassy area perfect for a picnic.. Whether you venture by foot, bike, or golf cart, Calder Trail is a beautiful way to spend time with loved ones. Along the trail, it is common to see southern magnolias and eastern red cedars spreading over the Lowcountry landscape. 

palmetto bluff nature trails

5. Old Moreland Trail

This sweeping trail connects the two diverse interpretations of Lowcountry neighborhoods at Palmetto Bluff, Wilson Village and Moreland Village. From the Old Palmetto Bluff pathway, the 10-foot wide asphalt trail travels west to downtown Moreland for 3.2 miles that can be ventured on foot or by bike. Along the way, it incorporates sidewalks , shell paths, and long scenic views  of Cauley’s Creek.

palmetto bluff nature trails

6. Wilson Village Trail

The Wilson Village Trail incorporates sidewalks and gravel paths, and passes historic, scenic, and retail points of interest along its 3.4-mile stretch. The Wilson Village Trail is a scenic option for runners, walkers, or bikers as it meanders through charming neighborhoods of Lowcountry homes and breathtaking landscape. 

7. Maritime Loop

This trail is a short 1-mile loop that borders the Inland Waterway while crossing a shallow creek. Explorers will enjoy this stunning coastal forest habitat, which is home to a mix of southern magnolias, magical red oak trees, and the fragrant eastern red cedar.. While you roam, be on the lookout for several different species of birds and majestic white-tailed deer as they wander through the area . 

Wander Home to Palmetto Bluff

As part of our growing conservation mission, Palmetto Bluff offers nature-based programs designed to educate and inspire appreciation for the Lowcountry’s rich ecological and cultural heritage. Whether you’re joining a monthly workshop or testing your limits in an endurance race through our maritime forest, every experience is rooted in preservation and adventure.

Our passionate conservationists and expert guides are eager to share what makes this place so special. From the water to the woods, there’s no better place to explore than Palmetto Bluff. Ready to plan your visit? Click below to get started.

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