New River Linear Trail, Bluffton
A flat, unpaved trail of about 3.4 miles on an old railroad bed beside the New River, with a trailhead off SC 46. Free, dawn to dusk.
- Length
- About 3.4 miles one way
- Surface
- Packed clay and gravel, flat
- Open
- Dawn to dusk, free
- Good for
- Walking, running, bikes, dogs on a leash
The New River Linear Trail is a Town of Bluffton trail built on the bed of an old railroad line, running through woods and wetland near the New River on the west side of town. It is flat and unpaved, about 3.4 miles one way, and it keeps walkers, runners, cyclists and dogs well away from traffic. The trail is free and open from dawn to dusk.
What the Trail Is Like
Most of the route is the old railway bed: hard-packed clay and gravel, with a few muddy patches after rain, plus a short wooded section near the start. It passes under the highway through the old railroad underpass, so there is no road crossing. Interpretive panels along the way tell the natural and cultural history of the New River. Expect birds, wildflowers in spring and, now and then, an alligator in the wet ditches, so keep dogs leashed and close. There is little shade on the long straight stretches: go early in summer, bring water and wear bug spray.
Parking and Getting There
The trailhead lot is off SC 46 (May River Road) by the Heritage at New Riverside neighborhood, with gravel spaces, accessible spaces and overflow parking. From Hilton Head it is about a 25-minute drive. The trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, the long-distance route from Maine to Florida. For questions, call the Town of Bluffton at (843) 706-4500.
More Places to Walk
Nearby New Riverside Barn Park has a playground and open lawns. For the rest, see parks in Bluffton; on the island, biking on Hilton Head covers the paved pathways.
More Bluffton parks
Parks in Bluffton, SC: Old Town's riverfront lawns, playgrounds and ball fields, nature preserves with trails, dog parks and boat landings on the river.
New Riverside Barn Park in Bluffton: 37 acres by the red barn, with trails and a playground that has an 82-foot zip line. Hours and directions.
Buckwalter Place Park in Bluffton: a playground lawn with the Veterans Memorial, and an amphitheater park with free concerts. Addresses, amenities, rental.
Things to do in Bluffton, SC: May River dolphin and kayak trips, Old Town's history and galleries, parks, bowling and mini golf, golf and festivals.
What reviewers say
Walkers like a flat, traffic-free trail on an old rail bed, with birds, spring wildflowers and history panels, and dog owners call it a safe walk. It is plain in places: there is little shade, no restrooms at the lot, and the river shows only through the trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
How long is the New River Linear Trail?
About 3.4 miles one way, on a flat, unpaved former railroad bed.
Where do you park for the New River Linear Trail?
At the trailhead lot off SC 46 (May River Road) by the Heritage at New Riverside neighborhood in Bluffton.
Can you bike the New River Linear Trail?
Yes. The packed clay and gravel suit a hybrid or mountain bike; road bikes will find it bumpy.
Are dogs allowed on the New River Linear Trail?
Yes, on a leash. Keep them close, since alligators live in the wetlands beside the trail.
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