Sea Pines Forest Preserve

The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve, located in Hilton Head's Sea Pines Plantation, was used in the 18th century to grow rice, indigo and cotton and more recently was used for hunting and timber harvesting. Today the preserve–the largest undeveloped tract of land on Hilton Head Island–boasts extensive walking trails, a boardwalk and three observation decks, a wildflower field that blooms from March to June, an old rice field, a vanishing swamp where surface water rises and falls though the seasons, and a 4,000-year-old Indian Shell Ring. The center of the preserve features lovely views of the lakes and is a great spot for a picnic. Entry into Sea Pines Plantation is $5 but the preserve is free and open to the public.