The Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Or call (843) 842-1979 for more information.
Reviews
Visitors generally found The Sea Pines Forest Preserve to be a well-maintained and beautiful nature trail, although some felt the $6-$9 entrance fee was too high. They enjoyed the various trail options, scenery, and dog-friendly environment, but some noted issues with finding the entrance and encountered rude staff.
AI-generated from the text of reviews
- MarleneApr 9, 2023Great trail to put paw to dirt
Lots of trail options. Beautifully maintained property. Harbor town had shops restaurants and outside eating opportunities!! A+
- JillianApr 13, 2022The dogs loved it.
Leisurely stroll at 5 months pregnant this was perfect to get some activity. We have two beagles and they loved it. Watch out for the gators. 4/5 bones because it was $9 to get in.
- DebraApr 5, 2022Might have been awesome - we will never know
just a heads up - if you have kayaks on your vehicle they will not let you in. we were looking forward to it. maybe another time when we don’t have the “yaks”.
- KatherineSep 18, 2020Must buy day pass to Sea Pines I resort
GPS won’t tell you, but you have to pay $9 to get into the Sea Pines resort. The walk itself is very nice and flat walking. Lots of fresh water, but couldn’t let my girl swim due to gators.
If you want to get your $9 worth before you leave the resort area, drive on into harbor town where there are some shops and restaurants. We’d already eaten, but spotted dogs at the ones with outdoor seating and people walking dogs.
- DonFeb 3, 2020Extensive beautiful trails
This preserve is part of Sea Pines Resorts, which is actually a combination of a private residential area, a vacation rental area, and a resort emphasizing golf courses. Actually, a very interesting history to this, going back to the 50s.
So yes, as other reviewers have noted, you have to pay to get into the area, a $6 day use fee. And once you get in, it can be a little tricky to find the preserve without a map. Especially the better entrance which is a hardly marked side road right off the Preparatory School on Lawton. (There is a better marked entrance on Greenwood.)
However, the preserve itself is beautiful. The main road itself is a fine walking trail, running from the Lawton canal east past Lake Joe, Lake Thomas, and Lake Mary. Or you can park on Fish Island, between Lake Joe and Lake Thomas and hike the less traveled trails south of Lake Joe, including the 4,000 year old remains of the Shell Ring. Or head north from Fish Island to the network of trails around the Old Lawton Rice field, with its depressing history.
All the trails are totally dog friendly, with plenty to sniff -- our dogs love it every time. But use leashes, there are alligators in the water, and coyotes in some areas of the preserve.
Birds and bird songs everywhere. Really, a spectacular place.
- AnnMore than a year agoNot worth $6
Sorry, but not terribly impressive, ( esp. with a $6 entry). Better off going to Burke's beach nearby...and put coins in a meter to park....you will enjoy thar so much more.
- KelliMore than a year agoRude
I was really confused on how to get to the place because of my GPS, but then I got there and found out the pass is cash only at the gate. As I was trying to get out to fund an ATM, I went straight and to the right like the lady said and ended up getting yelled at by an old guy. When I got out of there I didn't go back. Why would I want to pay money to go somewhere where the people are so rude?
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