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The New River Linear Trail runs for 3.4 miles within the City of Bluffton in South Carolina.
About the Route
The route, which is shared with power lines along an abandoned Seaboard Air Line Railway corridor, leaves off in the north at the edge of the Sun City development and finally ends its straight course at the banks of the New River. Around its midpoint, the New River Linear Trail takes advantage of the old railroad underpass to prevent dangerous crossings of S.C. Route 46/170. Closer to the river, the trail bisects the Heritage at New Riverside development, providing a wonderful resource for the residents of the community.
The grass trail is generally flat, but because it is unpaved, wider tires are recommended. Although the New River Linear Trail is a relatively short 3.4 miles long, the route passes through some spectacular scenery. In the north, the landscape is a mixture of hardwood forest and swampland where wildlife abounds. Turkeys, deer, and waterfowl are some of the more common inhabitants of the area, while armadillos and even alligators have been spotted. Further south, before the trail's end at the New River, the grid of channels from long-abandoned rice fields is often visible.
The New River Linear Trail runs between a dead-end near Biltmore Dr. (Bluffton) and the New River.
Parking is available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
Fun little walking trail that we like to take our pup on. We like going to the right towards the river at the end. I just wish it wasn’t so straight however I realize it’s an old railroad track.
The mulched path from the parking lot to the “trail” is definitely the nicest part. Too bad it’s so short. The “trail” is really just a service road for some power lines. The power lines stretch the entire length, which isn’t terrible but it isn’t ideal. You’re essentially walking through people’s back yards for some of the trail and it even runs across the street of a neighborhood. But get into the marsh area towards the end and it’s quite nice. There’s even a little roofed bench out there to sit at for a while if you’d like. You’re not very likely to run across anyone else out there.
It’s a nice easy walk. You can’t get lost and there is signage explaining the area and sights. There are no restrooms or portopotty - So go To the restroom before you start your walk.
I have run it several times. The parking lot is not located where the map shows it. The run from the lot to under the highway can be sketchy, there was a neighborhood under construction and some trash from there is on the trail. Once you get by all that it is nice, we see deer, turtles, and alligators. Going towards the marsh is a nice run early with the sunrise and animals running around. If you do a little history lesson of the area it is really neat how the area was used for rice farming and timber harvesting.
Not a whole lot to see here. Definately one of the least scenic trails I've been on. Came out and pulled 7 or 8 ticks off of me.
Can be very muddy after a lot of rain. A quiet walk through what was once rice fields in the New River marsh. Trail ends at the New River where the old railroad bridge had burned down. Wish the trail went all the way to the rivers edge.
Very peaceful. Enjoy walking to the river. The information boards are very helpful in understanding how the flooding of the old rice fields worked. The shaded benches for resting are a nice addition. A nice community resource.
The best part is the mulch trail from the parking lot to the "trail". The trail itself is barren grass next to power lines where tall weeds shroud the view of the woods making it difficult to see any wildlife and there is not much shade. There are some random trails made off the path but they aren't kept or have any specific destination.
It is very rare to see anyone on this path.
In the early morning, you will see deer. Be on the alert for snakes, and be sure to wear insect repellent. Heading South on the path, you will come to the New River. Take time to sit at the rest area where the path ends, and enjoy the beauty of the quiet river. This path offers a delightful escape from all of the intrusions we have in our life.
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