Greenway Trail

Bluffton is located in southern Beaufort County near the coast of South Carolina and has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the state’s Lowcountry region. As of the 2020 Census, Bluffton was the fifth-most populous municipality in South Carolina, reflecting the substantial residential and commercial development that has occurred in and around the town. The community is centered along U.S. Route 278, which connects Bluffton with Hilton Head Island to the southeast and provides access toward Interstate 95 to the northwest. Despite this modern growth, Bluffton retains a historic core known as Old Town, which occupies the original one-square-mile settlement established on a bluff overlooking the May River. The elevated location provided early settlers with views over the surrounding marshes and waterways, while the river served as an important transportation route. Today, Bluffton combines this historic Lowcountry character with newer residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, businesses, and recreational facilities, creating a community where older coastal landscapes exist alongside substantial modern development.

The Greenway Trail is a pleasant recreational path that circles Buckwalter Place, a large shopping and commercial complex located near Bluffton. The well-maintained trail has a substantial entrance near the back corner of the Publix shopping center and is only a short distance from U.S. 278, making it an easily accessible option for residents, shoppers, and visitors looking for a short walk. The route passes around a small pond and through several stands of mature pine trees, providing some welcome natural scenery despite its location within a developed commercial area. Portions of the trail offer views across the pond and through the surrounding woods, while other sections pass close to the businesses and parking areas of Buckwalter Place. The shopping complex remains visible for much of the hike, so this is not a wilderness experience, but the combination of woodland, open water, and paved or well-maintained pathways makes the Greenway Trail a convenient place to get outdoors without traveling far from Bluffton’s commercial center. It is particularly suited to a casual walk, exercise outing, or short break while visiting the surrounding shopping area.