Home › South Carolina › Hilton Head Island › Compass Rose Park
Compass Rose Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 123 Google reviews · Running trail in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Compass Rose Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxed park featuring a sculpture of a man walking an alligator.
What runners say about Compass Rose Park
“Beautiful park, nice canopy, beautiful biking and nature”
“The multiple water features make it very peaceful.”
Always a fun place to bike to when my family stays in HH. Can almost guarantee seeing a gator, turtle or snakes along the paths
Unveiled in 2011, sculpted by two artists (one for the man, the other for the alligator) a life-size bronze statue depicts a man in a hat and business suit, using an umbrella as a walking stick, cheerfully striding next to a big alligator.
A cute little park right off the bike path. The multiple water features make it very peaceful. Keep an eye out for alligator sightings!
Simply beautiful! Great resting spot to hang out along the bike trail! (There's also parking spots available)
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful park, nice canopy, beautiful biking and nature”
“The multiple water features make it very peaceful.”
“They have ♿ handicap accessible 🚻 restrooms, access, and a great statue with an alligator and man that kicked off the Hilton Head National obsession.”
“They have ♿ handicap accessible 🚻 restrooms, access, and a great statue with an alligator and man that kicked off the Hilton Head National obsession.”
Plan your run at Compass Rose Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitehiltonheadislandsc.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Hilton Head Island
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lowcountry Celebration Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 507 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring slides, a pirate ship, and other play equipment, plus space to run.
Coligny Beach Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 11,470 reviews
Oceanside park with landscaped walking & biking paths, plus Wi-Fi, swings & beach equipment rentals.
Audubon Newhall Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 398 reviews
Casual, tranquil preserve with trails, a pond and labeled native plant life.
Fish Island Sea Pines Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
Park featuring lots of trails, alligators and other wildlife.
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 750 reviews
This protected nature area has walking paths, boat tours & an archaeological site made of seashells.