Home › South Carolina › Bluffton › New River Linear Trail
New River Linear Trail
4.1 ★★★★☆ 80 Google reviews · Running trail in Bluffton, South Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from New River Linear Trail'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.
Set in a historic area, this flat trail runs next to a railroad bed & is used for hiking & biking.
What runners say about New River Linear Trail
“That being said, very scenic over by the rice fields and we spotted an alligator!”
“When we came out of the wooded trail we went right because mid morning it had more shade.”
I'd really give this a 4 5 or 4.6. Having a better map of the place would have been nice. A portable john or bathrooms by the parking lot would be nice too as well as a water fountain, but I suppose that's picky!!
This is a very biased review. I’m from the area and parts of my family have lived here for a very long time. The town of Bluffton has done an excellent job with this trail. I’m excited to see what the future expansion brings to the trail. I’ve walked this trail numerous times.
Just a straight trail made from an old rail line. Scenery was good but I was disappointed I couldn't get to the New River. I could see it through the brush but no overlook . There was a side trail I took which was fun but it led to a new development under construction. It was a gorgeous day and a good workout.
Amazing! We had no idea this existed. It is a long, flat trail so it would work alternative surface bikes (maybe even cruisers.) Not much shade so the walk would be more comfortable on a cooler/clouding day. Love the history lessons along the way!
Trail conditions & character
“It is only a wooded trail in parts, 95 percent is an old railway bed with hard packed clay and rock and a few muddy parts that were easy to walk around.”
“Some of the benches, bird houses, and viewing areas could use some serious TLC, but still, the education and views are well worth the visit.”
“Went to the left and all the way down and first the first time ever, saw an alligator, so be careful with dogs!”
“A portable john or bathrooms by the parking lot would be nice too as well as a water fountain, but I suppose that's picky!”
“It is only a wooded trail in parts, 95 percent is an old railway bed with hard packed clay and rock and a few muddy parts that were easy to walk around.”
“Great trail, super easy/flat except for some roots through the trees on the way to the open trail.”
“A portable john or bathrooms by the parking lot would be nice too as well as a water fountain, but I suppose that's picky!”
“A portable john or bathrooms by the parking lot would be nice too as well as a water fountain, but I suppose that's picky!”
Plan your run at New River Linear Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetownofbluffton.sc.gov
- Phone+1 843-706-4500
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Bluffton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sergeant Jasper Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 613 reviews
Wooded, 39-acre park featuring a disc golf course, hiking trails and a playground.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,620 reviews
29,000-acre refuge featuring a visitor center & 4-mile wildlife drive, plus hiking & biking trails.