For nearly 40 years, St. Phillips Island was a beach retreat for conservationist Ted Turner and his family.  During that time, trails were thoughtfully carved through the maritime forest and habitats for species like fox squirrels, loggerhead sea turtles and indigo snakes were restored. With ancients dunes and a mature forest dominated by Spanish moss-draped live oaks, Southern magnolia and saw palmetto, St. Phillips Island is a nature lover’s paradise, providing critical habitat for alligators, sea turtles, bobcats and a myriad of seasonal and resident bird species, including bald eagles, roseate spoonbills and painted buntings. In 2017, Hunting Island State Park acquired St. Phillips Island.

St. Phillips Island features an excellent trail system:

Airplane Pond Trail (Pink) = 0.1 mile – This short trail ends at the west side of a brackish pond. Be on the lookout for egrets, herons, wood storks, alligators and the remains of a small airplane that crash-landed in our pond. This trail sneaks between two sloughs, so be prepared to get mud on your boots.

Beach Trail (Teal) = 0.5 mile – The only trail providing access on the island to our beach during high tides is the Beach Trail. The hike takes you southwest from the main road, through wetland habitats and ends in our beach boneyard.

Halfway Trail (Orange) = 0.7 mile – This trail begins and ends at the trailhead beside the main road and will take you to the most western part of the island accessible by foot. It is a moderate hike that will take you over several ancient sand dune ridges providing beautiful views of the freshwater ponds and a great salt marsh vista.

High Bluff Trail (Purple) = 0.3 mile – There are multiple entrance points for this horseshoe-shaped trail on the main road. This short but moderate hike is packed with three distinct ecosystems including an expansive saltmarsh that overlooks the beach, an intimate saltwater creek and a picturesque interdunal swale. Watch your step—there are a lot of saw palmetto roots on this hike.

Long Pond Trail (Red) = 1.4 miles – Beginning at the main road, our longest trail takes you deep inside our maritime forest. One of the best opportunities to see wildlife, this trail passes by osprey nests, towering oaks, magnolia tree, and several open vistas of the pond. Watch out for saw palmetto roots and mud as you get closer to the pond.

Marsh View Connector (Navy) = 0.3 mile – Beginning at the main road, this short trail connects at the center of the Marsh View Trail and nears a freshwater swale. Bring your binoculars to take advantage of the many opportunities to spot wildlife.

Marsh View Trail (Green) = 0.5 mile – This trail is accessible by the Long Pond Trail or the Marsh View Connector trail via the main road. Enjoy views of our maritime forest of live oak trees as you walk to the end of our salt marsh at the edge of Trenchards Inlet.

Main Road (Gray) = 3.45 miles – This "road" offers stellar scenic viewing opportunities and connects to all St. Phillips Island trails.

To ensure that your state park experience is enjoyable, please be aware of the dynamic characteristics of the natural environment. There are some areas that may be potentially hazardous. All visitors should exercise caution when visiting any state park. Anyone who is unsure about possible hazards should contact a park ranger. 

Photos courtesy of Claire Mueller.

Take the ferry from Hunting Island State Park to St. Phillips Island!

Departing from the Hunting Island State Park Nature Center, the boat tour to St. Phillips Island is a naturalist-led ecotour along the Story River to the St. Phillips Island dock. Once we reach the island, a park ranger will welcome everyone to the island before boarding the tram to the beach.

For more information, please contact Coastal Expeditions.