Jarvis Creek Park

One of the few Hilton Head Island Parks where visitors can find a grill, Jarvis Creek Park has a lot more to offer than just a place to roast a wiener! It's also a great spot to do some fresh water fishing, hiking, bike riding and spot Hilton Head's most popular residents: Alligators! Located right on the corner of William Hilton Parkway (Route 278) and the Cross Island Parkway, the park is not only easily accessible and easy to find, it's also close to "Festival Center"; a popular shopping center, housing; Wal-Mart, Publix Grocery, Barnes & Noble, Outback Steak House and a variety of other eateries and stores. Just across 278 from the park and Festival Center is Burger King (with an indoor playground) Applebee's, and easy access to Hilton Head's "Main Street" area.

A long meandering wooded drive, crisscrossed with bicycle and foot paths, leads to the large free parking area. Adjacent to the parking area is a grass multi-purpose area, playground, covered picnic pavilion (with grills), and a restroom building, which includes a covered patio with more picnic tables and a soda machine. Trails for easy bicycling, hiking and dog walking lead all through the park; through and around the multi-purpose area and around the park's, several acre, fresh water pond.

On the main trail around the pond (and near the restroom), a tabby walkway leads to an octagonal deck for fishing and observing wildlife. The pond is well stocked and "Catch & Release" fishing is allowed, but you will need to secure a license; available for just a few dollars at Wal-Mart. Large Mouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill and Perch are plentiful and few ever get bored with the fishing action here. The pond is also well populated with turtles and alligators and, as always, it's important to remember that federal and state laws prohibit feeding or harassing the gators.

Although surrounded by the most heavily traveled roads on Hilton Head Island, Jarvis Creek Park is amazingly quiet, and seldom crowded. Most find this park one of the best places on the island to take the entire family, as there is something for everyone to do; including letting the birds sing you to sleep under a quiet shady Oak.