2021 Fish Haul Beach Park - Scenic Vistas

Boardwalk overlooking Port Royal Sound

Fish Haul Beach Park, located on the northwestern edge of Hilton Head Island, is a hidden gem of the Lowcountry. This is a protected property in part because of the Gullah history associated with the Mitchelville area, which is just past the Hilton Head airport, and directly in the approach path for aviation traffic. Mature maritime forest greets visitor in the parking lot, and a range of butterflies were wafting through the air on this October day. Gulf fritillaries, Zebra longings and the awesome Monarch butterfly too. 

Small creek heading to the ocean

A very nice boardwalk allows for a leisurely stroll through the marsh zone, about 200-yards inland from the beach. One can see the progression of change among vegetation as the distance from the saltwater increases. The boardwalk dead ends at a beautiful vista that overlooks the beach with Port Royal Sound in the background. Wading birds, songbirds, frogs, turtles and more can be spotted from this exact spot. 

Trekking back through the parking area, with public restrooms, a short path leads to a pristine beach, that changes dramatically with every swing of the 8-foot tides found here. Beach renourishment provides for a thin ribbon of beach at high tide, but at low tide a vast internal zone become exposed and welcomes beachcombers to look for signs of life. Hermit crabs live here, and remnant oyster banks are present (a sign of where upland ground used to be). A plethora of shorebirds like black skimmers and royal terns were witnessed at the waterline, as they seek protection from human disturbance. 

To view past blog entires about visiting beaches click on 2020 Botany Bay WMA - 2019 Kiawah Island - 2016 Seabrook Island - 2015 Little St. Simon's Island - 2015 Holden Beach - 2015 Sunset Beach - 2015 Ocean Isle - 2015 Oak Island - 2015 Edisto Beach State Park - 2015 Folly Beach - 2014 Bald Head Island - 2013 Corolla Beach - 2013 Ocracoke Island - 2010 Myrtle Beach State Park - 2010 Pawley's Island - 2009 Huntington Beach State Park 

Remnant oyster beds are exposed only at low tide