HORSEBACK RIDING

Lawton Stables offers one hour guided western-style trail rides on our gentle horses several times daily. These rides are available to adults and children 8 years and older. The guides take you into the 603 acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve located just across from Lawton Stables where you will experience a true feel of the untouched LowCountry on horseback. Trails wind at a leisurely pace beneath a canopy of Palmettos and moss covered oaks and is suitable even for novice riders.

Depending on the time of your visit, you might be able to enjoy the spectacular wild flower meadow in full bloom by Lake Thomas, or herons nesting by the thousands on the shores. The wildlife in the Preserve is renowned and you will probably pass alligators basking in the fishing lakes or sunning themselves on the banks. Ornothologists come from all around to view the birdlife in and around Lakes Mary, Thomas and Joe. Our friendly guides keep an eye on the horses as they give insight into Island culture and wildlife and try to answer the many questions you will no doubt have. The pace on the ride is kept at walk so that riders of all abilities can settle in comfortably and take in the beautiful, tranquilsurroundings. Make this one of your "must do's" during your stay with us on Hilton Head Island.

HISTORY OF THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE

The Forest Preserve was formally opened June 1, 1971. Charles and Joseph Fraser of the Sea Pines Founding Family filed legal covenants in 1970 dedicating the 606 acres in the Preserve as a Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor recreation facility. It was specifically created so that we might all enjoy and appreciate the varied bounty of our very special natural environment. The Forest is one of Hilton Head's finest assets. Many visitors consider a visit to the Preserve the highlight of their visit here as it offers an insight into the value of land left in its natural state for thousands of visitors to enjoy.

Within the Preserve, there is a Shell Ring made by Indian Moundbuilders 4000 years ago built about the same time as the Pyramids! Locals used to say that the Ring had some religious significance, but scholars say that the Ring was created around a campsite and old oyster shells form its base. Ancient artifacts have also been found there to give the historians an insight into the Indians daily life.

Over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the Preserve and the area has been recognized as an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society. It provides an oasis of valuable natural habitat in an otherwise heavily developed coastal island. This habitat is home to our island Alligators residing in the beautiful Lake Mary, Thomas, and Joe. The Hilton Head Whitetail Deer population is very prolific in the Preserve, although rarely spotted during daylight hours. The "Forest" describes the varieties of tree and plants in the Preserve including the Pine Woods, Live Oak Forest, Fresh Water Marsh, and the endless varieties of Grass.

We are pleased to offer our hour long trail rides through this wonderful facility so that you can enjoy all that you can enjoy all that it has to offer by the best possible form of transport... Lawton trail horses!

Our winter schedule through March 20 is three rides per day, seven days per week, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The spring schedule will begin March 21st and continue through May 22 with four rides per day, seven days per week, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.  The rate is $50 per person. 

Call our office on 843.671.2586 to make your reservations.

We look forward to welcoming you!!