Hilton Head Island Nature Trails, Wildlife Preserves
and Outdoor Recreation
One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island is by hiking or backpacking and traveling along the Island's splendid nature trails and coastal regions at your own pace. Wind past creeks, lagoons and rivers as you glimpse the Lowcountry's unforgettable scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the South Carolina coast in all its natural splendor — one of the special joys of Hilton Head Island. More about Hilton Head Nature Preserves.

ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve System
More than 140,000 acres of winding tidal creeks, salt marshes, barrier and marsh islands. Home to many endangered or threatened species such as loggerhead sea turtles and Southern bald eagles. Research information 762-5437. Tours 521-3099.

Audubon Newhall Preserve
Beaufort County. 785-5775.
Palmetto Bay Rd., Hilton Head Island.
50 acre preserve where native plant life and many different species of birds have been identified.

Bear Island Wildlife Management Area
Colleton County. 844-2952. Mon.-Sat., Jan. 21th - Oct. 31st. Sunrise to sunset. Located between the Ashepoo and South Edisto Rivers, off US Hwy 17 and approx. 2 miles east of Green Pond.11,055 acres includes 4419 acres of impounded marshland managed for waterfowl. Regulated hunting.

Blue Heron Nature Trail
Walking tour of Lowcountry Wetlands. View wildlife. Exit 21, Ridgeland, 726-8148.

Coastal Discovery Museum of Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County. 689-6767.
Variety of land-based and water- based tours to educate about the habitat and eco-system of the area. Beach walks, water and marsh tours, cruises of ACE Basin.

Cypress Creek Wildlife Management Area
Hampton/Jasper Counties. 726-6775. 4605 acres northwest of Grays between Highways 3 and 278. The area supports moderately high populations of deer, wild turkey and small game. Regulated hunting.



Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
Greenpond 844-8957
An 8,048 acre diversity of wetland and upland habits including ricefields, forested wetland, tidal marsh, and upland forest types.

Edisto Island Serpentarium
1374 Hwy. 174, 869-1171. Near the Old Post Office Restaurant. Features 1,000 snakes, alligator pits, turtles, lizards, and Interpretations.
www.edistoserpentarium.com

Gullah 'n' Geechie Mahn Tours
847 Sea Island Pkwy.
843/838-7516
Tours are at 9:45 and 1:45.
Tours of Beaufort and sea islands such as St. Helena that focus on the traditions of African-American culture.

James M. Waddell, Jr. Mariculture Research and Development Center
Beaufort County, Bluffton. 837-3795. Sawmill Creek Rd. off Hwy. 278.
One of the largest facilities in the world for fish and shrimp farming and mariculture potential. By appointment only.

Jarvis Creek Park
Located just east of the intersection of US Hwy. 278 and the Cross Island Parkway/Gum Tree Road. Freshwater pond fishing, floating dock, playground, grass meadow, picnic facilities, grills, swings, paved pathways, mulched trails and restrooms.

Marsh Boardwalks at Hunting Island State Park
Beaufort County. 838-2011.
Stroll through 200 yards of salt marsh environment and overlook Johnson Creek.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Beaufort County. 785-3673. Off Hwy 278 past Graves Bridge, Hilton Head Island. (912) 452-4415.
4,052 acres that preserve the salt marsh and maritime habitat. 14 miles of trails for walking or biking; no cars allowed past the parking lot. Open daily dawn to dusk.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Located on Hwy 17, north of the Georgia border, near Hardeeville.
3-mile drive through old rice field dikes. Over 7000 acres of wetlands flora, fauna. 726-8126

Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Sea Pines Plantation,
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Spanish Mount Trail at Edisto Beach State Park
Edisto Island, 869-2756. this four mile
Self-interpretive nature trail winds through
A maritime forest and includes an ancient Indian shell mound.

Tillman Sand Ridge Wildlife Management Area
Jasper County. (803) 625-3569. 5 miles west of Tillman on Hwy S-17-119. This 952-acre tract protects the endangered gopher tortoise. By appointment only.

Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area
Jasper County. (803) 625-3569.
Boat access only between Daufuskie Island and Savannah. 1700 acres of salt marsh, maritime forest and barrier beach. By appointment only. Regulated hunting.

USCB Coastal Zone Education Center
Natural Experiences and interpretive programs for all ages.
Beaufort County. 521-4148.

Victoria Bluff Wildlife Management Area
Jasper County. (803) 625-3569. Near Bluffton on Hwy 278 and the Colleton River.Controlled hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping. By appointment only. Regulated hunting.

Waddell Mariculture Research and Development Center
On Sawmill Creek Road about 3 miles west of Hilton Head.
Near the intersection of 278 and SC46.
The center researches the cultivation of marketable marine life. Tours of the facility and ponds by appointment only.

Water-Dog Outfitter
www.waterdogoutfitter.com
843-686-3554
Hiking Tours - Looking for something a little more "low impact"? Water-Dog offers a 1 1/2 hour interpretive hiking tour. This trip traverses through the salt marsh and woodlands to one of our favorite places in the Lowcountry, Ibis Pond. The walk is led by an interpretive naturalist who will point out and discuss many of the finer points of this pristine island. Water-dog offers a hands-on approach while still maintaining a leave-no-trace policy.
1 1/2 hours - $15

Webb Wildlife Center
Hampton County. (803) 625-3569. Off Hwy. 321 bordering the historical Savannah River.The 5,866 acres provide excellent viewing of deer, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, gray squirrel and many types of birds. Regulated hunting.

Westvaco Nature Trail
Colleton County. 871-5000. Jacksonboro, SC. This trail features fauna, flora and historical landmarks such as the old King's Highway (dating from 1700), old rice field banks and an old phosphate plant site.


Hilton Head Nature Preserves

Audubon Newhall Preserve James M. Waddel, Jr. Mariculture
843-785-5775

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
843-686-9713

Research and Development Center
843-837-3795

Sea Pines Forest Preserve
843-363-4530