Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

In 1975 4,053 acres of tidal creek, salt marsh, freshwater ponds, open fields and maritime forest located between the South Carolina mainland and Hilton Head Island were donated to the government and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide a nature and forest preserve for aesthetic and conservation purposes. The refuge is comprised of several islands and small hammocks, with Pinckney Island being the largest.

The refuge is an archeologically rich environment having 115 sites identified, both prehistoric and historic. Artifacts tell the story of human inhabitants as far ack as 8,000 BCE with intense use approximately 1,000-1,500 AD and impermanent French and Spanish settlements on Pinckney Island during the 16^th and 17^thcenturies. Beginning in 1804, plantation life flourished and slavery expanded with the farming of Sea Island cotton and indigo cultivation. By the 1930s the plantation was virtually abandoned, and the property became a hunting preserve.

Enjoy the day communing with nature and hiking or biking your cares away. The refuge has ten miles of hiking trails ranging from just over one mile to almost eight miles in length. The hiking trails may also be cycled. Road bikes are not recommended. Mountain or hybrid bikes fare better on the trails.

Be sure your camera is always ready. The refuge is an integral part of the wildlife refuges along the Atlantic Flyway, hosting thousands of migratory birds each year. It also serves as a nesting habitat for wading birds such as wood storks, herons, ibis as well as great and snowy egrets. In addition to water birds, the refuge is home to bald eagles and painted bunting in the spring and summer.

Other wildlife species found in abundance are white-tailed deer, nine-banded armadillos, a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes and alligators.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. It is important to be aware that the gate will close automatically approximately 30 minutes after the sun goes down. Overnight use of the refuge is not permitted.

It should be noted that there are no shelters for protection from inclement weather and no restroom facilities or drinking water on site. Pets are not allowed.

For more information visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pinckney-island