{"id":2820,"date":"2023-09-18T10:52:23","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T14:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/palmeravacationclub.com\/blog\/?p=2820"},"modified":"2023-09-18T10:52:23","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T14:52:23","slug":"the-closest-state-parks-wildlife-refuges-and-nature-preserves-to-hilton-head-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/palmeravacationclub.com\/blog\/2023\/09\/the-closest-state-parks-wildlife-refuges-and-nature-preserves-to-hilton-head-island\/","title":{"rendered":"The Closest State Parks, Wildlife Refuges, and Nature Preserves to Hilton Head Island"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Those who visit Hilton Head Island tend to value the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty more than the bright lights and towering buildings of other popular destinations. A trip to the island is a breath of fresh air for those looking for an escape to wind down or have some quality time with friends and family. Having fun isn\u2019t the exception, however, since the island is teeming with activities appealing to all ages that allow visitors to spend full days outdoors in the Carolina sunshine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And sometimes that\u2019s the goal: to explore the outdoors as much as you can!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Days at the beach, long bike rides exploring the winding public pathways, mornings spent paddling through the spartina grass or aboard a boat keeping an eye out for playful dolphins. That\u2019s just the beginning of it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those planning a trip to Hilton Head and looking for something new to discover, why not plan on exploring a state park, wildlife refuge, or preserve during your next vacation? A great way to discover more of the region, we\u2019ve collected a list of places that are just an easy drive away from the island. We recommend having a car to access these locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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State Parks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hunting Island State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most popular state park in South Carolina, Hunting Island is one of the six barrier islands surrounding Beaufort. Only a short drive from Beaufort\u2019s downtown, it\u2019ll take you anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half from Hilton Head, depending on the time of day and other traffic delays. Known to be a great place for camping, you\u2019ll have the luxury of spending the day exploring this state park knowing you\u2019ll have a comfortable bed back at your hotel or resort when it\u2019s time to hit the hay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hunting Island\u2019s five miles of beaches feel wilder than those on Hilton Head. With no hotels interrupting the tree line and an area filled with fallen trees known as the maritime graveyard, you\u2019ll feel as though a pirate crew will show up at any moment to bury their treasure. We\u2019re not the only ones who think the island is very cinematic, as many crews have filmed on and around Hunting Island, the most recent being the Netflix series,\u00a0Outer Banks<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hunting Island State Park lighthouse<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Amber Faust<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Which brings us to Hunting Island\u2019s popular landmark that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year: the Hunting Island Lighthouse. Built in 1859, and again in 1875 after its destruction during the Civil War, the current lighthouse was designed to be dismantled and moved. A very good design feature, since it did have to be relocated due to the threat of beach erosion. While repairs are being made, visitors aren\u2019t currently able to climb the lighthouse, but that doesn\u2019t mean it won\u2019t make for a good photo to remember your trip by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other activities in the park include exploring the many nature trails, watching wildlife at the saltwater lagoon, taking a tour of nearby St. Phillips Island, going on a dolphin-watching cruise, and following the Penny Treasure Map to find four of the penny presses throughout the park. Hunting Island State Park also has a Nature Center where you can see exhibits with live animals and attend public programs throughout the week. To learn more,\u00a0visit their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Skidaway Island State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Approx. 46 miles from Hilton Head<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(912) 598-2300<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunset at Skidaway Island State Park, GA.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Located along the Skidaway River, a tidal river within Georgia\u2019s Intracoastal Waterway, this state park is southeast of historic Savannah. An easy day trip to make, expect the drive to be anywhere from an hour and fifteen minutes, to an hour and a half (you\u2019ll pass over the Talmadge Memorial Bridge that looks over River Street at the hour point if traffic is light).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring your walking shoes, as there are six miles of trails to explore. If you\u2019d rather, rental bikes are available for your group to peruse the area at ease. Geocaching is a fun activity for groups in the park, and if you\u2019d like to learn more\u2014or find out what geocaching even is\u2014click <\/a>this<\/a> link<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another popular activity for visitors to Skidaway Island State Park is birding. The park is just one of the seventeen sites on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail along coastal Georgia. Shorebirds, songbirds, and wading birds can be seen year-round, with waterfowl making their appearance in the winter season. To learn more, click this link.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Fort McAllister State Park <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Approx. 62 miles from Hilton Head<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3894 Fort McAllister Rd, Richmond Hill, GA 31324<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(912) 727-2339<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wildlife on the docks in of Coastal Georgia.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Situated between the Ogeechee River and Redbird Creek, history buffs will love a visit to Fort McAllister State Park. Just off of I-95, getting to this park is an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Hilton Head Island. You won\u2019t need to cut through downtown Savannah at all. Additional admission to enter the historic site will be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what is Fort McAllister? It\u2019s the best-preserved Confederate earthwork fort that can be seen today. What seems like mounds of dirt, this fortification was designed to absorb naval attacks from the Union, and what was damaged could be repaired by using dirt and mud from the marsh. This fort was attacked seven times but stood strong until General Sherman\u2019s \u201cMarch to the Sea\u201d in 1864. Today you can explore the historic grounds and learn more inside the onsite Civil War Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other activities include hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and even paddling. Rental equipment is available. Children will love taking a break on the playground inside the picnic area. This state park is also a stop on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail<\/a>, and geocaching is also offered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wildlife Refuges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Less than a mile from Hilton Head<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinckney Wildlife Refuge, Bluffton, SC 29910<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(843) 784-2468<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Clint McKoy<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge is so easily accessed from Hilton Head Island, that it\u2019s impossible for you to leave the island without passing right by its entrance. Unless of course, you booked a flight out of Hilton Head Island Airport. Pinckney Island\u2019s entrance is right smack dab in the middle of the two bridges it takes to get from mainland Bluffton to Hilton Head Island. And if you\u2019re thinking, \u201cwell that\u2019s close enough for me to walk\/bike,\u201d please don\u2019t. We recommend reaching Pinckney by car for your safety. And speaking of safety, you should also leave your dog at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This island has gone through many different transformations over time. Its name comes from the Revolutionary War veteran, Major General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, who owned a plantation on the land that grew the highly sought-after Sea Island Cotton. The plantation operated until the Civil War, and then was eventually sold to a couple who used the island as a hunting preserve. It was this pair who replanted trees and turned the plantation back into the natural oasis that can be seen today. The lands were then donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975, allowing the land to be used as a wildlife refuge. The refuge actually includes multiple islands, but visitors are welcome on Pinckney Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinckney Island receives upwards of a quarter of a million visitors every year, with hiking, biking, and observing some of the local wildlife as the most popular activities. Those who want to bring their fishing rod will be pleased to find that saltwater fishing is permitted in the waters surrounding the island, but just stay away from any freshwater pond you find as you explore the refuge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Savannah National Wildlife Refuge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Approx. 30 miles from Hilton Head<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

694 Beech Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC 29927<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(843) 784-2468<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Alix Greenman<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by J Dean<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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About a forty-five minute drive from Hilton Head Island, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge actually spreads across South Carolina and Georgia. It\u2019s an easy drive, but you might want to skip it if you don\u2019t have your own car. Apparently phone service isn\u2019t too great on the property, and those who take a rideshare service out to the refuge, hardly ever find one to get back. This wildlife refuge also doesn\u2019t permit dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well since you have your car with you\u2013we can\u2019t stress this enough\u2013you\u2019ll be able to enjoy driving the scenic Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, a one-way loop that is named after a rice plantation that had once previously operated on the grounds. Please note that it is not a paved road, but a well-maintained gravel road, and you\u2019ll be able to spot alligators along the way! Tune into AM 1610 for an audio tour that accompanies you on your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, you\u2019ll be able to also stop inside the Visitor Center from Monday to Friday, unless it\u2019s a holiday. Visitors will love exploring the beautiful trails by foot or bike, and don\u2019t forget your camera as you\u2019ll want to snap a few pictures as you go! Fishing and hunting are also available on the refuge, and if you\u2019d like to learn more, visit their\u00a0website<\/a>. Geocaching is also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nature Preserves on Hilton Head Island<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sea Pines Forest Preserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Within the Sea Pines property, passes are available to purchase at either gate<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tucked inside the popular resort community on the south end of Hilton Head Island, this forest preserve is just over six hundred acres of protected land that encourages guests to explore the outdoors while appreciating the natural beauty of the island. The first trails were created in the 1970s, and since then, the preserve has developed into a beautiful web of connected paths, docks, and boardwalks. Visitors are welcome to explore the area on their own or take a guided boat, wagon, or horseback riding tour through the grounds. Fishing expeditions are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, and all that is asked of visitors is that they stay on the trails at all times and do not swim in any waterways. Alligators are known to live in the preserve, and just like everywhere on the island, visitors are asked to leave them be and that feeding or harassing these animals is illegal. Another thing to keep in mind is that even though Hilton Head is very bike-friendly, the trails within the forest preserve are better by foot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Audubon Newhall Preserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

55 Palmetto Bay Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden in plain sight along Palmetto Bay Road, is the fifty-acre nature preserve. Often mistakenly included with the Sea Pines property, this preserve is outside the resort community\u2019s gates and is free to explore\u2013although, donations are quite welcome! Operated by the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society, the preserve is kept as a native forest ecosystem for its diverse wildlife that includes over 140 bird species. Open every day from sunrise to sunset, visitors can join in on the free guided tours that are held every Tuesday morning at 8:30am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re interested in bird watching or not, the Audubon Newhall Preserve is a great space for those wanting to take a beautiful walk in a peaceful setting. There are about a mile\u2019s worth of trails available to explore, and if you\u2019d like to bring your dog along, the preserve only asks that you keep it on a leash. Something else to keep in mind is to refrain from picking flowers or collecting pine cones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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