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Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, straddling the South Carolina-Georgia border six miles south of Hardeeville, S.C., was established in 1927 to protect more than 27,000 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers, creeks and bottomland hardwood habitat.
The 3,000 acres of freshwater impoundments are former rice fields that once were part of Savannah River plantations dating from the 1700s. Slave labor was used to clear the land while itinerant Irishmen were hired to build many of the levees enclosing the fields.
Some areas of the refuge can only by reached by boat.
Waterfowl are abundant from November to February and alligators and other reptiles are common from March to October. Birdwatching is best from October through April when wintering birds are present. However, a few areas of the refuge are closed to protect wintering waterfowl.
The Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, off S.C. 170, meanders along four miles of earthen dikes (remnants of the rice field levees). The Cistern Trail and other walking trails are also available.
Fishing is permitted in the freshwater pools from March 1 to November 30 and is governed by South Carolina and refuge regulations. The refuge administers deer, feral hog, squirrel and turkey hunts during the fall and winter. Contact the refuge office for details.
Outdoor Activities |
