Widgeon Point Preserve: Trails Near Bluffton, SC

• Size: 162 acres
• Trail: 0.7-mile earthen loop plus a short spur to the view
• Dogs: on a leash
• Owner: Beaufort County, with the Open Land Trust

Widgeon Point Preserve is a Beaufort County nature preserve on the Broad River, and it is not inside the town of Bluffton: the address is 43 Okatie Hwy (SC-170) in Okatie, about a 15-minute drive west of Old Town. We list it with the Bluffton area parks because it is the nearest county preserve that most Bluffton visitors and residents ask about, and it makes a short, easy stop between the island and the Lowcountry backcountry.

What is there

The 162 acres mix pine and hardwood forest, maritime forest, freshwater wetlands and salt marsh along the river where it meets Port Royal Sound. A 0.7-mile earthen loop trail winds through it, with a small spur out to a scenic view. There is parking, a water fountain, a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, benches and a bird blind. The accessible parking, picnic tables and blind are step-free, although the dirt trail itself can be uneven.

Wildlife and birding

Wading birds and songbirds are the regular sightings, and alligators sun along the wetland edges, so keep children and dogs back from the water. Deer, coyotes and bobcats turn up now and then. The county runs guided birding walks and trail talks at the preserve through the year; its events calendar lists the dates.

Rules and timing

Dogs are welcome on a leash. The preserve is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in winter and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. under daylight saving time. For a longer walk in the same area, see Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve, and for time on the water instead, the May River page covers kayaking and boat trips.