Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, SC

• Hours: sunrise to sunset
• Cost: free
• Size: 4,053 acres
• Dogs: not allowed

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge sits on the mainland side of the bridge to Hilton Head, in the marsh between the island and Bluffton, and it is the island’s best free walk. Most visitors, and most of the people searching, call it Pinckney Island, or the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge; they all mean the same place. It was established on December 4, 1975 and covers 4,053 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds and woods, run by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges.

Getting to Pinckney Island

The vehicle entrance is on U.S. 278. Leaving Hilton Head Island on US 278 West, it is on your right about half a mile past the bridge. Coming from I-95, take exit 8 and drive east toward Hilton Head Island for about 16 miles; the gate is on your left. The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset, there is no entrance fee, and there is a parking area at the entrance.

Plan on bringing everything you need. The refuge has no staff on site and no restrooms, drinking water or shelter, so carry water, sunscreen and bug spray, and wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Trails

More than 14 miles of trails wind through the refuge, on flat gravel and grass paths and old dikes. The walk from the parking area to the first pond, Ibis Pond, is about two miles round trip, which is as far as many families go. Longer loops lead farther into the refuge. Bicycles and e-bikes are welcome on the trails, so it makes a good ride from a rental, but nothing is rented at the refuge.

Wildlife at Pinckney Island

Visitors come for the birds, especially egrets and ibis at Ibis Pond, and also report alligators, deer and armadillos along the trails. Keep your distance from the alligators. For the wider picture of what lives in the Lowcountry, see the Hilton Head nature guide.

Are Dogs Allowed on Pinckney Island?

No. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed anywhere on refuge lands, including all trails and beaches. For a day out with your dog, see the dog-friendly beaches.

Fishing, Crabbing and Boating Near Pinckney Island

Saltwater fishing is allowed year round in the tidal water around the refuge with a South Carolina saltwater license, but freshwater fishing in the refuge ponds is not. Camping is not permitted, and hunting happens only in specified seasons, so check with the refuge before you go. The public boat ramp and the fishing pier at the south end of the island are county facilities, not part of the refuge trails: see the Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier.

A Short History of Pinckney Island

Before it was a refuge the island was a Sea Island cotton plantation. From 1937 until 1975 it was a private game preserve, and its private owners donated the land to the federal government to become the refuge.