Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
About
Encompassing four islands and 4,000 acres, the refuge aims to preserve and protect endangered natural habitats and species. At 1,200 acres, Pinckney is the largest of the refuge's islands and the only one open to the public.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Top ways to experience Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
40 within 3 miles
Attractions
105 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- ArchieGlenmoore, Pennsylvania7,744 contributionsLovely trails with Ponds and beautiful birdsWe got lost on gps it took us to squire road. Please make sure to enter it correctly. It's a beautiful trail. There is parking but limited. We walked down a gravel path to beautiful views of, trees, ponds, birds. It took us about 1.5 hrs. You can walk around the pond for different views. We saw a variety of birds that they define on a board.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 27, 2023
- Whitney S574 contributionsGood place to see wildlife and to exercise.This wilderness area is for those interested in moderate activity. It’s all flat so it’s not strenuous, you it takes a good walk down the gravel road after you have to park your car. We did different loops around lakes and saw birds, marshland, lakes, alligators, etc. we were out there an hour or 1.5 hours and maybe saw 25%. It’s a neat place. Completely uninhabited by people.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 28, 2024
- EugennaBrazil, Indiana648 contributionsGreat place to walk if you don't mind walking in the sun.Nice place to walk, very few amenities. There is a bathroom near the parking area and then nothing else. Bring your own water. Lots of walking in the sun, some areas of the road are shaded, but not most. Lots of birds. We did not find any alligators. We only walked as far as Ibis pond before turning around.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 20, 2024
- Brooke C26 contributionsGreat place for the nature enthusiastYou could spend all day here! We did about a half day and had a picnic lunch. Hiked about 5 miles so we only saw a small portion. No water or restrooms, so come prepared. They take great care of the property. We saw tons of bids and squirrels. Lots of crabs and a couple gators. One was about 15 feet!! I would recommend bringing your bike if you have one. You would get to enjoy all the trails and areas. Highly recommend for anyone that enjoys being in nature.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 27, 2024
- Betsy SAtlanta, Georgia44 contributionsWorth a visit!Although is was very hot (there was a heat advisory), we enjoyed our three-hour visit using rental bicycles. The birds are spectacular and the whole area is so unspoiled. Beautiful area. We saw an armadillo and a lot of very cute tiny crabs!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
978 reviews
Excellent
596
Very good
282
Average
77
Poor
15
Terrible
8
Alice D
79 contributions
Mar 2023
We took our bikes to Pinckney Island for a nature adventure and got exactly that! There is a lot to see and we covered most of the trails with ~12 miles of bike riding. Walking is also a good option although you will likely see less. There are ponds that attract different types of birds; there are bird houses in other areas. There are many different types of plants and some beautiful views of the marshes around the island.
The only drawback is that there are no restrooms of any sort; we left after a little over 2 hours in search of restroom facilities back in Hilton Head.
The only drawback is that there are no restrooms of any sort; we left after a little over 2 hours in search of restroom facilities back in Hilton Head.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyce S
Hawley, PA279 contributions
Jan 2020
Well... to start we took the trolly tour for seniors. Very disappointing. The guide was not very knowledgeable, and we only went into the refuge to the first pond. The description on the web site makes you think that you will see the entire refuge by trolly. We only got off at the first pond and saw a few birds. We also got bitten by fire ants, which we were not warned about. I would say, that it you would have a better experience, if you didn't take the trolly If you can walk long distances on a trail, tour it yourself,,you probably will experience more.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TLSKnoxville
knoxville, United States13 contributions
Dec 2019
Parking is limited on a busy day. Has restrooms and very nice graveled trail. Quiet wilderness area. Well maintained. Length of visit depends on walking speed and time allowed.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan W
Cape Girardeau, MO53 contributions
Apr 2022
We went to Pinckney Island not knowing what to expect. It is composed of 1 parking area and a number of trails. Our favorite spot was Ibis Pond, which was full of.....Ibis! They were nesting and showing off in the spring and it was phenomenal. It looked just like something you'd see on National Geographic. We walked about 4 miles and wish we'd had more time to explore.
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ahsge
Cincinnati, OH45 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Great chance for everyone to see natural Hilton Head. Ibis Pond is about a mile round trip with a few benches along the way. The path is close to flat and is wide enough for maintenance trucks. Many birds, alligators, life in the wild. Many people on bikes, can be a full day’s outing.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whitney S
574 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This wilderness area is for those interested in moderate activity. It’s all flat so it’s not strenuous, you it takes a good walk down the gravel road after you have to park your car. We did different loops around lakes and saw birds, marshland, lakes, alligators, etc. we were out there an hour or 1.5 hours and maybe saw 25%. It’s a neat place. Completely uninhabited by people.
Written February 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duncan B
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
The 1 rating was 100% our fault. (All previous ratings would be a 5+). After driving 2 days from Ontario and spending a week on Hilton Head we decided Friday, Nov. 3rd was the perfect day to spend on Pinckney (our favourite place) since we head out early Saturday for Florida and our kids fly home. (We were anxious to show it to our kids and their partners as they'd never been before). Of course it was closed for deer hunting season for only that one day of the year!! Lesson learned, NEVER go to Pinckney without checking their website a long time in advance for upcoming closures.
Written November 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob S
Cincinnati, OH2,509 contributions
May 2022
A wildlife refuge that is open to the public. No facilities so come prepared. Parking is shaded but a lot of the refuge is in the open so spring and fall are the best times to visit. Rough walking and hiking trails. We went on an afternoon in mid May and didn't see much wildlife.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bean-Buggles
Plumsteadville, PA684 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We love visiting NWR’s when we are traveling as it is a good way to learn about the local flora and fauna. This NWR does not have a visitors center to talk to the rangers or volunteers about the best places to see wildlife, what to look for, which trails are best, etc. There are some signs around and maps that you can use. The main path is mostly in the sun, there are some covered parts but not many. The sun is super intense in July but I can imagine this place would be amazing in the fall or spring with cooler temps. We enjoyed the Ibis Pond and saw tons of birds there. Very pretty location. No rest rooms.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
urbanguy
Richmond, VA5,008 contributions
Nov 2021
Pinckney Island is the largest of the four islands that make up the refuge. Wildlife viewing is, as expected, very seasonal.
Their brochure says there are over 14 miles of trails open to hiking and biking. Because there is essentially no elevation gain, I would suggest the activity is actually "easy" walking, rather than hiking. The trails range from 1.2 miles to 7.8 miles round-trip. I think it would be great to bike the entire refuge.
Their brochure says there are over 14 miles of trails open to hiking and biking. Because there is essentially no elevation gain, I would suggest the activity is actually "easy" walking, rather than hiking. The trails range from 1.2 miles to 7.8 miles round-trip. I think it would be great to bike the entire refuge.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I would like to bike in Pinckney . I have a doggy trailer where my dog is harnessed in. He can not get out. Would this be allowed?
Written December 10, 2022
Yes, perfect way to visit Pinckney Island . Be a bit careful on the bridge leading to the main entrance.
Written April 8, 2021
Can we drive there? If so, where is the entrance?
Written September 16, 2019
yes. the entrance is just at the end of the main bridge leaving the island
Written September 18, 2019
Dogs, cats, and other pets are not permitted on the refuge unless confined inside a vehicle. Picking or cutting vegetation is prohibited. All of the refuge's archaeological and natural resources are protected. Antique and artifact hunting/collecting is not allowed.
Written July 8, 2020
Is it safe to ride our bikes from SeaPines to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge? I realize it is at least an hour ride each way , but my main concern is safety and are there bike lanes?
Written August 22, 2018
NO!!! No sidewalks on a very dangerous HW278. No bike lane on the bridge.. Do NOT try to bike ride from SP to Pinckney!!!!
Written September 9, 2018
We are visiting the Hilton head for the week. My husband injured his food and is using a knee scooter to help get around. Are there any paths that are handicapped accessible?
Written March 11, 2018
No formal handicap access available. Paths/roads are all gravel and not easily traveled except by bicycle or foot. Vehicle traffic only allowed as far as the parking area.
Written October 6, 2019
Are there free mobile challenged accessibility tours on Pickney island?
Written August 29, 2017
Actually I googled and found the following. There are free assessability tours with a docent on Tuesday mornings at pickney island. Here is the link.
Google coastalrefuges and pickney island.
Glad I found out about this. You don't need to be handicap to go on a tour.
Written August 31, 2017
Yes, and I recommend it, because it is a long, long way to and from the parking area across the island. You could potentially cover several MILES. Just be aware that the access road is loose gravel. It's easy to pedal a bike on the road, but it's not a smooth ride.
Written September 4, 2017
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