For those seeking a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience in South Carolina, there may be no other like the one found at Pinckney National Wildlife Refuge in Beaufort County. If you've ever been to Hilton Head Island then you've no doubt driven past (if not entered) the entrance to this jaw-dropping natural area whose entry point is located on the left just before you cross over onto Hilton Head Island.

Swing a left onto the paved entrance and drive another quarter of a mile to the parking area. You won't regret it!

The refuge is comprised of more than 4,000 acres and five islands, the largest of which is open for public use.

From the parking area you'll begin to discover both gravel and wide grassy trails, some perfect for biking and all suitable for hiking. If you have the stamina to make it 7.8 miles round trip, then you should take the White Point Trail. It ends up on a small hidden beach with incredible views.

Or you can choose from any of the 14 trails that traverse Pinckney Island. The main trail though, is gravel, and the other trails are grassy. Trail guides are available at the parking area.

The refuge contains a variety of terrain, including a combination of marshland, forests, fresh water ponds, and brushland.

The diversity creates a variety of habitats for a wide range of creatures. A visit here can easily be rewarded with countless photo opportunities. Time your trip in the spring and early summer and you'll find newly hatched birds. There's a large concentration of White Ibis, Herons, and Egrets here.

But... it's the Lowcountry so you can expect there are gators as well!

You should be fine as long as you're aware of your surroundings, stay on the marked trails and don't encourage their attention by, let's say, feeding or harassing them. Mainly they linger near the ponds, like the one shown below called Ibis Pond.

If you're looking for that quintessential Lowcountry experience, then pack some water, sunscreen and bug spray and then head to this wildlife refuge in Beaufort County.

It's located on Highway 278 between the two bridges that connect Hilton Head Island to the mainland. For more information visit the Pinckney Island page of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website. The site also features information about new public tours offered for persons who have mobility impairment. The refuge is open seven days a week. The electric gate allowing entrance into the parking area opens 30 minutes before sunrise and typically closes approximately 30 minutes after sunset.

To see another place in the Palmetto State that's too beautiful for words, check out the Grand Canyon of South Carolina here.