There’s so much to love about South Carolina’s small towns. Not only are these destinations among the friendliest places you can visit in the South, but they’re also home to an abundance of natural, historic, and cultural treasures. One of South Carolina’s crown jewels when it comes to visit-worthy small towns is Bluffton. Spend the day here and you’ll enjoy meeting the locals, perusing delightful shops, and even stumbling upon some breathtaking natural wonders, such as Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge just 20 minutes from town. Learn more about this unexpected natural wonder hiding in the Palmetto State.

Located between the picturesque town of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island awaits one of the region's most stunning and important natural wonders: Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Boris Timanovsky / Google Reviews
The refuge is comprised of 4,000 acres of salt marshes, tidal creeks, forests, and other beautiful Lowcountry landscapes.
Rebecca Snider / Google Reviews
A crucial part of the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is visited by thousands of migratory birds each year.
Craig Johnson / Google Reviews
White ibis, herons, and egrets are among the most common birds found in the refuge.

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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is relatively easy to access. There's a parking area about half a mile from the entrance. From there, visitors can enjoy a number of nature trails.
Keith Douglas / Google Reviews
Some of the popular hikes include Ibis Pond Trail, Shell Point Trail, Starr Pond Trail, and Osprey Pond Trail. Along the way, you're almost guaranteed to spot some wildlife!
Craig Johnson / Google Reviews
If you consider yourself to be a wildlife enthusiast, you'll definitely want to bring your camera with you. Endless photo ops await!
Patrick Winn / Google Reviews
Who knew such a majestic world of wildlife and natural beauty was just a quick drive from Bluffton?
Keith Douglas / Google Reviews

For a fascinating tour of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, watch the beautiful footage below:

Have you ever visited this natural wonder near Bluffton, South Carolina? What did you think of your experience there? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For related content, read all about why Bluffton is considered to be the most peaceful town in South Carolina.

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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA