What used to be rice fields in the 1700's now make up the beautiful area north of Port Wentworth, Georgia.  Established on April 6, 1927, the 25,608 acres of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge consist of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers and creeks, and hardwoods.  But tourists aren't the only visitors to this gorgeous area.  Migratory waterfowl - such as cormorants, great blue herons, and cranes - vacation there usually from November through February.  Alligators and other reptiles are prevalent  from March through October.  And of course, many local birds like to live and feed in the refuge as well. 

Many of the original dikes that enclose the pools of freshwater were built with slave labor.   All of the dikes are open to the public during the day, unless otherwise posted.  Take your camera if you go, because there is an opportunity to "shoot" some wildlife (with your camera, of course).  Half of the refuge is only accessible by boat and contains cypress, gum and maple trees.  Motorists can access the refuge via Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, which travels for four miles through a grassy field, into an area shaded by tall hardwoods dripping with Spanish moss, and past the freshwater pools filled with alligators.   Walking routes, such as Cistern Trail, are also available.

Activities

Directions

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is located on U.S. 17 eight miles south of Hardeeville, South Carolina, Exit 5 off 1-95 or four miles north of Port Wentworth, Georgia on U.S. 17 - take I-95 Exit 19 to U.S. 17 North.

Contact Information

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