Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary

Duck Pond at Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary Walterboro, SC

A jewel hidden in plain sight, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary gives harried travelers and locals a place to breathe away from the noise. A Kid's Station is located by the parking area off Snyder's Hiway providing an assortment of educational guides concerning everything from plants to animals that engage the mind and stimulate exploration.

Part of the Charleston to Savannah Hiway

The Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary is a composite of boardwalks that snake through the hundreds of acres of swamp and groves. The rustic quality of the older, historic sections of the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary takes you back in time with various historic references and maps that are placed throughout the Sanctuary educating and entertaining visitors in the same breath.

A bench on the Charleston to Savannah Hiway

Walking or jogging through the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary gives you moments of reflections and time for pauses on benches along the trails. Hike, walk, jog or pause a moment while enjoying the quiet charm removed from the hustle and bustle of daily living. Let the sounds of nature - singing birds, leaves rustling in the breeze and flowing water - pull the stress of daily living and traveling away.

Degraded Coyote track in sand

While walking the sandy trails, the evidence of life beyond what is seen exists in the tracks left behind. Everything from deer, black bear, bobcat, raccoon and fox (I am just naming a few of the most common tracks I have seen walking through the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary after work.) abound. Near sunset, bats are seen around the boxes placed throughout the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary. Songbirds and wading birds are easily observed flitting through trees or swimming in the winding creeks along the trails.

QR codes are helpfully placed throughout the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary and sponsored by various organizations to provide more information. Pay attention to the signage posted as it will notify visitors of areas closed for nesting and/or habitat protection.

Maintenance of the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary is a year around process. Most of the historic bridges are closed for repair due to storm damage caused by falling trees in the previous seasons. Newer boardwalks, however, remain open to take you across the swampy areas and fulfill moments of wanderlust.

The Duck Pond near sunset at Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary Walterboro, SC

One of my favorite spots, aside from the bench near the beaver pond, is sitting by the Duck Pond engaging with travelers and locals alike. It is a beautiful place to rest a moment or make new friends sharing the same view and love of nature.

Whether you are a local or a visitor the views within the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary offer moments of enchantment and restoration. Enjoy wildlife from a distance. It is not uncommon to see a herd of deer run across a trail or even see snakes moving through the grass. Make sure when you leave, the only things left are footprints and amazing memories.

Sunset over one of the creeks along the George B Hartzog Jr. Trail

As you leave, carry the memories with you. When you return, be prepared for the new sights that will inevitably arise. No two visits are the same. From the animal encounters to the people to the amazing sunsets, the natural beauty of the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary remains unchallenged and quietly waiting your return.

*Do not forget to stop in at the Walterboro Wildlife Center for more information on wildlife, the Lowcountry eco-system and history of the area relating not only to the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, but also the area at large.

The Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary is currently closed to the public for maintenance and the cypress bridge project. More information is available on their website.