Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive

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Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive is part of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR). A 31,551-acre refuge, it is located partially in South Carolina and partially in Georgia, divided by the Savannah River. The Wildlife Drive is a 4-mile self-tour drive through a Civil-War-era rice plantation, now a protected habitat for countless birds, ducks, reptiles and other wildlife.

You drive at your leisure and enjoy the vast natural setting. There is no cost, and it is open 24/7/365 from dawn until dusk. From Bluffton, taking back roads, it’s just a 20-minute drive. If you want to include exercise, bring a bicycle or park near the entrance and hike the 4 miles. In my numerous visits, the closest I ever saw an alligator was on the banks of the canal. However, they are not confined and could be on the side of the road.

The most amazing aspect of this wildlife drive, in my opinion, is the diversity of animals, reptiles, amphibians and bird life that it supports. You can see most of them at any given time. A partial list includes:

• ANIMALS: Bobcats, deer, rabbits, opossum, armadillos, raccoons, fox, wild hogs.

• REPTILES: American Alligator, nonvenomous snakes like the coachwhip, rat snake, rough green snake and speckled king snake. Venomous snakes include the rattlesnake and southern copperhead. They don’t like people any more than you like snakes. Still, be aware of your surroundings.

• AMPHIBIANS: There are numerous species of frogs and turtles.

• BIRDS: White Ibis, Little Blue Heron, Solitary Sandpiper, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, Anhinga, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Blue-wing Teal and Wood Duck, to name a few.

• PLANT LIFE: Countless species throughout.

If you love the outdoors and observing wildlife, you will appreciate the natural beauty of Laurel Hill. Visit during the different seasons because it will have a different look, and you may see wildlife you missed in other seasons. Also, the Refuge offers year-round recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, photography, fishing and hunting on special dates. Learn more at the headquarters.

Even on a not-so-great weather day, you can visit the SNWR headquarters and see the nature and wildlife exhibits. There is a gift shop, and they show a video with great information on wildlife in the area. Plus, they are really nice folks there.

An important word of warning here: If you are not familiar with alligators or fancy the idea that you could easily outrun one if chased, don’t. Just don’t. When I interviewed the herpetologist at SNWR, he told me that “An adult gator can run faster than a human for a short distance.” I don’t know what that distance is, but I would not challenge it. Stay alert at all times and use your zoom to take close-ups.

Enjoy and y’all stay safe out there!

A former Bluffton resident, Glenda finds stories everywhere and writes about nature, travel, healthy living and books.