Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 4,054-acre refuge located in the state of Georgia.


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Summary

The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, white-tailed deer, and more than 250 species of birds. There are several good reasons to visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, including its beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and birdwatching.

Some of the specific points of interest at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge include the salt marshes, freshwater ponds, and maritime forests. Visitors can explore the refuge's many trails and boardwalks, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The refuge is also home to several historic sites, including the remains of an antebellum plantation.

One interesting fact about Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is that it was established in 1975 as a result of a land swap between the U.S. government and the State of South Carolina. The refuge was created to provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, and to help protect the area's natural resources.

The best time of year to visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is in the fall and winter, when temperatures are mild and the bugs are less active. Spring and summer can be hot and humid, with mosquitoes and other insects making outdoor activities less enjoyable. However, visitors can still enjoy the refuge year-round, as there is always something to see and do.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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