savannah national wildlife refuge

We were headed down to Savannah for the weekend before stopping by the visitor center out of curiosity. After getting more informtation we decided to give the driving tour a shot and headed back out to get onto the trail. It was a fairly cold and bleak day so our chances of seeing any wildlife seemed next to none. After driving for a bit we decided to check out the photo blind stop on the trail. Not 30 seconds after cramming inside, a raccoon and an alligator passed in front as though we were never even there. Continuing the trail we saw a total of 4 alligators, an abundance of marsh ducks and hens as well as several water birds. Although we did not manage to walk any of the trails, I know we plan to visit the refuge again soon!

We made a quick stop at this refuge when heading home from Savannah. Wish we had planned better to devote more time to this rich and interesting sanctuary. Saw many birds--both song birds and waterfowl. Though we drove the 4-mile loop, I would live to go back and walk the majority of it. Even in February, there were a few pesky insects so we'll remember to bring repellant for the next visit. Highly recommend for viewing wildlife and abundant photo ops.

We stopped quite by accident my son had to use the bathroom and I thought it sounded cool from the sign.The lady behind the desk was awesome she was really nice to me and my wife and she made my son feel important. We did the 4 mile drive-thru.We saw 2 Alligators, 3 Otters, an Ibis and a bunch of ducks.It took about an hour to drive-thru at a slow pace while taking pictures stops along the way.They also have walking trails but we were on a time crunch so we will save that for next time.

Visitor center ranger was helpful and the gift shop was nice. We really enjoyed the drive through the refuge where we saw 3 gators, a cute raccoon, and several bird species. Nice history info with the radio tour. It's FREE!

It's always interesting to see the different birds, and sometimes alligators, on the 4+ mile drive. Great on a cold or off weather day. Have met and learned from birders along the way. Can stay in your car or get out and hike some of the side trails. Have taken some great pics from my car. Changes as the seasons change. Your car will get dusty - it's worth it!

First of all, thank you to the refuge maintenance people for cutting down a lot of the tall grasses along the retention ponds. We were able to see lots of coots, Marsh Hens, Mallards and Wood Ducks. Only saw one gator, but it was a chilly day so that is understandable. Saw several Hawks also. Nice visit. Migrations should be going on so there should be a steady flow of birds into and out of the refuge.Take your time, the views keep changing.If you are traveling, the wildlife refugee is less than 20 minutes from I-95, if you come in from South Carolina. Easy to get to and enjoy.

This is a great place to stop and have a peak at some of the hidden treasures in Chatham County. It's free and easy to do since it's a drive thru set up. Bring your cameras and binoculars, open up your windows and sunroof, and open your eyes! Make a game of it with the kids and see who can identify the most creatures. Good times.

This is a nice 4 mile drive thru. You can stop and take pics. There are no facilities nearby except one porta let. There is no fee and it closes at dark. You can walk some trails. We saw herons, an eagle, ducks, hawks, gator, and an owl. You will only see what you look for. Some folks could cruise thru and not see anything. Stop and see the wild life! Each visit will be different depending on what is in the area at that time of year. Winter is good for many migrant ducks. You can drive thru as many times as you want.

The Savannah national wildlife refuge Visitor Center is located on U.S. 17, seven miles north of downtown Savannah. We visited the visitor center first to pick up the kids bagpack with bird book and binoculars. The visitor center has very friendly staff with lots of information and last spots of animals. The wildlife refuge is mainly a four mile loop that is self guided and has audio through an AM radio station. But you can stop and walk some trails also, most of the alligators you will spot already see from the car :-). We have been lucky and have seen some baby alligators. And for bird watchers as well this is a great place for observing nature and lots of birds from a car.

As birders (bird watchers) we found this a great place for observing nature from a car. Thousands of ducks, a number of wading birds and lots of raptors.

We saw this refuge as we drove into Savannah and though maybe we would stop by on our way back to Charleston if we could. As we drove by we decided to stop. It is a four mile loop that is self guided and has audio through an AM radio station. We drove the four mile loop in November and still saw quite a few alligators, turtles, birds, and even a snake. I only wish I'd had my long camera lens to get better pictures.

If you are tired of Savannah's nightly wild life and are ready for some real world wildlife then head to Savannah's National Wildlife Refuge in Hardeeville. Just a short drive outside the city this is an oasis of nature waiting to be seen! Visiting on a day that turned rainy didn't detour us from visiting the Welcome center and then heading out for the 4 miles drive over earthen dikes through the managed freshwater pools and hardwood hammocks. We were able to see a plethora of creatures including three alligators, harriers in flight, Blue Herons, egrets, a gazillion American Coots, and even a red shouldered hawk. Of course hiking the many trails in this park would have been icing on the cake, but we’ll definitely return before leaving Savannah because this place is well worth the time!Note: Having a set of binoculars will enhance your ability to see these inhabitants and don’t forget when you drive this loop, take it SLOWLY. All good things come to those who do!

We drove the wildlife drive. We chose the Plantation loop. It was 2.5 miles. It was a nice walk. Although we couldn't see much into the ponds because of really tall reeds, grasses, and cat tails. The driving loop was very nice. We saw lots of birds and pretty trees. Like most people we hoped to see a few gators. We caught a glimpse of two right near the end of the loop. We'll be back in the spring to hopefully see more.

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to experience nature and see a large variety of wildlife: native song birds to eagles; reptiles from frogs to alligators and many other creatures native to the area. Both native and migratory birds, including various types of water fowl follow this yearly flyway to and from their far off southern and northern breeding lands. The refuse lands and waterways were once part of large rice plantations; but, now these old rice plantation lands are the wetlands, dikes and canals managed by the National Park Service for the various wildlife making this refuse their home or resting place on their way to and from other lands. Stop by and enjoy seeing the native and visiting wildlife plus a bit of history and quite time at the refuse. A free designated narrow unpaved roadway and various walking areas along the four mile long nature drive is located on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River, within 20 minutes from the City of Savannah. Historic markers, old rice patty features and informational viewing stops along the roadway give facts on the various wildlife found in the refuse. The refuse may be closed on some Federal holidays and closes about dusk each day when it is open to the public.

4 mile drive in a beautiful , scenic refuge. Alligators, ducks, herons - perfect place for photography of the low country. Small museum with knowledgeable staff. Free !