Walterboro takes pride in offering easy access to beautiful wildlife habitats where you can enjoy myriad nature-inspired activities. Go birdwatching at Bear Island Wildlife Sanctuary, take a nature walk through the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, go bike riding on dirt roads at the Donnelley Wildlife Area, camp in Colleton State Park or tour a South Carolina treasure named the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge.
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is one of South Carolina’s most cherished natural treasures. Named after the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers, the basin is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the coast of the Atlantic. Thanks to the joint effort of federal and state governments, local landowners and private conservation groups, the ACE Basin preserves 350,000 acres of unique habitats, from forested wetlands and hardwood uplands to saltwater marshes and beaches. It’s also home to a variety of protected wildlife like waterfowl and loggerhead sea turtles.
Located within the ACE Basin preserve is the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, a singularly Southern lowlands setting full of history, culture, recreation and education. Walk or bike on nature trails and stop to discover the assortment of flowers, shrubs, greenery and wildlife that live in the blackwater wetlands of Colleton County. This 842-acre sanctuary is home to a one-of-a-kind braided creek swamp that is conveniently within reach to the public. It’s located just three minutes from I-95 with easy accessibility for tourists, residents or quick sightseers.
Stay overnight in Colleton State Park and fully relax and unwind with Mother Nature. Campsites featuring water and electrical hookups are available, along with restrooms and hot showers. Take a day and enjoy walking the .3-mile Cypress Swamp Nature Trail, kayaking down the blackwater Edisto River, visiting the resource center, relaxing under a tall pine tree with your favorite book, or fishing from banks of the river. It’s truly an outsider’s paradise!
