Overview. We enjoyed bluebird skies and the two most active ponds on the south side of Pinckney Island. Ibis Pond remains the big attraction at the refuge, but Osprey Pond provided superior gator watching with adults and babies gracefully cruising its waters.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 4.0 miles
Overall Difficulty | Easy

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 32.234156, -80.779350
Pinckney Island NWR Trail Map

Parking. More than two dozen parking spaces are available on the loop near the trailhead with a couple spaces available along the road on the way in.

Trail navigation. This hike is easily navigated and well-signed. The turn to Ibis Pond is well defined, but unmarked. Head out from the trailhead and turn right onto the gravel (main) road. Continue until seeing the unmarked turn to Ibis Pond. Take the path around and return to the gravel road and continue past Starr Pond (loads of ducks) before reaching Osprey Pond. Turn here and loop around. Note that the official trail is an out and back along the south side of the pond, but a well defined user path loops back to the gravel road. Return to the trailhead by following the gravel road.

RULE REMINDER - Day Use ONLY. This refuge is open from dawn to dusk and has an automated gate. No camping or overnight use is allowed.

RULE REMINDER - No Pets. There are no dogs, cats, or Bengal tigers allowed, so leave them at home while you’re out there.

CAUTION - Surveillance. A good number of surveillance cameras are in use throughout the refuge to keep visitors on the straight and narrow.

CAUTION - No Water. There is no drinking water (or bathrooms) available at the refuge. Be sure to bring plenty of H2O and drain any excess H2O before you hit the trails.

CAUTION - Alligators. Although plenty of alligators call the refuge home, trails are mowed extra wide - making it easy to avoid getting too close.

CAUTION - Venomous Snakes. A total of five species of venomous snakes can be found in this region. Be sure to review this guide from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.