Hiding along the Savannah River near the town of Jackson in Aiken County is a 4,200-acre wildlife sanctuary that’s perfect for a day trip. Here, you’ll find a peaceful wooded preserve, 100 acres of grasslands, and 50 acres of lakes and ponds. The Silver Bluff Center and Sanctuary is owned by Audubon which allows access to the property to the public for free (donations are accepted, of course).
In addition to the pine and bottomland hardwood forests along the Savannah River, the sanctuary boasts 22 miles of trails ideal for walking or riding.
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Visitors find themselves immersed in nature along the many trails — but hiking isn’t the only way to travel here…
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Horses are welcome, too!
Google Local/Lisa Ruth
In fact, some annual events, like this one where many antique carriages pulled by full teams ride the trails at the sanctuary, are quite worth simply being a spectator.
Google Local/Kimberly Fickling
History abounds on this quiet slice of paradise. Archaeologists have traced findings back to the 1540s all the way through to when a former South Carolina Governor, James A. Hammond, owned the property in the 1800s.
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
The focal point of the Audubon’s efforts at Silver Bluff is preserving wildlife — birds, in particular.
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Visitors can expect to see plenty of wildlife, including bald eagles…
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
The endangered wood stork…
Wikipedia/Googie man
And even the occasional spoonbill duck.
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
You just never know what you’ll see in this wildlife preserve… deer, armadillo, foxes, and alligators abound.
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
The sanctuary is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours can also be arranged, including school groups.
Google Local/Kimberly Fickling
It’s located at 4542 Silver Bluff Road near Jackson, SC. Please note that your GPS will indicate you’ve arrived when you reach the point where the road transitions from paved to clay/sand. Keep driving for an additional mile to reach the entrance.
Google Maps
Learn more from the official Audubon website. Have you ever been to this Audubon property and did you know it’s free? We’d love to know if this is something you’re interested in checking out!
Facebook/Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Google Local/Lisa Ruth
Google Local/Kimberly Fickling
Wikipedia/Googie man
Google Maps
Want more super secret spots like this? Keep reading 17 Hidden Places In South Carolina Only The Locals Know About.
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Address: 4542 Silver Bluff Rd, Jackson, SC 29831, USA
