We have a diamond in our midst here in Beaufort and we’ve known about it all along. Hunting Island State Park is South Carolina’s single most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors a year, as well as a vast array of land and marine wildlife. Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure.
While there’s so much to see and experience, we’ve picked nine spots that you must see on your next visit to Hunting Island.
Hunting Island Lighthouse
Of all the lighthouses in South Carolina, the Hunting Island Lighthouse is the only one in the state that is publicly accessible. It’s currently closed for renovations, but just being there next to it is amazing. When it’s open, you can climb to the top of one of the most distinctive lighthouses you’ll ever visit, and stand 130 feet above the ground to take in the breathtaking, panoramic view of the Atlantic Coast and surrounding maritime forest.
Nature Center
Discover the wonders of nature on a barrier island at the Nature Center with live animals and exhibits that delve into the diverse habitats of Hunting Island State Park. Enjoy public programs seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and Tuesday through Saturday, March to November. Join a park naturalist and search for life in the water and under the sand while hearing amazing stories of the ocean’s creatures.
Hunting Island Visitor Center
The Visitor Center at Hunting Island has an outdoor deck where you can marvel at the nature and often see wildlife in their natural habitat. Home to interactive exhibits, a theater, a mural painted by local artist Aki Kato covering the walls and ceiling, video kiosks, a scale model of the historic Harbor River Swing Bridge and a virtual lighthouse.
Hunting Island Marsh Boardwalk
The Hunting Island marsh boardwalk extends across the lush marsh tidal flats to a small hummock and provides a magnificent platform for viewing area nature, wildlife. The marsh boardwalk is located on the west side of the park on Highway 21. The Vietnam war scenes for the movie Forrest Gump were shot near the boardwalk. The wildlife here, as well as the beautiful sunsets, make the marsh boardwalk an excellent photographers spot and a nice spot for a romantic walk with your someone special.
Hunting Island Fishing Pier
The Hunting Island Fishing Pier was destroyed in 2016’s Hurricane Matthew and just reopened in 2021 after being completely rebuilt. Take a walk to the end and enjoy the sea breeze and see all kinds of wildlife including birds, dolphins and more.
South Beach Boneyard
With Hunting Island being a barrier island, erosion has taken a toll on the beach for a very long time. This erosion with the intrusion of saltwater has cut into the maritime forest on the island bringing down trees and creating a maritime ‘graveyard’ of sorts. Located at the south end of the island, it’s a stretch of beach that will have you meandering through and around fallen pine and palmetto trees, many with their roots exposed creating a sad, almost gothic scene.
Hunting Island Nature Trails
Hunting Island is full of trails. The hiking and walking trails take you deep into the interior maritime forest and along your hike you’ll see the dense native vegetation that provides protected habitat for many native animals including deer, raccoon, bald eagles, owls, gators, hawks and squirrels.
Hunting Island Lagoon
Known as the ‘quiet side of the beach’ the Hunting Island lagoon is the perfect spot for those who want to get away from the Atlantic surf and still be near the water. A lot of people just go there for the nature, fishing or recreational activities including tubing, kayaking and paddle boarding. The lagoon is a perfect spot for photography as the bird life is plentiful and used to human activity. It’s a very peaceful spot.
The Drive into the Park
Surprisingly enough, one of the least talked about features of Hunting Island is the drive through the sub-tropical maritime forest as you leave the front gate after entering the park. One of the most awe-inspiring three minute car rides in the entire Lowcountry, it’s as if you were on a winding road through the Amazon or on the set of Jurassic Park during its filming.
Article contributed by Gene Brancho
