That amazing Hunting Island. One of the most beautiful barrier islands along the southeast coast, and it’s allure is quite far-reaching. So much so, that Garden & Gun magazine has included Hunting Island in its featured article titled, “Seven Southern barrier islands where we wouldn’t mind getting stranded.”
“Located sixteen miles east of Beaufort, Hunting Island is South Carolina’s most popular state park and one of the six Beaufort Barrier Islands, which include Harbor, Hunting, and Fripp,” G&G said.
“Its 5,000 preserved acres are home to a saltwater lagoon, meandering marsh and maritime forest, and the Hunting Island Lighthouse, the only one in South Carolina that visitors are allowed to climb (although it’s currently closed for renovations).”
“Explore the island by water with a naturalist-led Coastal Expeditions dolphin cruise, departing from Saint Helena Island, or take a stroll along the marsh boardwalk to spot wildlife such as herons, alligators, and loggerhead sea turtles and the filming locations for several Forrest Gump scenes.”
One of the most striking spots on Hunting Island got a nod as well.
“Just across a bridge over the saltwater marsh, find the Boneyard, one of the most striking features of Hunting Island. The driftwood beach, lined with sun-and-salt-bleached trunks and roots, is a popular spot for photographers, stargazers, and anyone who loves a beautiful sunset.”
As far as being stranded with no cell phone or anything, Hunting Island is in some seriously good company, too.
Other islands to make the list of would-be stranding spots are Jekyll Island, GA, Bald Head Island, NC, San Jose Island, TX, Anna Maria Island, FL, and Assateague Island, MD/VA.
Always a top-of-anyone’s-list location, 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.
Originally a “Hunting Island,” as the name suggests, the thick-forested barrier island served as a hunting preserve for Lowcountry planters and elite in the 19th and early 20th centuries, along with several other local sea islands. Deer, gators, wild boar and a variety of birds and other waterfowl were hunted on the island by locals.
Hunting Island is a Mecca for sun seekers, campers, beach goers, nature enthusiasts and vacationers; all wanting to experience the natural, pristine, unspoiled setting it offers.
It wouldn’t be so bad to be stranded on Hunting Island. Now, would it?
