Immerse yourself in nature at Widgeon Point Preserve
Widgeon Point Preserve is 162 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forest, maritime forest & salt marsh along the Broad River. Located conveniently off Highway 170, the preserve is co-owned by Beaufort County & the Beaufort County Open Land Trust.
There is a beautiful spacious bird blind overlooking a freshwater pond where Egrets, Herons, Spoonbills, Belted Kingfishers & Wood Storks can be found. Keep your eyes open for Osprey & Bald Eagles searching for fish as well. Sidewalks lead from the paved parking lot to a picnic pavilion, a bird blind, and an event barn.
A 0.7-mile hiking loop travels the perimeter of the adjacent Hummock Island. The loop is a wide, flat nature trail that travels through pines, palms & oak trees. Views of the river can be seen from several different vantage points. The preserve is a great spot for picnicking, hiking & wildlife viewing. There’s even a water fountain that is equipped for dogs.
While hiking, keep a keen eye for white-tailed deer & fox squirrels. Alligators have also been seen in the freshwater ponds, so be careful to not walk along the edges & keep your dog away from the waters edge as well.
Widgeon Point Preserve is located at 43 Okatie Highway, Okatie, SC 29909 and is open daily from dawn to dusk.
![Bald Eagle spotted at Widgeon Point Preserve](https://www.eatstayplaybeaufort.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/eagle-e1634517569677.jpeg)
![Widgeon Point Preserve - Beaufort, SC](https://www.eatstayplaybeaufort.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_5621-1-e1634561524251.jpg)
![Nature Trails at Widgeon Point Preserve. Phoato by Jenn Clementoni](https://www.eatstayplaybeaufort.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_5389-e1634517627966.jpg)
![Nature Trails Map at Widgeon Point Preserve](https://www.eatstayplaybeaufort.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/widgeon-map-scaled-e1634517659306.jpeg)
Article & photography by Jenn Clementoni for EatStayPlayBeaufort.com