Escape to the quiet: Explore these state wildlife management areas in Hampton County, SC

The young deer grazed among the pines and paused to nonchalantly raise her head to look back over her shoulder at me.

It was clear I was an intruder in her world but she did not seem to care. A few weeks had passed since the close of deer hunting season and she seemed to know the calendar. A few bites later and then a flick of the white flag of her tail and she was gone, trotting into the deep shadows among the trees.

I was the only person shooting anything at Hamilton Ridge Wildlife Management Area that day, and my only weapon was a camera.

Hamilton Ridge WNA is located in Garnett, about an hour from the Beaufort area. This 13,200-acre tract of land is one of three local state-owned management areas that include Webb WMA and Palachucola WMA. Together, the three contiguous properties total nearly 20,000 acres of natural wonderland that is just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

Located along the Savannah River in Hampton County, Hamilton Ridge and Webb WMAs consist of former plantation and farm land that is now a mix of pine and hardwood forest, open fields, freshwater ponds and river bottom swamp. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources actively manages the land and its resources, making these properties an ideal home for wildlife and an incredible destination to view them.

When you visit you will make your entry along a grand avenue of oaks that was once part of a 6,000 acre plantation dating back to 1737. The plantation was burned by Union troops under Gen. W.T. Sherman during the Civil War and the land was later purchased by the wealthy Belmont family. These “northern gentlemen” used the rebuilt house as a hunting lodge for decades.

Upon entry at Webb WMA, you will encounter the old lodge and accompanying farm buildings that are now part of the DNR’s management complex. Here, you must register your arrival at the information kiosk where maps will help you plan your visit. Comfortable rocking chairs on the spacious porch of the lodge make for a nice rest stop or picnic spot before you make your way into the interior of the preserve.

The best access to Hamilton Ridge WMA is along the old road that runs from the lodge at Webb. Signs will direct you along wide, well-maintained gravel drives and take you to the location of an abandoned 1830 plantation house that was built along the old Augusta Stagecoach road. The house is a reminder of yesteryear — and is now the historical centerpiece of the refuge.

Hamilton Ridge WMA has some of the best-maintained access roads in the state and you will find them a pleasure to drive. A half hour’s drive through the pines will take you to Dunn Lake, where the fish are biting. Along the way you will spot deer, songbirds among the trees and red tailed hawks patrolling an open field.

When you return to Webb WMA, you can proceed down to Bluff Lake and the Savannah River Nature Trail. Along the way you will pass wild turkey darting across cultivated dove fields, and an old cemetery poking its gray stones out of wild jasmine vines. Bluff Lake is an “oxbow” lake that was once a bend in the nearby Savannah River before time and nature changed its course.

Today it is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, birding or simply enjoying a secluded slice of the wild. There is a short boardwalk/dock and a ramp to launch a canoe or kayak. If you paddle Bluff Lake you can follow a marked canoe trail and will encounter a large egret rookery — and numerous alligators.

The Savannah River Nature Trail is located just past Bluff Pond. This out-and-back trail is 1.5 miles long and takes you from the edge of scenic Bluff Lake through the deep swampy river bottom to the banks of the Savannah River. You will spot a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, owls, snakes, lizards, deer and other forest dwellers.

During my recent visit to Hamilton Ridge and Webb wildlife management areas, I enjoyed several hours of exploring and hiking the refuges. I was amazed at how wildlife seemed to abound, from deer and hawks in the forest to the large black fox squirrels that played among the oaks of the avenue at the entrance.

If you have a few hours or a day to spend, then take a drive to some of these local managed lands that are truly a treasure to enjoy.

Getting There

Hamilton Ridge WMA and Webb WMA are located with Palachucola WMA in Garnett, South Carolina. Take U.S. Hwy 321 north for 25 miles (or from Beaufort, take SC 462 to US 321) and turn left onto Augusta Stage Coach Road. (S-25-20) in Garnett. At 5.8 miles turn left at the sign for Webb WMA and travel down the avenue of oaks to begin your experience. Both Hamilton Ridge WMA and Webb WMA are managed lands and are not state parks or recreation areas. There are regularly scheduled hunts and other game- and land-management activities that go on throughout the year and it is best to plan your visit before you go.

For best information you can go to https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ where a quick search will bring you to the pages for each area that include detailed maps and information on hunting. If you are interested in participating in the many scheduled hunts, you can contact SCDNR for information and regulations. Please note, there are no regular facilities at Hamilton Ridge WMA and Webb WMA and so you must be sure to bring water and supplies for your visit.

This story was originally published February 12, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Escape to the quiet: Explore these state wildlife management areas in Hampton County, SC."