Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get there?
  From Downtown Savannah: Take Oglethorpe Avenue east which will merge onto the Talmadge Memorial Bridge (US-17). Cross bridge into South Carolina and continue on US-17 for about 7 miles. Look for a Savannah NWR directional sign, turn left at sign and follow the short frontage road around to SC 170. Turn left onto SC-170 and continue 2-3 miles to the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive entrance on the left.
  
  From I-95 North: Take GA Exit 109 (Port Wentworth), GA-21 South (right off of exit ramp). Follow for about 3 miles to GA-30/Bonneybridge Rd. and turn left. Follow GA-30 to first stoplight and turn left onto GA-25. Follow GA-25 across Houlihan Bridge (Savannah River) into South Carolina. Continue about 2-3 miles until the entrance to the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive on the right.
  
  From I-95 South: Take SC Exit 5 (Hardeeville/Savannah), U.S. 17 South (right off of exit ramp) towards Savannah, GA. Approximately 10 miles down that road take the right turn-off for SC 170. You will immediately see the Savannah NWR entrance sign. Continue on SC-170 approximately 2-3 miles until you see the entrance to the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive on your left.



• Are there any costs associated with a visit?
  There are no fees charged to visit the refuge.



• What can I expect to see?
  During the spring and fall, you will usually see many alligators sunning themselves on the banks of waterways, along with an assortment of wading birds.  During the winter months, waterfowl and other migratory birds are visible in the impoundment system.



• Is there a visitor center?
  The new Savannah NWR Visitor Center is scheduled to open to the public in the fall of 2009. Currently, there is an informational kiosk located at the entrance to the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive where a refuge map and interpretive displays of the refuge can be viewed and written information can be obtained.



• Are there any hunting and/or fishing opportunities?
  Yes, fishing is allowed year-round in the creeks and rivers throughout the refuge. Fishing is also allowed within the impoundment system between March 1 and November 30 or each year.  Bank fishing from the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive is permitted all year.
  
  Hunting is also permitted on the refuge.  The archery hunting season for white-tailed deer and feral hogs extends from October 1 through October 31 each year.  The firearm season for deer, feral hogs, and squirrel extends from November 1 through November 30 of each year.
  
  Designated areas are open to wheelchair-dependent hunters for a two-day hunt in November.  In March, a nine-day feral hog hunt is open to gun hunters.  During April there is a 16-day turkey hunt.  Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas during state (GA and SC) seasons.  A portion of the refuge in Georgia is set aside for a youth archery hunt (October 1-31) and waterfowl hunt (six days in December)
  
  For more information on hunting, please download the refuge hunt regulations brochure.