Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migratory and wintering waterfowl, or ducks, geese and swans. The refuge encompasses a variety of habitats including beach, dunes, shrub-scrub, freshwater wetlands and woodlands. The primary unit of the wildlife refuge sits a thin strip of barrier island coastline typical of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Other areas of the refuge include islands in Back Bay and upland areas on the west bank of the bay, including a public kayak launch and fishing site at the end of Horn Point Road (open April - October). Thousands of tundra swans, snow and Canada geese and a large variety of ducks visit the refuge during the fall/winter migration. Refuge waterfowl populations usually peak during December and January. The refuge also provides habitat for other wildlife, including such threatened and endangered species as the loggerhead sea turtle, and recently recovered species like the brown pelican and bald eagle. In addition to providing habitat for migratory birds and wildlife, Back Bay Refuge provides over eight miles of scenic trails, a Visitor Center, interpretive programming and, with advance scheduling, environmental education opportunities. Popular outdoor recreation activities at the refuge include hiking, biking, freshwater fishing, surf fishing, kayaking/canoeing, wildlife photography and wildlife observation.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

From I-64 exit to I-264 East (Oceanfront) Take Birdneck Rd. Exit 22 Turn RIGHT onto Birdneck Rd. Travel approximately 3-4 miles to General Booth Blvd. (just past Seatack Elementary School) Turn RIGHT onto General Booth Blvd. Travel approximately 5 miles (After crossing London Bridge Rd., pay close attention to road signs.) Turn LEFT onto Princess Anne Rd. (second light after London Bridge Rd; a 7-11 is at the corner) Proceed straight (Note: Princess Anne Rd. becomes Sandbridge Rd.) Follow Sandbridge Rd. until you reach the Community of Sandbridge Turn RIGHT onto Sandpiper Rd. (at the Fire Station) Follow Sandpiper Rd. approximately 4 miles (You will pass Little Island City Park on your left) The entrance to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is at the end of Sandpiper Road. (4005 Sandpiper Road)

A gravel road cuts between cut grass and vegetation. White clouds cover the sky. A narrow body of water parallels the road on the left.
A white and yellow ghost crab with black eyes stands on the edge of a blue trail mat and sand.
A large, white and blue open-air vehicle sits on a gravel road. Passengers point to something out of view of the photo. Tall trees stand behind the vehicle.
A brown and white osprey, or sea hawk, flares its wings as it lands on a nesting platform. The osprey holds a fish in its talons.
Two red kayaks float on calm blue water. A line of breakwater rocks line the foreground, with green brown vegetation and trees in the background.
A small rabbit sits in bright green grass with a piece of grass sticking out of its mouth.
Gold and orange sunset over water. Marsh vegetation and breakwater rocks stand in front of the photgrapher with the sunset on the horizon. The sky is cloudy, with clouds changing color from gold to grayish blue throughout the image.
A fisherman stands on the beach with his pole. A beach chair and cooler are by his side. The sun rises over the ocean and a piece of dune vegetation covers slices through the foreground of the image.
Many large white tundra swans and a few small dark ducks swim in the water. Brown marsh vegetation and shrubby trees are in the background.
Gold and orange sunset over water. Marsh vegetation and breakwater rocks stand in front of the photgrapher with the sunset on the horizon. The sky is cloudy, with clouds changing color from gold to grayish blue throughout the image.
A yellow gold snake with dark bands swims with its body on top of the water. Short green vegetation and brown leaves scatter the water and edge of the body of water.
About a dozen people dressed in warm weather gear stand on a viewing platform over the water. Many look through binoculars at something in the water.
The blue ocean waves crash on the sandy shore. The sky is almost cloudless above.