Savannah National Wildlife Refuge's 26,295 acres include freshwater marshes, tidal rivers and creeks, bottomland hardwoods, and old rice fields of plantations dating back to the mid- and late-1700s. Many of the dikes enclosing these pools were originally built by slaves and itinerant Irishmen. All dikes are open to foot travel during daylight hours unless otherwise posted and provide excellent wildlife observation points. The Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive meanders along 4 miles of the earthen dikes through managed freshwater pools and hardwood hammocks. About half the refuge is river bottomland composed mainly of cypress, gum, and maple species. Although access to this area is primarily by boat, one dike, the Tupelo Swamp Trail, is located adjacent to the northernmost impoundment and affords visitors hiking opportunities within the bottomland habitat.

From Savannah, travel US Hwy. 17 north across the Talmadge Bridge. Turn left on SC Hwy. 170 south and look for the entrance.