The Reserve is composed of three areas: the mainland and two barrier islands. The former is 7,500 acres including 5,200 acres of pine woods with several bays - 14 Carolina bays and 1,000 acres on the adjacent cape. This 24,000-acre area, with 10+ miles of beach, is a haven for waterfowl, wading birds, alligators, snakes, raccoons and deer, plus rare sea turtles. The reserve is a meshwork of trails for hiking, canoeing and biking.