Incredible Donnelley WMA: Wildlife, History & Scenic Beauty in South Carolina’s ACE Basin (2022), SC

Located near Green Pond, South Carolina, Donnelley WMA (Wildlife Management Area) is a spectacular Lowcountry destination within the ACE Basin. Covering approximately 8,047 acres, the WMA protects a diverse landscape of wetlands, upland areas, former rice fields, and longleaf pine forests.

The area was named in honor of Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley, who made significant contributions to conservation efforts in the ACE Basin. Today, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area is owned and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

This beautiful corner of the Lowcountry had been on my travel list for several years. Unfortunately, every time I planned a visit, it seemed to coincide with a scheduled hunt, and the property was closed. When I finally had the opportunity to go, I was excited to explore this special part of the ACE Basin.

Our Visit

On Saturday, March 26, 2022, my husband and I finally made our way to Donnelley Wildlife Management Area. We spent the day exploring the property, beginning with the approximately 11-mile driving tour.

The wildlife drive was a wonderful way to experience the area. We took our time and stopped along the way whenever we spotted wildlife or found something worth photographing. The peaceful Lowcountry scenery was just as impressive as the wildlife itself.

We saw numerous alligators sunning themselves along the banks. There appeared to be an incredible number of them throughout the wetlands—I wouldn’t be surprised if hundreds call this area home!

Birdwatching was another highlight of our visit. We spotted egrets, cormorants, pelicans, spoonbills, moorhens, and several other species. For wildlife photographers and bird lovers, Donnelley WMA offers plenty of opportunities to observe animals in their natural surroundings.

We also hiked the 2.2-mile Boynton Trail. Along the trail, we came across the Boynton family house, an abandoned Victorian-style home that adds an intriguing historical element to the landscape. Photographing the old house surrounded by the natural beauty of the Lowcountry was one of the highlights of our hike.

Throughout our visit, magnificent live oaks draped in Spanish moss added to the atmosphere. Their sprawling branches and curtains of moss created the quintessential Lowcountry scenery and made it hard to resist stopping for photographs.

After wanting to visit Donnelley WMA for several years, finally getting the chance to explore it was well worth the wait. The combination of abundant wildlife, historic remnants, wetlands, and moss-covered live oaks made this a memorable introduction to one of the ACE Basin’s special places.

If You Go

Location: Near Green Pond, South Carolina, in the ACE Basin.
Size: Approximately 8,047 acres.
Managed by: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
Wildlife: Alligators, egrets, cormorants, pelicans, spoonbills, moorhens, and many other bird species.
Wildlife Drive: The approximately 11-mile driving tour is an excellent way to explore the property and search for wildlife.
Boynton Trail: Approximately 2.2 miles, with the historic Boynton family house along the route.
Best For: Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, photography, hiking, and experiencing Lowcountry scenery.
What to Bring: Binoculars, a camera, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Plan Ahead: Donnelley WMA may close for scheduled hunting activities. Check the SCDNR website for current closures, hunting schedules, and other events before visiting.
Check out my 2023 Donnelley Wildlife Management Area post with newer photos of this incredible WMA