Melon Bluff Nature Center

Melon Bluff Nature Center, a Unit of the nonprofit Springfield Legacy Foundation, is a 450-acre nature reserve. In permanent conservation with the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Melon Bluff features beautiful natural scenery along the ild and scenic North Newport River and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that meander through ancient live oaks, along the salt marsh, and into forest glades. A working sustainable forest, Melon Bluff also educates about the role of forests in our health, environment, and economy. The Nature Center also has exhibits on natural history including marine fossils, representative native wildlife, geology, and habitats. Other exhibits showcase human interaction with the coastal environment from 20,000 years ago up to the present day, from the first Paleoindians who arrived during the peak of the last Ice Age through the Guale people who called this the "Sacred Landscape" and were here when the Spanish first settled the area in the early 1500s. 

Special features include a tree tower that affords a spectacular tree-top view of the North Newport River and a 300-foot boardwalk that crosses Nicholas Swamp creek. Parking, restrooms, and maps are available at the Nature Center. \

No animals are allowed except certified service animals. There are also no smoking or weapons permitted. Hunting, fishing, and the collection of plants and/or animals whether living or dead are also prohibited.

Trails are unpaved but are accessible for all-terrain wheelchairs. Restrooms are also accessible for wheelchairs.