4 Days of Epic Adventures in South Georgia
The best way to see the real South Georgia is to explore the natural beauty of the landscape. Paddle the rivers and swamps, scout the un-crowded beaches, and hike through the coastal plains.
For an unforgettable trip, carve out four days to explore some of South Georgia's legendary destinations: Cumberland Island, the Okefenokee Swamp and the Flint River. You'll find plenty more to explore on the coast and southwest Georgia, too. Start planning your adventures with this guide.
Begin your adventure in the coastal town of Darien with an easy full-day kayak trip with Altamaha Coastal Tours. The six-hour Lewis Island Natural Area tour takes paddlers through diverse ecosystems, including fresh water rivers and tidal swamps. Take a break from the water for a hike among ancient cypress trees and peer into an abandoned logging camp before heading back to civilization.
Spend the evening in St. Marys enjoying stunning views at the marina, but don't stay out too late. You have an early morning!
Before the mist evaporates off the grass, catch the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore. This federally protected area is the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia.
Visitors enjoy 17 miles of secluded white, sandy beaches. It is easy to spot the wild horses that roam free on the island. They can often be seen munching grass in front of the ruins of a once-grand mansion owned by the Carnegie family.
Rent a bicycle to tour the island, or better yet, take a guided van excursion hosted by the National Park Service. Travel sandy roads cut through the dense forest to visit the remote northern part of the island, where you'll find historic settlements and ghosts from the island's past.
After returning to the mainland, head to Folkston for the night. Stay at the Inn at Folkston B&B or one of the other places to stay in Folkston. Be sure to stop by the Okefenokee Restaurant for dinner. Visit on a Friday to enjoy the locally famous Friday night buffet.
After a morning caffeine jolt, continue to Fargo and enter the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge through the Stephen C. Foster State Park. Spend some time in the museum before heading out for a day on the swamp.
Choose between a guided airboat ride or a self-guided canoe or kayaking trip. There are a multitude of trail options for beginners (the 5-mile Brown Trail) to the more committed (the 17-mile Orange Trail). Bring a camera. You are sure to find lots of alligators sunning themselves along the route.
Once back to civilization, continue west to Tifton or Moultrie to rest up for tomorrow's excursion.
Stop at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel for a leisurely morning hike through the Coastal Plans Nature Trail and the Gopher Tortoise Nature Trail, which wind through a cypress swamp, pitcher plant bog, sand hill area and other southern Georgia habitats.
Head to Albany for lunch, and then rent a canoe or kayak from Kayak Attack Adventures or one of the other local outfitters to explore the soulful Flint River. Not comfortable going it alone? They also have guided tours.
Finally, visit the Flint RiverQuarium to see what was swimming under your craft along the water trails and learn about the area ecosystems.
