Skidaway Island State Park

When you’re in Savannah, you can visit Skidaway Island State Park, which offers hiking trails and camping grounds.  It borders Skidaway narrows, part of the Intracoastal Waterway in Georgia.  Hiking trails wind through both maritime forest and salt marsh.  There is a boardwalk and observation tower, and some of the wildlife in the park include deer, egrets, herons, fiddler crabs, and raccoons.

We hiked Big Ferry Trail and Sandpiper Trail, both of which are nearly level.  There are live oak, palm trees, and pine trees, many of which have Spanish moss draped across their branches.  Saw palmetto plants also grow along the trails.  Big Ferry Trail leads to a boardwalk where the observation tower is located.  It’s a moderately easy hike of about 2.6 miles total.  

The plants pictured above are Saw palmetto, a palm-like plant that grows like a tree or shrub in warm climates and can reach heights of up to 10 feet with clusters of leaves spreading out to 2 feet or more.  You can also start with the Big Ferry Trail and loop around for 4.2 miles via the Sandpiper and Avian Trails.  All are dog-friendly, but be sure to use sunscreen if you’re hiking in the summer and bring plenty of water and snacks.  Plan on bringing insect repellent if you’re hiking in the summer as well; I’ve always liked Avon’s Skin So Soft.