Adventure’s Calling: This Trail Is Ideal for Beachcombing in Georgia

Walking on the beach is always a good idea, and in my opinion, nothing beats leisurely strolling through surf and scouting out seashells. Georgia's beaches are perfect for this; not only is the coastline absolutely breathtaking, but there are places renowned for their treasures. Driftwood Beach Trail on Jekyll Island is one such beach where you never know what you'll discover—be it a warped piece of driftwood or a one-of-a-kind shell.

Driftwood Beach Trail isn't your typical Georgia hiking trail. For one, it's just 0.3 miles long. The beach is situated on the north end of the island, one of Georgia's picturesque Golden Isles. This stretch of shoreline is famous for its collection of warped, otherworldly pieces of driftwood. A ghost forest of sorts, these sun-bleached branches are all that remain of the maritime trees that once thrived here. Erosion and weathering caused the trees to weather, and the result is hauntingly beautiful.

The trail will take you from the main road on Jekyll Island, Beach View Drive, to the beach itself. One of the best times to go is during low tide, when more of the beach is available for exploring. This is also prime shell-collecting time, as you can sort through all of the unique shells and rocks that have been washed ashore.

Some shells you can expect to find here include conquina shells, moon snails, shark teeth, and sand dollars. Before collecting any shells, it's important to check to make sure there are no live specimens. Once you've made sure there's no one living inside, you can wash the shell, let it dry, and add it to your collection. One golden rule of thumb when collecting seashells is to bring two bags: one to fill up with shells and the other to collect any trash. Remember, we want to keep these beaches beautiful!

As you explore the beach, you may encounter some roped-off areas, and it's important to steer clear, as these are often protecting areas where turtles have laid eggs. Also, given the nature of the trail, you'll want to be sure to pack some sun protection, especially in the middle of the day. Keep in mind that this beach is quite popular in the summer, so if you want to avoid the crowds (and the midday bugs!), your best bet is to arrive early.

Have you visited the Driftwood Beach Trail in Georgia? What did you think of your experience? If you haven't ventured to this unique coastal spot, be sure to share this article with a fellow beachcomber. You can also plan to camp at the Jekyll Island Campground, which features 206 campsites under lofty oak trees. Just be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.

For another fascinating spot to go hiking in the Peach State, check out this lakefront trail in Georgia that leads to a swimming beach.