If you are in the Peach State, and fancy an out-of-the-way excursion, pack up the car and make your way to Crooked River State Park. Once there, keep your eyes peeled for the gopher tortoises. With its hiking trails, kayak tours, and saltwater fishing, Crooked River State Park is always worth a visit.
Crooked River State Park is located at the southern tip of Georgia, approximately a two-hour drive from Savannah.
The state park offers a boat launch for your use, in the event you will be bringing your boat. There is a playground and a miniature golf course. Wi-Fi is available in the park office. The parking fee is $5, or you can purchase an annual pass.
It is not uncommon to come upon a gopher tortoise as you explore the park.
You are asked to be vigilant while you are driving in the park, to avoid any accidents when a tortoise is ready to cross the road. Visit the Nature Center where you can interact with the local wildlife, including snakes, turtles, and fish.
A variety of birds dwell in the park, including wood storks, herons, bald eagles, ospreys, and painted buntings.
Other creatures you may observe in the park are armadillos, bats, deer, crabs, and butterflies. Crooked River State Park is one of the sites along Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail. At least 300 species of birds have been identified on the trail.
Join one of the park’s guided Kayak Paddles, offered when the weather is fine.
Hike the four miles of trails that traverse the forest and salt marsh, or consider renting a bike. Try your luck at fishing from the pier. Conveniently, the North Star Bait and Tackle store is inside the park.
Take one of the sunset cruises offered by the park.
Crooked River State Park hosts junior ranger camps for the kids during the summer. Additional programs are provided during the year such as group campfires, ranger-led hikes, a run to support turtle conservation, and appearances by the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus at the holidays.
Make a reservation for one of the 63 campsites, and bring your RV or tent to spend the night.
If you prefer, you can instead reserve one of the 11 cottages.
The ferry to the Cumberland Island National Seashore is approximately 10 miles from Crooked River State Park. Cumberland Island, best known for its beaches and wild horses, makes a nice day trip.
The unique Crooked River State Park in Georgia is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Learn more at the Crooked River State Park website, or on Facebook. For more information about the ferry to Cumberland Island, click here.
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