You’re invited: Skidaway Island State Park Spring Festival, April 20, 10AM-3PM

Watch nature spring back to life at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah during their annual Spring Festival.

Shop local vendors and food trucks while enjoying spring weather and the park’s beautiful scenery.

In honor of Earth Day, Skidaway Island State Park will even have a special showcase of vendors selling environmentally-friendly products.

There will also be a guided nature hike at 11 AM and live animal programs throughout the day.

Bring along your friends, families, and pups, too, to Savannah’s state park.

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Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Junior Ranger Camps 2024 for ages 6-12 @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah

We’re excited to tell you about one of our favorite local summer camps: Junior Ranger Camps @ Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah.

Children ages 6-12 are invited to join park rangers for a fun week focused on natural and cultural heritage of Georgia. Included is a special living history day at Wormsloe, a junior ranger vest, and hat.

Led by experienced park rangers, your child will have the opportunity to go on nature hikes, learn about conservation efforts, and participate in hands-on activities, crafts, and games that teach them the importance of protecting our natural resources…all while making new friends and having FUN!

Cost: $275 per child. Pre-registration required.

Seven weeks of one-week Junior Ranger camps will be offered for Summer 2024 from June 3 to July 26.

To register, call Skidaway Island State Park at 912.598.2300.

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Skidaway Island State Park is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Find more Savannah Summer Camps 2024 here.

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Playgrounds, parks, hikes, waterfalls in Greenville SC & Appalachian Mountains

We’re still swooning from our summer visit to Greenville SC & simple hikes in Blue Ridge Mountains as well as ones closer to Greenville.

Here are our favorite kid-friendly spots:

*Sam Knob Loop, a meadow-laden hiking loop in the Pisgah Ranger District. Turn onto Black Balsam Knob Road (Mile Marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) go until you reach a dead end and park at the parking lot. You’ll see the Sam Knob trail to the right of the public bathrooms. From there, it’s 1.8 miles to the summit of the 6050 foot Sam Knob.

*Black Balsam Knob Take the Art Loeb Trail a half mile until you reach the knob. The parking area for Black Balsam Knob is at mile marker 420.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

*Tennant Mtn Combine the above Black Balsam Knob hike with a climb up Tennant Mountain for even better Blue Ridge views.

*After any of those above hikes, head south on the Blue RIdge Parkway to eat & savor even more views @ The Pisgah Inn.

* Three waterfalls hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Cedar Mountain including to High Falls, Triple Falls & Hooker Falls ( kid-friendly trails with restrooms at the DuPont State Forest Visitor Center. picnic tables )

* Hikes @ Table Rock State Park in Pickens

Greenville, SC

* Swamp Rabbit Trail (a 22-mile multi-use leisure trail)

* Unity Park for playgrounds, splash pad

* The Commons for outdoor eats along the trail next to Unity Park

* Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery

* Flying Rabbit Adventures aerial adventure park (climb, jump & zip) @ Holland Park

* Falls Park on the Reedy & Liberty Bridge (pedestrian bridge) in downtown Greenville

* Cleveland Park for playgrounds, an airplane memorial; & the Greenville Zoo.

* The Children’s Garden @ Linky Stone Park

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See our Ode to Greenville SC reel here & ode to Blue Ridge Mountain hikes here.

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Fall discount code for Friends of Georgia State Parks membership.

SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels.  Use the code southernmama to get your discount. 

Get your discount here. 

Georgia has nearly 50 state parks, each with different attributes. Think mountains, canyons, lakes, waterfalls, gorges, swamps, and more. We want to make it easier for you to go to enjoy hiking trails, biking, boating, camping, disc golf, fishing, golfing, paddling, and leaf-peeping.

Get your discount here. 

A Few of the Many State Park Events @ Nearby Parks include:

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Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah

Archery, Sept. 17

Sat. Sept. 17 2022, 10-11AM and 2-3PM. Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on our archery range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided. $10 per person. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Please call the Visitors Center to sign up:  912-598-2300.Please arrive 10 minutes ahead to go to the Visitors Center first.

Marsh Monster Masquerade, Oct. 29

Monsters of all ages are invited to Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah on Sat. Oct. 29 2022, 11AM-6PM for Marsh Monster Masquerade, featuring a spooky mask decorating contest for children and adults, children’s pumpkin decorating, a dog costume contest, fair-style games, prizes, and more. Details here.

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Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill

Candle Lantern Tour, Oct. 22

Pre-registration opens Sept. 15 2022 for the popular annual Candle Lantern Tour @ Fort McAllister State Park on Oct. 22 2022. Details here.

Georgia’s First 4th @ Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah
Sat. Aug 14, 2021 10AM-4 PM

Did you know that the Declaration of Independence did not make its way to Savannah until August?

Hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence as it was read in 1776 @ Wormsloe Historic Site’s Georgia’s First 4th event this Sat. Aug. 14 2021, 10AM-4PM.

Participate in the debate. Are you loyal to the English King or will you join the Patriot cause?

Activities start at the Wormsloe Visitor Center beginning at 10AM and repeat at 2PM. $2 – $10. 912-353-3023.

Learn more here.

Wormsloe Historic Site
7601 Skidaway Road
Savannah, GA 31406

Toddler Tuesdays nature program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah

Toddler Tuesday is a program for 1-4 year old children and their caregivers that focuses on one of Oatland’s animals, or a relevant nature theme. The program will meet at the picnic pavilion and will include: singing, fingerplay, a story, an encounter with one of our animals, and a take-home craft.

UPDATE: Cost for the program is $5 for children and $5 for adults.

Registration is required and there are a limited number of spaces so reserve early.

Registration is made online, but the program fees will be paid at the front booth on the day of, and not in advance, so please, if you know you won’t make your reservation, please call and cancel so organizers can open the space for someone on the waitlist.

See the 2021 Toddler Tuesday Schedule and register online here.

Questions about the program? Call 912-395-1517, or email michelle.kelly@sccpss.com

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Friends of Oatland Island is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Both Skidaway Island State Park (Savannah) & Fort McAllister State Park (Richmond Hill) offer Junior Ranger Saturdays this summer 2021. Parents can drop off kids ages 6-12 on certain Saturdays to participate in hands-on programs at the state parks. Details on that as well as other kid-friendly events at both state parks below.

Summer Discount Code

SouthernMamas.com and Friends of Georgia State Parks are partnering to make it even easier to get outside with your kids this summer.

SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels.  Use the code southernmama to get your discount.This discount is valid through July 31 2021.

Get your discount here. 

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Upcoming kids’ happenings @ Skidaway Is. State Park in Savannah:

Junior Ranger Saturdays @ Skidaway Is. State Park 
On every Saturday this Summer 2021 @ Skidaway Is. State Park in Savannah, participate with hands-on programs and work on earning your Jr. Ranger badge at Junior Ranger Saturdays.
Weekly events include birding, hiking, archery, exploring the park’s Interpretive Center and meeting the park’s live critters. Be sure to pack a lunch, snack, water bottle, bug spray and sun screen.
Each Saturday will be limited to 15 Junior Rangers. For ages 6-12.
The day begins at 8:30AM and pick up is at 4PM. The last Saturday is July 31.
Cost: $15. Parking: $5.
Learn more here. 

Reading Ranger @ Skidaway Is State Park, Savannah
Free
Fri. June 4 2021, 3PM
Listen to Skidaway Is. State Park Ranger read aloud the children’s books “Fun with the Fairway Foxes”. This book is written by a local of Skidaway Island, Sara Lucas, she also took all of the pictures shown in the book. Please pre-register by calling the park’s office: 912-598-2300

Archery @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Fri. June 11, 2021, 10-10:45AM
Learn the basics of archery and test your skills on our archery range. This program will cover basic safety and technique. Equipment will be provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Advance registration required as space will be limited to 4 participants, and social distancing will be required. Call:  912-598-2300. Cost: $10 plus $5 parking.

Father’s Day Movie Night @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Fri. June 18, 2021, 8:30PM
Bring the family out for a movie under the stars. We will be showing “Kicking & Screaming” starring Will Ferrell. Be sure to bring your own chairs or blanket and favorite movie snacks. The movie will be located behind the visitor center. Please pre-register for the program by calling the park’s number:  912-598-2300

Father’s Day Card Craft @ Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Sun. June 20, 2021 at 11AM
Make your Dad a festive Father’s Day card using what you find in the park. Art supplies and paper will be provided. Please pre-register for the program by calling our park’s office:  912-598-2300

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Upcoming kids’ happenings @ Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill

Junior Ranger Weekend (Saturday) Camps 2021 @ Fort McAllister State Park
10AM-4PM June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24. Learn more here.

Night Fort Tour @ Fort McAllister State Park
Friday, June 18, 2021 8:45-9:45 PM
Come experience the beauty and tranquility of Fort McAllister at night on this ranger-guided tour of the fort. We will recount history and tell stories of Georgia’s last battle of the Civil War. Space is limited to 10 people. Pre-register and pay admission before 6:30PM in person, or by calling the park office at 912-727-2339. 912-727-2339.

Crabbing @ Fort McAllister State Park
Sun. Jun 20, 2021 11AM-1PM
Limited space available, Please RSVP. Want to go crabbing? We will learn the different kinds of traps to use, what to use for bait, and the best times for crabbing. Please bring a bucket for crabs, chair, water, and sunscreen. We can provide 1 Crab trap and bait per family, but you may also bring your own. *Georgia Fishing license required. $5 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Independence Day Celebration @ Fort McAllister State Park
Sat. July 3, 2021 10AM-3PM
Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1864. Join us for an old-fashioned celebration with living history demonstrations and musket demonstrations. $9. 912-727-2339.

Junior Ranger Saturdays @ Skidaway Is. State Park 

On every Saturday this Summer 2021 @ Skidaway Is. State Park in Savannah, participate with hands-on programs and work on earning your Jr. Ranger badge at Junior Ranger Saturdays.

Weekly events include birding, hiking, archery, exploring the park’s Interpretive Center and meeting the park’s live critters. Be sure to pack a lunch, snack, water bottle, bug spray and sun screen.

Each Saturday will be limited to 15 Junior Rangers. For ages 6-12.

The day begins at 8:30AM and pick up is at 4PM. The last Saturday is July 31.

Cost: $15. Parking: $5.

Learn more here. 

Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
52 Diamond Causeway
Saturdays 8:30AM-4 PM
(912) 598-2300

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Summer Discount Code

SouthernMamas.com and Friends of Georgia State Parks are partnering to make it even easier to get outside with your kids this summer.

SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels.  Use the code southernmama to get your discount.This discount is valid through July 31 2021.

Get your discount here. 

Memorial Day Commemoration @ Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
Sat. May 29, 2021, 10AM-3PM

An old fashioned Memorial Day. Living history interpretations will take place throughout the day including Musket Firing. Tour the fort, museum and grounds of Fort McAllister along the banks of the Ogeechee River.

Admission: $9
912-727-2339

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Skidaway Is. State Park Memorial Day Weekend events, Savannah

Junior Ranger Saturdays
Sat. May 29, 2021 8:30AM-4PM
Skidaway Island State Park
On every Saturday starting, participate with hands-on programs and work on earning your Jr. Ranger badge. Weekly events include birding, hiking, archery and exploring the park’s Interpretive Center and meeting our live critters. The day begins at 8:30AM and pick up is at 4PM. The last Saturday is July 31.
Cost: $15 plus $5 parking.
912-598-2300.

Pinecone Owl Craft
Sun. May 30, 2021 1-2 PM
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
Create little owls using what you find at the park. All ages are welcome. The materials needed for this craft will be supplied. Please pre-register by calling the park office. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

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Memorial Day Weekend @ Fort King George Historic Site, Darien, Ga

Present and Fire!
Sat. May 29, 2021 10AM-Noon & 2-3PM
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
Two Redcoat soldiers demonstrate 18th-century musket drills and answer questions about the fort. $4.50-$7.50
912-437-4770.
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Colonial Medicine
Sun. May 30, 2021 10AM-Noon & 2-3PM
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
Colonial medicine & practices performed during the 18th century. $4.50-$7.50 912-437-4770.

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Present and Fire!
Mon. May 31, 2021 10AM-Noon & 2-3PM
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
Two Redcoat soldiers will be demonstrating 18th-century musket drills and answering questions about the fort! $4.50-$7.50 912-437-4770.

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Memorial Day Commemoration @ Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway

Memorial Day Commemoration
Sat. May 29, 2021 10AM-4PM
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA
To commemorate Memorial Day, Fort Morris, located on the Medway River in historic Sunbury, Georgia, will present hourly Revolutionary War soldier talks and musket and cannon firing demonstrations. $3-4.50 912-884-5999.

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Summer Discount Code

SouthernMamas.com and Friends of Georgia State Parks are partnering to make it even easier to get outside with your kids this summer.

SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels.  Use the code southernmama to get your discount.This discount is valid through July 31 2021.

Get your discount here. 

New Skidaway Island State Park Visitor Center, Savannah

Skidaway Island State Park will host a public ribbon-cutting celebration for its new visitor center at 10AM on May 13. The 6,300-square-foot building is now the first stop for those enjoying one of Georgia’s most popular state parks.

Designed to reflect the architectural style of neighboring communities, the facility spotlights the low-country barrier island. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the maritime forest and marsh, and guests can enjoy birding from a screened porch. Towering 20 feet high is a giant ground sloth skeleton, a replica of an ancient fossil found within the park in 1822. Nature exhibits include turtles and snakes, and a gift shop is filled with clothing, toys, books, camping supplies, jewelry and local foods. The visitor center also includes meeting space, classroom space and staff offices.

Skidaway Island State Park is just 15 minutes from downtown Savannah, yet surrounded by peaceful tidal waterways and forest. Overnight guests can choose from small cabins or campsites shaded by live oaks and Spanish moss. During the day, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, geocaching and ranger programs. The park’s Big Ferry Nature Trail is part of Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail, and colorful painted buntings are often spotted during spring.

To learn more, visit GaStateParks.org/SkidawayIsland or call 912-598-2300.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, and parking is $5. Skidaway Island State Park is operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Skidway Is. State Park regularly offers kid-friendly events. Find the schedule here. 

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Summer Discount Code

SouthernMamas.com and Friends of Georgia State Parks are partnering to make it even easier to get outside with your kids this summer.

SouthernMamas.com readers can receive a 15 percent discount on Friends of Georgia State Parks membership levels.  Use the code southernmama to get your discount.This discount is valid through July 31 2021.

Get your discount here. 

Come to Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah for a day of enchantment: the annual Fairy & Gnome Festival on Sat. May 1 2021, 10AM-2PM.

This family-themed festival is all about the “wee folk” getting up close with the natural world and encouraging imaginative outdoor play.

Socially distanced activities will include a scavenger hunt, fashion show, gem mining, fairy and gnome home building and food trucks. Bring the family and stroll through Oatland’s magical trails and maybe you will catch a glimpse of a fairy or gnome looking for a place to call home.

Reservations are required for this popular annual event and can be made here.

Cost: $5 for ages Age 4+ (Ages 0-3 are FREE)

Additional fees may apply and all proceeds go to feeding our magical animal kingdom.

Fairy & Gnome Festival 2021
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
711 Sandown Rd.
Savannah, 31410
(912) 395-1500

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Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FREE Savannah Ogeechee Canal Trail Walk
Sat. March 6 2021, 10AM-Noon
1 Canal Bank Rd, Pooler, GA 31322-9711

Come support Savannah Ogeechee Canal. In their efforts to complete this trail, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center needs your help as stewards of this historic corridor and protection for the conservation of this trail for the future.

Free & open to the public. Learn more here. 

Questions?  Call 912-748-8068 or reach out via the museum web site here. 

Summertime biking @ Sea Pines Nature Preserve

Hilton Head Island offers over 50 scenic miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails.

The hard-packed beaches are also popular for bicycling at low tide.

Which is why we’re often perplexed that more Savannah families don’t take advantage of this daytrip option (about one hour drive from Savannah). There are so many family-friendly activities do on Hilton Head.

Find the complete list of our favorite places to visit on Hilton Head Is. here. 

Below is a sample:

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve includes easy trails to various points of interest including the 4,000-year-old Indian Shell Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a wildflower garden that’s amazing when in bloom (pictured above in summer).

The walks range from 25 minutes to one hour. Bicycles are not permitted on the nature trails, so please park your bicycles at the locations provided. Open from sunrise to sunset. The Forest Preserve is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here.

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Lawton Stables in Sea Pines Resort 

One of our favorite Sea Pines spots to visit with young kids is Lawton Stables, which offers horse trail rides, $15/pony rides and a small animal farm.

Their free animal farm includes goats, sheep, chickens, turtles, cows and alpacas.  Kids can also pet a friendly retired Clydesdale, Harley, at the stables. Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee. Pony rides available for a fee for children between the ages of 2-7 years old and weighing less than 55 lbs.

All trail riders must be a minimum of 8 years old. Lawton Stables does not allow ‘double-riding’ with two people sharing a horse.

You MUST make a reservation for all trail rides – please BOOK ONLINE.

The animal farm is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here. 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29928

Open Tuesday through Sunday: 8AM to 5PM. Call for pony ride hours: (843) 671-2586.

Learn more here. 

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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bluffton SC

A mere hour drive from Savannah, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an easy getaway from Savannah to bike amid nature on 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily. (Not located on Hilton Head Is. but between HHI and Bluffton)

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Find the complete list of our favorite places to visit on Hilton Head Is. here. 

Outdoor weekend kid-friendly events @ Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill

Hikes, soldier Saturdays, blacksmithing programs, survival shelter building workshops & more.

See the events schedule here. 

Augusta Canal Bike Trail

Augusta Canal Bike Trail

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If the newest portion of Savannah’s Truman Linear Park Trail has sparked your family’s biking interest, here are some trails to check out next time you visit Atlanta, Augusta, Ga., Columbia SC or Bluffton SC. We hit each of these over winter break 2020 and look forward to returning again in spring. Pack a lunch, bring plenty of water and enjoy the ride.

Augusta Canal Trail

Augusta Canal’s wide, level towpath, once used by mules to pull canal boats to the Canal headgates, runs between the canal and the Savannah River. This roughly 7.5 mile packed-dirt trail is a must-do bike ride on your next Augusta visit. There are also kayaking and mountain bike trail options. We parked at the north end of the trail, where there’s free parking, restrooms, and drinking fountain in Savannah Rapids Park (3300 Evans to Locks Rd., Martinez) as well as bike rental.

Other ways to access this trail include:

*Near the southern end of the trail, take Broad Street from downtown Augusta west to Goodrich Street and turn right. Continue about a mile to a parking lot at the pumping station adjacent to the King and Sibley mills.

*Lake Olmstead Trailhead (1 Milledge Road) has parking, restrooms, drinking fountains, and a picnic area.

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Three Rivers Greenway

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Three Rivers Greenway, Columbia SC

Three Rivers Greenway consists of 12.5 miles of scenic lighted and paved trails and boardwalks that run along the riverbanks where the Saluda, Broad and Congaree rivers meet.

Two of these multi-use trails connect – the West Columbia Riverwalk and the Cayce Riverwalk – and run along the Congaree River. Think covered boardwalks, winding tree-lined trails, wayside exhibits as well as picnic tables along the water. Find free parking options for this section here.

A third trail – Granby and Riverfront parks- is on the opposite side of the Congaree River, the City of Columbia side. Free parking for this section and public restrooms are available at Riverfront Park (312 Laurel St. Columbia), where there’s a popular, scenic 2.5 miles section of the Three Rivers Greenway that runs from the park between the Congaree River and Historic Columbia Canal.

(While perhaps not officially part of the trail, the Gervais Street Bridge could be used by riders who want to ride both the West Columbia/Cayce Riverwalks and the Riverfront-Granby park trails)

Also part of Three Rivers Greenway is Saluda Riverwalk (650 Candi Lane, Columbia), a 3-mile stretch along the Lower Saluda River near Riverbanks Zoo, from I-26 to the Broad River. It’s unclear whether this section is officially open. This section is not yet connected to Three Rivers Greenway.

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Big Creek Greenway, near Atlanta

Our favorite bike trail near Atlanta due to the natural, peaceful setting, Big Creek Greenway  is a roughly 8-mile multi-use concrete trail in the Alpharetta and Roswell areas. There’s a wetland area, bridges, plenty of fallen trees that provide a place to rest and eat lunch. There’s also a mountain bike option.

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Silver Comet Trail, near Atlanta

The Silver Comet Trail is in Smyrna, about 13 miles northwest of Atlanta. It is one of Atlanta’s most popular bike trails and also the most crowded. You could take this ride from Atlanta suburbs to Alabama. (We did not!) It connects to the 33-mile long Chief Ladiga Trail. The combined Silver Comet and Chief Ladgita trails are more than 90 miles long from Smyrna to Alabama.

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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bluffton SC

A mere hour drive from Savannah, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an easy getaway from Savannah to bike amid nature on 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

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Three Rivers Greenway

First Day Hikes 2021 in Savannah, Richmond Hill

First day hikes on New Year’s Day are happening @ Skidaway Is. State Park in Savannah, Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill & Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah.

Details here.

First Day Fitness Hikes
Wormsloe State Historic Site, Savannah
New Year’s Day, Fri. Jan. 1, 2021

Start the year off with Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah with a healthy 2.5 mile hike though the coastal maritime forest.

A Wormsloe Ranger will lead the way and answer any questions that might arise. Pets welcome on 6 ft. leash. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Please call (912)353-3023 to make reservations.

Your choice of 4 hikes during the day. Hikes start at 9:30AM, 11AM, 1:30PM, and 3PM.

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Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah will also host first day hikes on New Year’s Day 2021.

First Day Hike
Friday, Jan 1, 2021 1-3PM
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
Kick off 2021 with a 3-mile hike on the Big Ferry Trail. Please make sure to bring appropriate footwear, water bottles, and bug spray. The terrain for this trail is flat with occasional roots. $5 parking. 912-598-2300. Details here. 

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First Day Hike @ Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill, Ga
Friday, Jan 1, 2021 10-11AM
Join @ 10AM for a 3 mile nature hike with Ranger Autumn on the Magnolia Trail. This hike is medium difficulty and requires sturdy shoes and water. At 2PM there will be a History Hike in and around the fort. Ranger Mike will walk you through the past and tell you about the history of Fort McAllister during during the American Civil War. $5 parking. 912-727-2339. Details here. 

Holiday Hikes 
Wormsloe State Historic Site – Savannah

Wormsloe Christmas Hike
Sat. Dec 12, 2020.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
Find the Wormsloe Yule log. Hear the stories and traditions of seasons past as you journey through the Wormsloe forest in search of the Yule log to burn for good luck in the coming new year. Make sure to bring water and wear closed toed shoes. Reservations are required, space is limited.
Cost: $4-$12.
912-353-3023.

First Day Fitness Hike
Fri. Jan 1, 2021
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
Start the year off with Wormsloe for a healthy 2.5 mile hike though the coastal maritime forest. A Wormsloe Ranger will lead the way and answer any questions that might arise. Pets welcome on 6 ft leash. Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Hikes start at 9:30AM, 11AM, 1:30PM, and 3PM. $5-$11. 912-353-3023.

Questions? Call 912-353-3023.

Outdoor Thanksgiving Weekend 2020 kid-friendly events @ Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill

Friday, November 27, 2020

Friday at the Forge: Blacksmithing Program
Fri. Nov 27, 2020 3-3:30 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill
Visit our blacksmith’s shop to learn about their tools and techniques. Park rangers will be demonstrating how iron is heated and formed. This program is included with fort admission. 912-727-2339.

Sunset Bat Hike
Fri. Nov 27, 2020 5-5:45PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill 
Join rangers for a short 1/2 mile walk along beautiful marshes and witness nature at its finest. Watch bats take flight over the setting sun and learn about the world of bats. Hundreds of bats leave their houses every evening to hunt for insects. Guests will meet rangers at the Visitors Center. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Night Fort Tour
Fri. Nov 27, 2020 6:30-7:30PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill 
Come experience the beauty and tranquility of Fort McAllister at night on this ranger guided tour of the fort, as you recount history and tell stories of Georgia’s last battle of the Civil War. Space is limited to 10 people. Please register in advance. 912-727-2339.

Saturday, November 28, 2020

Edible Plant hike
Sat. Nov 28, 2020 11AM-12PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill 
Join our Naturalist to search for local plants that have edible and medicinal properties. Some species used for making tea, seasonings, and identifying species that are toxic. Registration required, limited space available. Reserve your spot today. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash. $3 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Soldier Saturday
Sat. Nov 28, 2020 1-3PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
An interpretive ranger portraying a Civil War soldier will entertain topics of conversation ranging from fort history to Civil War Medicine. This program is included with fort admission. 912-727-2339.

From Rice to Rebellion Fort Tour
Sat. Nov 28, 2020 3-4PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
The story of rice cultivation begins with the founding of the colony of Georgia in 1733, and was the regions largest economic export up until the American Civil War. The strategic placement of Fort McAllister was not only to protect the citizens of Savannah, but also the many rice plantations that lined the Ogeechee River. Registration Required. $9. 912-727-2339.

The Center for Wildlife Education and and The Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center at Georgia Southern in Statesboro will reopen on Mon. Oct. 5, 2020 after closing in March due to COVID-19.

Find visitor guidelines regarding the reopening here.

Come check out the new waterfowl observation deck. This walk-in deck is now open to the public and allows for up close encounters with the center’s waterfowl.

The center’s collection has grown both in number and in species, making the Wildlife Center home to one of the largest waterfowl aviaries in the state of Georgia.

Other features of the Wildlife Education Center include a Discovery Trail which includes a opossum and skunk; a Habitat Walk includes a live bald eagle in her nest; 10 displays housing several live birds; a wetland preserve with ducks and wading birds, a playground; and “Discovery Logs” where kids can crawl inside and see encased ladybugs, grasshoppers, frogs, beetles and more.

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 9AM-4:45PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed to the public.

LEARN MORE HERE. 

Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah has reopened.

The national monument has moved into Phase 2 of its Adaptive Recovery Operations and historic Fort Pulaski has reopened.

The fort will be open during regular park hours from 10AM-4PM. (The park is open for visitors 9AM-5PM). Interpretive programs are not being offered at this time. Staff will be available for visitor information.

Fort Pulaski, island trails, parking lots, and visitor center restrooms are open. The visitor center, and the north shoreline, Lighthouse Overlook Trail are closed.

Construction projects have closed the Lighthouse Overlook Trail and will limit access to the historic fort. Historic Fort Pulaski may not be accessible to everyone with mobility issues.

Find more information here.

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FREE ADMISSION DAYS 

Fort Pulaski National Monument is free on the these days in 2020:

Sat. Sept. 26 – National Public Lands Day
Wed. Nov. 11 – Veterans Day

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/FortPulaski or call (912) 786-5787.

We don’t zip line.
Or at least we didn’t until a Labor Day Weekend jaunt from Savannah, Ga. to the Asheville-Blue Ridge Parkway NC area. A summer of COVID-cancellations called for mixing in something new.

Canopy Ridge Farm zip line tour near Lake Lure, NC  turned out to the perfect choice for us zip-line novices. Six zip lines. Lush forest. No ladders. And best of all, experienced, safe, mature, professional, fun guides. Reservations are recommended. Learn more here.

Other Asheville-area suggestions:

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

Lake Lure NC (where the movie “Dirty Dancing” was filmed) looked interesting, but for a less busy time than traffic-congested Labor Day weekend. We didn’t spend much time there because of the crowds, other than a quick walk along the impressive Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a historic 1925 bridge closed to traffic in 2011 to become an abundant flower garden. Free and open to the public.

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Hikes near Asheville

Mount Pisgah: 2.6 miles & nearby Frying Pan Mountain because who can pass up a hike to a fire tower that you can climb.

Craggy Gardens Pinnacle: 1.2 miles

Lunch Rock Trail, which starts at the Folk Art Center: 4.9 miles.

Mountains-to-Sea @ Craven Gap, which we did solely because my daughter is a Michelle Obama fan and Michelle Obama did this hike: 4.8 miles.

Note: We wanted to visit Mount Mitchell State Park  (highest point in NC), but because of COVID social-distancing limits, that state park was closed early each day of the holiday weekend due to being at capacity. If you go, check North Carolina State Parks Facebook page for park closure updates before making the drive.

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Junior Park Ranger Nerds

Places where your kids can earn their junior park ranger badges in the Asheville area include:

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site: roam the park-like grounds where the Poet of the People retired. The house, barn and barnyard, restrooms, and other structures were still closed due to COVID, but we still got to the see the goats. Find junior park ranger info here. 

Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Site, Visitor’s Center, Asheville: Find junior park ranger info here. 

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Perks of staying outside the city

Our airbnb in Fairview, NC outside of Asheville was within a quick walk (past two bunnies and one fenced-llama) to Tryor’s Country Amish bakery and market.

We could feed the airbnb owner’s sheep, those that weren’t afraid of us, in nearby pastures and use the canoe and kayaks in the farm pond.

Definite advantages to staying outside of Asheville and within a short drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

So much to do in this area, we’ll be back.

As we wait for Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah to fully reopen (trails are open, visitor center and fort are closed),  here are some daytrips you can take to national monuments, sites that are open including:

*Fort Sumter National Monument, Charleston, S.C.
*Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga.
*Fort Frederica National Monument, St. Simons Island.
*Congaree National Park, near Columbia, SC

Your kids can become a Junior Ranger 

Take advantage of the fact that we live within a day’s drive of multiple national parks & monuments & have your kids become a junior ranger at one or many of these sites.

When you take kids to tour national parks, you never know how much they are getting out of the visit. Especially for those of us parents who aren’t exactly history experts.

Which is why you need to pick up the Junior Ranger booklets at the visitor centers of national parks you visit. The Junior Ranger program kids engage more during the visits.

Junior Ranger booklets have activities about the national parks for ages 5-12. Junior ranger books are free to any visitor and usually are available at the visitors’ centers. Often, similar programs with more advanced activities are also available for older kids. Just ask at the site’s visitor center.

While doing the activities, children enjoy earning a badge and a certificate.

There’s a new multi-use public trail to explore in Savannah.

A portion of Savannah’s Truman Linear Bike Path is now usable, although the entire park trail – including usable portions – is not complete so please use caution. 

A roughly three-mile section of the proposed six-mile public Truman Linear Park Trail is close to completion. The nearly complete section between Lake Mayer and East DeRenne Avenue parallels the Truman Parkway and Casey Canal, as detailed in the image above.

Part of the boardwalk that runs through a woodsy section of Magnolia Park neighborhood still has gaps that require bike riders to dismount but the majority of that three-mile Lake Mayer to East DeRenne Avenue section is usable. The section from the boardwalk to East DeRenne Avenue is not finished, but users can follow Woodland Drive to DeRenne until completed.

Here’s the route from Lake Mayer to East DeRenne Avenue: Trail travels from Lake Mayer north along Sallie Mood Drive to Eisenhower; cross over Eisenhower; turn right onto trail; trail travels along north side of Eisenhower; follow trail under Truman Parkway; follow trail left, traveling parallel to Truman Parkway; follow trail as it travels behind Hester & Zipperer parallel to Truman Parkway; trail travels past ball fields at the Scarborough Sports Complex (on your right); travel along Lovett Drive and follow the trail as it turns left onto Bacon Park Drive. Follow the trail along Bacon Park Drive. The trail then becomes a boardwalk through wooded area and (temporarily) spills out onto Woodland Drive. Turn left onto Woodland Drive to East DeRenne Avenue.

The proposed Truman Linear public path will eventually link Daffin Park on Victory Drive to Lake Mayer Park on Montgomery Cross Road.

The multi-use trail eventually will connect 18 neighborhoods and 13 schools. Learn more here.