If you’re looking for things to do near Crooked River State Park, you’ve come to the right place. This 500-acre park is on the south bank of the Crooked River and provides a beautiful coastal setting. The park is dedicated to public education and the preservation of natural resources. Here are a few things to do near Crooked River State Park:
Nature trail
If you’ve ever yearned to experience a true coastal ecosystem, consider a nature trail near Crooked River State Park. This park boasts 500 acres of coastal marshes and maritime forests. You can hike along the trail, and spot wildlife such as Spanish moss-draped oaks and painted bunting. There are two picnic shelters, the largest of which can accommodate 135 people.
The trail begins by trending downward towards Lake Louisa Road. As you get closer to the fenceline, the sand becomes softer and more difficult to navigate. The trail then makes a sharp left and enters scrubland. You’ll notice patches of spike moss and open scrub. In the distance, you’ll see cypress trees. The trail ends at a final trail junction at about 1.6 miles, where you’ll find a grapevine-lined corridor.
Another area of interest is the Evergreen Trail, which features an old growth hardwood canopy. Oaks, maples, hickories, and other trees are part of the dense canopy along this nature trail. You’ll also find oyster shells, deposited by Native Americans centuries ago. The decomposing shells add calcium to the soil. This area is a great place to see wildlife, including gopher tortoises and the endangered indigo snake.
Another nature trail near the park begins near cottage 11. This trail splits into two loops, and one of them leads to a marsh. You can observe both coastal and woodland species of birds. A spur trail off the first loop will take you into the marsh. The Sempervirens Trail winds into an older live oak maritime forest with Spanish moss and wax myrtle. Large magnolias and hickory trees are also present along the trail.
Nature center
Located just off I-95 and adjacent to the quaint town of St. Mary’s, Georgia, Crooked River State Park offers several activities for families. This state park contains 500 acres of forest and salt marsh that is home to a variety of animals. Visitors can enjoy a fishing pier, a boat ramp, mini-golf, and multiple hiking and kayaking trails. To make the most of your visit, plan to set up camp and enjoy the natural surroundings.
At the Nature Center near Crooked River State Park, visitors can view a variety of birds, reptiles, and fish. The trail takes hikers through a maritime forest, where they may see gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, and herons. A historical site nearby, the Tabby Mill Ruins were built around 1825 and were used during the Civil War as a starch factory. Another popular attraction is the Cumberland Island National Seashore, which is home to wild horses and pristine beaches.
For a more informative tour, visitors may also wish to explore the Sempervirens Trail, a nature loop trail named after the old growth hardwoods in the park. The canopy of this trail is dominated by large oak, cherry, and hickory trees. Along this trail, visitors will find the remnants of Native Americans who left oyster shells to deposit calcium into the soil. In fact, it is not unusual to see orange blossoms lining the paths.
Fish
If you’re looking for a scenic location to spend a day, Fishing near Crooked River State Park is one of your best options. This state park offers four miles of hiking trails and a pier where you can cast your line. You can also rent equipment and kayaks and take guided tours of the park. For families, Crooked River State Park has a playground and miniature golf course. Parking is $5.
The best time to fish near Crooked River State Park is during late winter, early spring, or late summer. Mayflies, midges, and caddis hatches are prolific during these times, and you’re likely to catch plenty of fish during these times. If you’re fishing during other times of the year, there are no shortage of opportunities to catch a rainbow trout or other species of fish.
You can also try fishing the Prineville Reservoir. While it’s not crystal clear like the Metolius River, the stream is rich in trout-growing nutrients. Although the stream’s other sections aren’t as well-known as the tailrace, there’s some good fishing in these areas, and if you’re a bit adventurous, you can camp at the park and fish the lake.
Birding trail
You can find a great bird watching opportunity in the park. There is a wildlife trail that leads you to eighteen different sites. The sites on the trail have been chosen for their excellent bird watching opportunities. This will make your visit to Crooked River State Park even more rewarding. Read on to learn more about the sites on the Birding Trail near Crooked River State Park. Here’s a quick guide:
There are so many things to do near Crooked River State Park. From fishing to boating, this park is a wonderful place for the whole family to spend a day. Visitors can explore the different ecosystems within the park and learn about endangered species. This park is one of the last remaining places on Earth where you can see the endangered pine flatwoods ecosystem. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, consider booking a cabin or campsite at Crooked River State Park.
If you’re planning a family outing, there are three distinct birding trails at Crooked River State Park. The Sempervirens Trail winds through a maritime forest and includes a birding platform. You’ll also likely see wood storks and gopher tortoises in the dead pines overlooking the river. You can also go kayaking along the Crooked River, and purchase an annual park pass.
Campground
When you’re searching for a campground that offers waterfront views, look no further than Camping near Crooked River State Park. The campground features 62 sites for single family campsites, five group shelters, and one pioneer camp. Amenities include WiFi, boat ramp, playground, mini-golf course, and nature center. Camping near Crooked River State Park is a great option for your next getaway.
Located along the south bank of the Crooked River, Crooked ‘River State Park’ is a picturesque, 500-acre oasis. Camping at Crooked River State Park provides easy access to the surrounding natural areas, allowing you to explore different ecosystems and wildlife. You’ll also be close to the McIntosh Sugarworks, a historic site that served as a starch factory during the American Civil War. Fort Clinch State Park is also within 50 miles of Crooked River State Park, offering 62 sites with water and electric hookups.
For a more leisurely getaway, stay close to the Cumberland Island ferry. You’ll be a few miles from the national seashore, and a short drive away is the village of St. Marys. St. Mary’s is a sleepy small town, but it has a cemetery where civil war veterans are buried. It’s well worth the trip, and the submarine museum is worth visiting.
Free arts and movement activities
If you’re looking for a day filled with beautiful scenery and a fun way to get outside, consider visiting the scenic Salt Marshes near Crooked River State Park. This park’s 97-bell carillon and exhibits honor American composer Stephen Foster. Watch demonstrations of crafts and see the many birds in the park. In addition, you can hike, fish, and enjoy miles of trails.
