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Crooked River State Park

Photo: Jackie DeBusk (DeBuskPhotography) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Lakes & rivers

Crooked River State Park

St. Marys, GA · Golden Isles$Parking $10 per vehicle; annual pass $70

About

Wood storks and herons roost in dead pines where the River Trail drops down a bluff into the marsh at Crooked River State Park in St. Marys. The Sempervirens Trail passes five Georgia Champion Trees. Nobody rents kayaks here, so bring your own and check a tide chart first: strong currents and wind can strand a boat until the next high tide. The Cumberland Island ferry leaves from downtown, next to the park service visitor center at 113 St. Marys Street. Put that address in your GPS, because a search for the national seashore may send you here instead.

Highlights

Tidal salt marsh and maritime forest on the Crooked RiverFour miles of trails, including the Sempervirens birding platformGopher tortoises and fiddler crabsWood storks on the River Trail11 cottages and 63 campsitesTabby mill ruins from about 1825No kayak rentals, bring your own

Getting there

6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, GA 31558

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