10 Best Hiking Trails Near Savannah, GA

When you’re in Savannah, Georgia, exploring the beautiful outdoors is a must-do activity. The city boasts numerous hiking trails that showcase the area’s picturesque charm and historical significance. With a variety of trails that’re all easy in difficulty, you’ll find the perfect excursion to fit your preferences and schedule.

To help you find the best hiking experience during your visit to Savannah, we’ve compiled this list of 10 must-try trails. You’ll discover a mix of coastal, woodland, and marshland landscapes, as well as trails steeped in history. So grab your hiking shoes and enjoy the natural beauty that awaits you just outside Savannah’s city limits.

Skidaway Island State Park Trails

Sandpiper, Avian, and Big Ferry Trails Loop

  • Length: 4.2 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop

If you’re looking for a scenic and enjoyable trail, try the Sandpiper, Avian, and Big Ferry Trails Loop at Skidaway Island State Park.

This 4.2-mile loop is a favorite in the park due to its picturesque views, salt flats, and tidal creeks. The trail’s elevation gain is a modest 52 feet, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels.

Sunset on the Avian Loop Trail in Skidaway Island State Park near Savannah, GA

Big Ferry Loop

  • Length: 3.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop

Another fantastic option for hiking in Skidaway Island State Park is the Big Ferry Loop. This 3.4-mile trail offers an excellent hiking experience near Savannah with breathtaking views of the Georgia coast.

The loop takes you through captivating moss-draped coastal forests and to a prohibition-era liquor still, providing a glimpse into the area’s fascinating history. You can also get a glimpse from atop the observation tower if you wish.

READ MORE: 22 Best Campgrounds In Georgia

Sandpiper Trail Loop and Avian Loop

  • Length: 2 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop

The Sandpiper Trail Loop and Avian Loop is a great, short beginner hike in Skidaway Island State Park. You will walk over salt flats and by several weeping willows along this trail. The trail is level and features boardwalks, but it can get really muddy at times.

Plan for an hour of walking time to fully appreciate the stunning landscape and wildlife in the area. If birdwatching is your passion, this trail is an ideal trail to explore. The diverse habitats found on these loops offer great opportunities to spot a variety of species such as egrets and other coastal birds.

Young Deer along the Sandpiper Trail Loop in Skidaway Island State Park near Savannah, GA

Moon River at Downing Piers

  • Length: 7.8 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop

Moon River at Downing Piers is a serene trail that offers hikers and bikers a chance to explore a large part of Skidaway Island State Park.

A leisurely hike on this trail offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and experience the Southern charm of coastal Georgia. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, raccoons, turtles, and an assortment of bird species as you hike or bike along.

READ MORE: 14 Best Campgrounds Near Atlanta, Georgia

Other Beautiful Hiking Trails Near Savannah

There are a variety of other captivating trails for you to explore near Savannah. Let’s dive into some of the other gems you can explore outside of Skidaway Island State Park.

Wormsloe Historic Site Trail

  • Length: 3.1 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop

The immersive Wormsloe Historic Site Trail takes you through the picturesque grounds of the Wormsloe Plantation. While wandering, you can admire the ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, historical ruins, and the breathtaking views of an area that dates back to the 1700s.

This 3.1-mile trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll through history and is great for anyone, whether you’re a tourist or a local who’s lived in the area a long time and never been.

Weeping Willows overtop the Wormsloe Historic Site Trail in Savannah, GA

Forsyth Park Loop

  • Length: 1 mile
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop

The Forsyth Park Loop should be your go-to trail for experiencing all that Forsyth Park has to offer. This 1-mile loop guides you around the park’s perimeter, allowing you to take in the surrounding beauty of the draping willows and historical monuments

With playgrounds, splash pads, and even a café to visit, this loop around town boasts several delightful options you can check out.

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails in Blue Ridge, GA

Savannah Riverfront Walk

  • Length: 1.6 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Out & Back

There’s no better way to experience Savannah than strolling along the Savannah River on the enchanting Savannah Riverfront Walk.

This historic and bustling area offers a unique mix of sightseeing, shopping, and dining opportunities. Keep it brief by walking a short section or make a day of it by exploring the entire River Street. There are multiple maps along the trail if you need to find where you are or where to go.

Savannah Riverfront Walk

Whitemarsh Island Preserve Trail

  • Length: 2.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop

Get intimate with nature on the Whitemarsh Island Preserve Trail. This tranquil 2.4-mile loop brings you up close and personal to peaceful wooded areas with weeping willows and marshes.

Ideal for a casual hike, bike, or run, this trail offers both paved and hard-packed dirt options. It can get buggy at times and some of the hard-packed sections can be muddy, but it’s a great trail system overall.

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Athens, GA

Lake Mayer Loop Trail

  • Length: 1.7 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Dog Friendly: No

Wander around Lake Mayer on the scenic 1.7-mile Lake Mayer Loop Trail, providing splendid views of the small Lake Mayer and opportunities to spot a variety of bird species.

This paved loop offers a relaxing and family-friendly walking, running, or cycling experience as you venture through the park.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center Trail

  • Length: 1.3 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Out & Back
  • Dog Friendly: No

Explore the captivating 2-mile trail that wraps around the Oatland Island Wildlife Center. The main trail is rather short but you can spend time exploring the surrounding area if you wish to get some more milage in or see more the park has to offer.

There are usually lots of bugs along the trail and limited shade, so bring some sunscreen and bug spray if you visit.

Explore Other Awesome Hikes in Georgia

There are several other great places where you can hike or camp in Georgia outside of Savannah. If you’re a local looking to get out of the city or just looking to plan another trip sometime, be sure to check out some of the best waterfalls that Georgia has to offer.

Several of them, like Anna Ruby Falls and DeSoto Falls are within a short drive from Helen where you can find a great campground if you’re traveling with an RV or looking to pitch a tent for a night or two.