--- title: "St. Marys Trails and Waterways — Complete Outdoor Guide" url: https://stacklist.com/card/83dd7876-3c67-42dd-a465-dcce8c73b7d7 source_url: "https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/2025/07/16/st-marys-trails-and-waterways-offer-adventure-and-variety/" stack: https://stacklist.com/c/places/stack/14159141-cc4a-4305-b660-f44c4c75a943 summary: "St. Marys, Georgia is a charming coastal destination offering diverse outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, paddling, and camping along trails and waterways near Cumberland Island National Seashore. The area features attractions like St. Marys Waterfront Park, Crooked River State Park, and numerous trails suitable for visitors of all skill levels." tags: "st-marys-georgia, coastal-adventure, outdoor-recreation, trails-waterways, tourism, camping-hiking, paddling" key_entities: "St. Marys, Georgia (location), Cumberland Island National Seashore (location), Crooked River State Park (location), Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (location), St. Marys Waterfront Park (location), Jacksonville, Florida (location), Shana Corbin (person), Colonial Coast Birding Trail (concept), Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail (concept)" classification: "reference" content_hash: "sha256:bfcafe15ea9fb5e475b78ac43f4e750007d4449ba88ffe223711745a0f0a618f" acp_version: "0.2" token_counts_approximate: 1405 visibility: public agent_accessible: true status: "final" --- # St. Marys Trails and Waterways — Complete Outdoor Guide St. Marys’ Trails and Waterways Offer Adventure and Variety by ShanaCorbin July 16, 2025 1.7K The perfect location to explore coastal Georgia ST. MARYS, GEORGIA–JULY 2025– St. Marys, Georgia , is a charming destination known for its historic waterfront downtown and as the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore . It is located less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, just off I-95, on Georgia’s southernmost tip. And it’s a favorite spot for those who enjoy the outdoors. The setting is idyllic and the opportunities for getting out and enjoying that setting are seemingly endless. St. Marys is a spot where visitors can set their own pace. Those who enjoy strolling a waterfront boardwalk will love it here. And visitors looking to explore and take on some outdoor adventure will find an impressive host of options, too. The opportunities for biking, hiking, paddling, birding, fishing and camping are all exceptional here. The heart of this destination is St. Marys Waterfront Park, also called Howard Gilman Memorial Park. From this spot, visitors can watch boats ply the river, take a stroll along the boardwalks and piers, have a picnic or visit a nearby restaurant and witness a stunning sunset. The three-mile  Woodbine Riverwalk & Rail-Trail  is popular for walking, running and  biking . It includes views of both natural habitats and Victorian homes. It culminates at the Satilla River Waterfront Park (East 1st Street in Woodbine) with its boardwalk observation pier. To explore more of downtown,  St. Marys Walking Tours  (7 St. Marys Street West, St Marys, Georgia 31558; 904-735-8243) are a great way to enjoy the walkable district and learn of its history and lore. Themed tours include “A Tale of Prosperity & Turmoil” and “Murder, Mayhem, and Martinis.” For those who want to take the ferry ride over for a day on the island, two-hour  Cumberland Island Walking Tours  begin at the Dungeness Dock. Cumberland Island is one of the region’s most popular spots for outdoor adventure. It encompasses more than 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach. Hiking, biking, camping, birding and beachcombing are popular activities on the island. Primitive  camping  is allowed in two campgrounds and designated wilderness sites. On the mainland,  Crooked River State Park  (6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256). The park is connected to St. Marys Waterfront Park via the  St. Marys Tabby Trail , an 11-mile bike and multi-use path. The park is another beautiful setting for outdoor adventure. Amid maritime forest along the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway, this 500-acre treasure has a nature center, boat launch and dock, cottages, tent and RV camping sites, bike rentals and four miles of hiking trails. Both Cumberland Island and Crooked Rivers State Park have designated spots on the  Colonial Coast Birding Trail . These locations are only the beginning, as there are numerous other spots to view both native and migratory birds. A day-trip to the nearby  Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge  (2700 Suwanee Canal Road, Folkston, Georgia 31537-7906; 912-496-7836) is also a favorite outing for birders, hikers and campers. On the water , both paddling and fishing are popular here. From the convenience of the downtown waterfront or the beautiful riverbanks of a nearby park or preserve, accessibility is easy for paddlers of all skill levels. Gear rental and guided excursions are available at several locations. Experienced paddlers take to the 11-mile section of the  Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail  which begins at St. Marys and goes north. To the south, these waters connect to the  Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail . Fishing is great here all year and the variety is appealing for a wide variety of interests and budgets. Plenty of charter services with experienced captains offering inshore, nearshore and offshore guided fishing charter excursions. There are also ample  public boat launches  for those who choose to take to the water on their own. If you go Cyclists can find equipment rental and repairs at  Camden Bicycle Center  (1929 Osborne Road, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-576-9696). Paddling gear is available through  Knucklehead’s Water Rentals  (201 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3512) and  Adventures Up the Creek  (912-882-0911). The St. Marys waterfront is the launching and landing point for several kayak outings. guided, self-guided as well as instruction. Anglers can find plenty of options for charter fishing, both inshore and offshore with services like  Fish Master Charters  (912-729-5214) and  Lang Charters  (912-674-1085). Also offering fishing trips, as well as birding and eco tours, is  Elliotts Bluff Charter  Company (912-282-4725). 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