Earth Day Nature Trail

Earth Day Nature Trail is a Hidden Gem

On a Memorial Day Weekend whim, Jesse and I decided to take an overnight trip to St. Simons Island in Georgia’s Golden Isles. We got to St. Simons in the late afternoon and spent a little bit of time at the beach. We decided we would explore more on our way out of the island the next day.

The first thing we decided to do was go on a little hike. Honestly, this wasn’t a full blown all-day multi-mile hike – it was a visit to a small, hidden gem of a nature trail. The Earth Day Nature Trail is located at the GADNR Coastal Division Headquarters in Brunswick.

When going to the address of the Earth Day trail, you might get lost.

When going to the address of the Earth Day trail, you might get lost. The address leads you to Liberty Ship Park, which is on the banks of the Turtle River and under the Sydney Lanier Bridge. If you are not familiar with it, the Sydney Lanier Bridge is an iconic coastal Georgia suspension bridge, so it is actually pretty cool to be under it! Liberty Ship Park has a few small docks, a short fishing pier, and some picnic tables. We at first thought this was where the trail was located and that the parking there was for the trail. It is not. The road that the trail is on is actually at the front of the parking lot. The road goes under the bridge and is marked with a sign that says, “Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Regional Headquarters” and “United States Coast Guard.” These signs make it look like you cannot go down this road, but you can! Drive down it and you will end up at the DNR’s parking lot. At the edge of the lot, you will see a boardwalk with a green sign above it that says, “Earth Day Nature Trail.”

Earth Day Nature Trail is not your typical hiking trail at all.

This trail is not your typical hiking trail at all. This is more of a series of trails that wind around different marsh hammocks. As Jesse puts it, it is like a “nature exhibit.” These trails take you to these small island-like hammocks, provide plenty of information about marsh wildlife, and give several vantage points that are perfect for birding. There is also an overlook that allows you to see for miles across the marshland. This is a really pretty nature trail!

If you have been to the Georgia coast during the summer, you know how hot and muggy it gets. We went to the trail around 12:00 pm, and we were drenched by the time we got back to the car after about 40 minutes or so. If you are visiting the Georgia coast from late spring to late summer, you probably won’t want to go on a long hike because of the heat. This trail is perfect because you get just enough outdoor activity and wildlife exposure before you completely melt into a puddle! This is also a great trail for children – it is easy and just big enough to feel like they’ve substantially explored marsh. After our hike, we ended up at Barrier Island Brewing.

Tips for your trip to the Earth Day Nature Trail

• At the Earth Day Nature Trail, there is a sign that says, “No Dogs.” However, if you look at the trail on Google, it says dogs are allowed. I would follow the DNR’s site rules.
• Look in the sandy parts of the marsh for bird and animal tracks!
• Be patient and observant at the trail, you might see some wildlife.
• The trail is family friendly, but due to the uneven and rootsy parts of the trails, not all parts of it are accessible.
• If you need a good lunch place, go to Southern Soul BBQ on St. Simons! This is a well-known BBQ place in Georgia. It was Memorial Day weekend when we were there, so it was extremely busy. However, the wait was so worth it.
• Drive around St. Simons Island! It is a beautiful island on Georgia’s coast. It is a great beach town, and there is lots to see and do.
• St. Simons has a few dog-friendly beaches, and some are dog friendly after certain times of day. If you have your dog with you, do some research before you take them onto the beach.
• If you are visiting from May-September, be aware that it is going to be hot and buggy!
• Interested in an overnight stay for your visit? Search for lodging near to Earth Day Nature Trail.

Earth Day Nature Trail Information

• Address: One Conservation Way, off U.S. 17 at Sidney Lanier Bridge Brunswick, GA 31520
• Phone: (912) 264-721
• Trail Map: View the Earth Day Trail Map (pdf)
• Directions – View this Google Map

Earth Day Nature Trail