St. Marys, GA

The 500 acres of Crooked River State Park provide the perfect area to enjoy varying habitats including pine flatwoods, salt marsh and maritime forest. Four miles of trails wind through the park. Visitors may encounter gopher tortoises (most likely May–October), fiddler crabs, ospreys, bald eagles, wood storks, painted buntings and other wildlife. The park's nature center features a number of animals native to coastal Georgia. For an overnight stay, check out the cottages and upgraded campsites. There's lots to see along the banks of the Crooked River.

Specialties

Osprey, bald eagle, wood stork, painted bunting.

Tips

Look for warblers during spring and fall migrations, nesting ospreys in spring and summer, migrating shorebirds in early to mid-summer, mergansers and other ducks in Crooked River, and painted buntings in spring and summer. The Sempervirens Trail winds through an exceptional example of maritime forest and features a birding platform. Wood storks and herons roost in dead pines overlooking the river's edge. A boat ramp offers kayak and canoe access to surrounding tidal marshes.

Other Wildlife Highlights

Gopher tortoises are abundant and most active May through October.

Best Birding Seasons

Fees

$5 parking fee. Annual passes available.

Website

https://gastateparks.org/crookedriver

eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L327802

Address

6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway
St. Marys, GA 31558