The best walks and hikes in Glynn County

Hike the difficult 20.8-mile Jekyll Island Perimeter Loop, gaining 121 feet in 8h 25m through diverse landscapes and history.

Hike the moderate 5.4-mile Blythe Island Lakes Loop in Blythe Island Regional Park, enjoying coastal scenery and marsh views.

Hike the 16.1-mile Jekyll Island Bike Trail, a difficult route exploring maritime forests, beaches, and historic sites like Driftwood Beach.

The Cannon’s Point Preserve offers a serene and easy hiking experience through a pristine maritime forest on St. Simons Island. As you wander along the 4.1-mile (6.7 km) route, you'll be enveloped by ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, leading you to tranquil marsh views and the historic Couper Plantation ruins. With only 9 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, this trail is a gentle journey, perfect for immersing yourself in nature and history.

Planning your visit is straightforward, but remember to bring insect repellent, especially during certain seasons, as deer flies can be active. The trail is generally considered easy to moderate, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a relaxed outing. While the terrain is natural dirt and grass, it's suitable for most hikers, though not ideal for strollers.

This preserve is a true gem, blending ecological significance with a rich past. Beyond the 19th-century plantation ruins and the observation tower offering panoramic views, you'll find ancient shell rings and middens dating back to 2500 BCE, providing a fascinating glimpse into Indigenous history. It's a unique opportunity to explore a primitive wilderness that's also a high-priority coastal area for its biological richness.

The Blythe Island Nature Trail offers a delightful, easy walk through coastal Georgia's varied landscapes. You'll meander along mostly flat singletrack paths, winding past serene ponds, through picturesque marshes, and under the shade of magnificent live oak trees. Keep an eye out for the unique, unafraid wild rabbits that call this park home, and enjoy views of the South Brunswick River where container ships occasionally pass by.

This 1.1-mile (1.7 km) hiking route is rated easy, with a negligible 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, and can be completed in about 26 minutes. Located within Blythe Island Regional Park, parking is ample, and the trails are multi-use and dog-friendly, making it a convenient choice for a quick outdoor escape. No permits are needed, and the park's extensive amenities, including a swimming pond and boat ramp, make it a great spot for a full day out.

Beyond its natural beauty, the trail is steeped in history; every step you take literally crosses thousands of years of human habitation, including ancient Native American sites. The island also served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s and a coastal defense base during World War II, with remnants of this past still visible. It's a perfect beginner hiking trail for those looking for a blend of nature, history, and easy accessibility.

The Fort Frederica Loop offers a delightful blend of coastal Georgia's natural beauty and colonial history. As you wander this easy path, you'll find yourself beneath the moss-draped live oaks of a maritime forest, with occasional clearings providing picturesque views of the marsh. The flat terrain, a mix of grass and sand, makes for a pleasant stroll, leading you past the evocative ruins of Fort Frederica's powder magazine and the foundations of its 18th-century storehouses.

Planning your visit is straightforward, but be prepared for the elements. St. Simons Island can be quite humid, and biting insects like sand gnats and mosquitoes are common, especially from late spring through early fall, so pack insect repellent. The trail is well-marked, and maps are available at the Visitor Center. This 0.9-mile (1.4 km) loop, with only 4 feet (1 meter) of elevation gain, is a quick 21-minute hike, perfect for families and history enthusiasts looking for an easy outing.

What truly sets this trail apart is its unique combination of natural exploration and historical immersion. Established in 1736 by James Oglethorpe, Fort Frederica played a crucial role in defending the British colonies from Spanish aggression. The loop allows you to experience the park's natural environment alongside its significant historical context, offering a more comprehensive understanding than just visiting the historical sites directly.

The Sharktooth Beach Trail offers a distinct experience on Jekyll Island, leading you through a maritime forest and virgin marshland to a truly unique shoreline. The unpaved path can be muddy, but the journey through the natural environment, with its potential for wildlife sightings, is part of the charm. The destination, Sharktooth Beach, is covered in oyster shells rather than sand, setting the stage for a memorable treasure hunt.

This easy hike covers 0.8 miles (1.3 km) with only 5 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 19 minutes to complete one way. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is advisable for the potentially muddy trail and the sharp oyster shells on the beach. Since there's no vehicle access to the beach, you'll need to walk the entire distance. Bug spray is a must, and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes near the path.

What truly sets this trail apart is the opportunity to find shark teeth, including rare Megalodon teeth, especially at low tide when a muddy strip is exposed. Beyond fossils, visitors have occasionally unearthed historical artifacts, hinting at the area's rich past. This isolated spot is a fantastic alternative to more crowded beaches, offering a quiet adventure for those seeking something different.