The best walks and hikes around Savannah

The hiking around Savannah is characterized by its flat, coastal geography. You won't find any mountains or significant elevation changes. Instead, trails meander through lush maritime forests, across boardwalks over salt marshes, and along tidal rivers and creeks, offering a unique Lowcountry hiking experience.

Yes, many trails in the Savannah area welcome dogs on a leash. A popular choice is Skidaway Island State Park, which offers several miles of trails where you and your canine companion can explore the maritime forest. Always remember to bring water for your dog and to clean up after them.

Savannah has numerous family-friendly options. The trails at Oatland Island Wildlife Center are great for kids, combining a gentle walk with opportunities to see native animals. Another excellent choice is the inner loop at Whitemarsh Preserve, which is stroller-friendly and offers a pleasant walk through nature.

For wildlife viewing, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is an exceptional destination. Its extensive network of trails and dikes provides opportunities to see alligators, a wide variety of birds, turtles, and other Lowcountry fauna in their natural habitat. The refuge's 4-mile wildlife drive is also a local favorite.

Absolutely. Many of the area's best hikes are loops, allowing you to enjoy a continuous change of scenery without backtracking. For a walk through the city's historic scenery, the Chippewa Square – Monterey Square loop from Savannah is a great option that explores some of the famous squares.

Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is recommended, especially in the warmer months. Sturdy walking shoes are sufficient for the flat terrain. It's crucial to bring insect repellent, particularly during spring and summer, as well as sunscreen and plenty of water. A hat is also a good idea for sun protection.

Yes, you can find several free trails. Whitemarsh Preserve offers miles of paths at no cost. Additionally, city parks like Forsyth Park and Daffin Park have walking paths perfect for a casual stroll. The Morrell Park – John Rousakis Riverfront Plaza loop from Savannah is another great free option that explores the scenic riverfront.

For a mix of history and nature, visit Wormsloe State Historic Site. It's famous for its stunning oak avenue and features a nature trail leading to the tabby ruins of Savannah's oldest standing structure. Fort Pulaski National Monument also offers trails that combine coastal views with the history of the Civil War-era fort.

The trails around Savannah are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique scenery of the Lowcountry, such as the Spanish moss-draped live oaks and the expansive views over the salt marshes from trails and boardwalks.

You'll find a good variety of options, with over 30 curated hiking routes around Savannah available on komoot. These range from short urban walks through historic squares to longer nature trails in nearby state parks and wildlife refuges.

Yes, many of the hiking trails are also suitable for trail running. The relatively flat and well-maintained paths at Skidaway Island State Park and Whitemarsh Preserve are popular with local runners. The packed-sand trails provide a comfortable surface for a scenic run.

For classic Lowcountry scenery, the trails at Skidaway Island State Park are hard to beat. The Sandpiper Trail Loop, in particular, offers boardwalks over tidal creeks and an observation tower for panoramic views of the salt marshes. The views of the Savannah River from the trails at Fort Pulaski are also noteworthy.