There’s plenty to explore landside in this coastal destination once you park your car
KINGSLAND, GEORGIA—NOVEMBER 2025—Surrounded by pristine waterways, lush marshlands and parks highlighted by centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Kingsland, Georgia, serves as both a peaceful retreat and a gateway to adventure. The city’s proximity to the St. Marys River, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Cumberland Island National Seashore—some of Georgia’s most treasured natural sanctuaries—makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, not to mention a chance to view wildlife in their natural habitat. So, park your car and head out to Kingsland’s natural paradise.
By foot
The region contains numerous walking trails allowing visitors to experience coastal Georgia’s nature at its finest. Take the hidden beach trail at Crooked River State Park that stretches through both forest and salt marsh where you’ll spot gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs and birds, both resident and migratory. Be sure to stop at the nature center or visit the nearby ruins of a circa-1825 tabby (seashells mixed into concrete structures) mill used as a starch factory during the Civil War. Just west of Kingsland, the four-acre multi-use Browntown Wilderness Park invites nature lovers to explore, plus there’s the Temple Landing Boat Ramp for access to the picturesque St. Marys River. The Woodbine Riverwalk, a Rails to Trails initiative of the Coastal Georgia Greenway Trail, is a boardwalk that extends from Woodbine’s 11th Street north along the picturesque Satilla River. This former railroad route will eventually connect Kingsland north to Riceboro, and include the luscious 300-acre Gum Branch Nature Preserve. Hikers can access the preserve at the entrance of Howard Peeples Park, taking in the paved pathways that wind through pristine forests teeming with wildlife such as birds and deer.
To reach the southernmost and largest Georgia barrier island, visitors must take a ferry to enjoy Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland spans more than 9,800 acres of Congressionally Designated Wilderness and includes wild horses, pristine beaches, wildlife and the historical ruins of the Carnegie family’s Dungeness estate. Visitors may spend the day hiking the island or participate in the National Park Service’s guided Lands & Legacies Tour.
About a 45-minute drive from Kingsland lies the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge with its trails winding through the swamp where visitors may spot threatened and endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake and wood stork, not to mention Georgia’s ancient reptile, the alligator.
For those who love a guided walking tour, Molly’s Old South Tours explores the historic town of St. Marys as well as Cumberland Island.
By bicycle
Bicycling through Kingsland and its neighboring cities, along waterways, parks and through historic downtowns is easily accessible for all ages due to the numerous paved trails and the region’s flat terrain. One trail not to be missed is the 3 Rivers Trail which begins in historic downtown St Marys, follows the outer border of the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and ends at Crooked River State Park. The 30-mile trail offers plenty of parking and rest stops along the way and may be enjoyed in portions or all at once. Another great bike route is the six-mile Woodbine Rail-Trail that rolls through wooded areas and along the Satilla River boardwalk.
Bike rentals are offered at Crooked Island State Park and at Camden Bicycle Center in St. Marys, which offers rentals to those who wish to bike on Cumberland Island, among other local areas. The Cumberland Island Ferry operated by the National Park Service transports bikes to the island.
By train
Visitors of all ages will cherish a scenic ride on the Georgia Coastal Railway, one of the country’s oldest privately owned shortline railroads that rolls from the Kingsland Station. The train travels through marshlands, cities and a working rail yard while entertaining passengers with themed entertainment. There’s comedy, wine tasting, The Wild West Train and the popular Christmas Train ride with Santa and friends.
By horseback
Take the reins at EM Equine in nearby Folkston where visitors may enjoy horseback riding, trail rides, date nights, riding lessons—even coaching for competition on their six acres with St. Marys River access. Visit them on Facebook for more information.
By ATV and MX
Feel the speed and get dirty at Soggy Bottom Mud Park, an outdoor motor-sports park in St. George that’s close to MacClenny, Florida. The 180-acre outdoor recreational park with access to the St. Marys River invites visitors with their own vehicles such as side-by-sides, four-wheelers, three-wheelers, mud trucks and dirt bikes. The park’s only open to visitors on special event days; check the park’s website or their Facebook page for dates. Nearby, Okefenokee MX offers two-wheeled adventure for exploring Kingsland’s terrain through motocross trails, racing and training.
If you go
Georgia’s Kingsland is located only three miles from the Florida line along Interstate 95 and 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida. There are numerous chain hotels along I-95, all centrally located to Kingsland restaurants and its historic, charming downtown. Kingsland’s sister city of St. Marys along the Atlantic coast is a short drive to the east.
For more information on accommodations and tourist information, visit the Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau at VisitKingsland.com.