Run Savannah’s historic Forsyth Park on this 1.8 mile figure-eight loop. Shady and scenic, this trail racks up level mileage with historic mansions, monuments and Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park fountain as a beautiful run backdrop.
(round trip)
paved
friendly
LOCATION:in Savannah, Georgia
PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list
It’s one of the most scenery-packed, beautiful and shaded urban trails in Georgia that we’ve had the pleasure of running. Forsyth Park makes a stunning backdrop to an enjoyable 1.8-mile run, or a great place to end a long run in Savannah’s historic district. The park’s geometric trail system runs straight and linear, with generously wide, tree-lined, paved pathways, making for a level, easy run. And for non-runners, it’s also a great trail for a leisurely stroll or dog walk in the city’s moss-draped historic park.
Forsyth Park sprawls 30 acres of green space and trails, framed by Park Avenue and Gaston, Drayton and Whitaker Streets. Flanked by grand, historic homes, the outer loop around the park is almost a perfect mile. This popular run adds some mileage by running the outer loop plus a figure eight through the park, and visits the historic Forsyth Park Fountain for some extra mid-run scenery.
Forsyth Park: the run
The run starts at the intersection of Bull and Gaston streets (view maps and driving directions), running south into the park on a paved, wide, tree-lined trail. The run skirts the iconic, historical Forsyth Park Fountain at .3 mile, veering right on the circular path around the fountain before continuing southbound and circling the park’s towering Confederate Memorial.
Passing the Confederate Memorial, the run continues southbound, as tendrils of Spanish moss blow gently in the breeze overhead. The route explores the park’s southern end, where vast, green grassy meadows entice Savannah locals to gather for picnics, frisbee, soccer or outdoor relaxation in the sun.
Reaching Park Avenue, the run turns right on Park before hanging a right on Whitaker, tracing the park’s western edge and passing grand historic mansions. The route reaches Gaston Street, hanging a right before turning another right on Drayton Street, continuing to circle Forsyth Park’s outermost edge.
Reaching Park Avenue, the run turns right, and then makes another right toward Bull Street. Doubling back through the park on the central trail, the route passes the park’s fountain a second time. Reaching the park’s northern edge, the run completes at 1.8 miles. Not winded yet, and craving some more miles? The park’s shady, scenic, tree-lined trail almost begs for another loop (or two!) to add some additional mileage.
Post-run in Forsyth Park
After the run, grab a post-run rest on the many benches throughout the park to relax or people-watch, or grab some refreshment from the Forsyth Park Cafe at East Hall and Drayton. And on Saturdays, catch the Forsyth Farmers’ Market from 9am to 1pm for a post-run refreshment or to stock up on local Savannah produce, dairy, or a sweet after-run snack.
More top outdoor adventures near Savannah, GA
Explore Georgia’s coastal beauty at the nearby Skidaway Island State Park, following sandy paths through salt flats, coastal forest draped in Spanish moss, Civil War earthworks and outstanding over-the water sunsets. Visit the ultra-scenic Oak Avenue at Wormsloe Historic Site, where 400 moss-draped oak trees line the route to the ruins of a historic tabby plantation house. And check out more of our favorite outdoor adventures near this beautiful, historic city in our Savannah running and hiking guide.
Please Remember
Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.
Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.
Driving Directions
Parking
Garage and street parking is available throughout Savannah's historic downtown.
GPS Coordinates
32.070235, -81.095241 // N32 4.214, W81 5.714