Savannah is Georgia’s beloved coastal city, loved by visitors and residents for its historic architecture, its nearby coastal marsh, and sandy beaches, and its gnarly-branched oak trees draped in Spanish moss blowing gently in the sea breeze. The city is Georgia’s oldest, dating to the early 1700s when the city served as an important colonial port located on the Savannah River.
Statues, memorials, fountains and stately historic mansions pack the city’s well-preserved historic district, where visitors stroll perfectly-gridded streets peppered with park-like squares. But architecture aside, the city offers active outdoor adventure in and near the city, offering residents and visitors some incredible running and hiking trails.
Savannah hiking and running: our favorite trails
Our favorite hiking, running and backpacking trails near the city include an urban run in historic Forsyth Park, a historic hike at the Wormsloe tabby ruins (and the plantation’s iconic, oak-lined drive), and coastal exploration at nearby Skidaway Island State Park. Thanks to nearly level terrain, these hiking trails make an equally great trail run for beginning and seasoned runners. South of the city, trek an epic backpacking adventure at Cumberland Island, catching views of Carnegie mansion ruins and herds of wild horses.
Savannah running trails
Forsyth Park
1.8 MILES
Catch a Savannah run with a scenic backdrop on this level-elevation trail around, and through, the city’s historic Forsyth Park. Scenery-packed and shaded, it’s our favorite running loop whenever we’re in town.
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPS![Skidaway Island State Park: hiking near Savannah, GA]()
Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island Sandpiper & Avian Loop Trails
2 MILES
Hike or run this Skidaway Island two-trail combo on the park’s most popular trails to two islands and the Skidaway River. Catch views of salt flats, mossy forest, Civil War-era earthworks, and a chance to see dolphin swimming and stunning sunsets.
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Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island Big Ferry Trail
2.65 MILES
Hike Skidaway Island to sweeping views of coastal marsh, trekking through moss-draped forest to an observation tower, Civil War earthworks and a prohibition-era liquor still. Nearly level, it’s an equally great bike ride, hike, or run.
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPS![Wormsloe Historic Site: top hikes in Savannah]()
Wormsloe Battery Trail
Wormsloe Historic Site
3.3 MILES
Hike the Battery Trail to the beautifully-framed Oak Avenue lined with 400 gnarled, moss-draped oak trees, and then explore Savannah’s oldest historic ruins and beautiful views of grassy salt marsh.
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The lodge at Little St Simons Island
Little St Simons Island
2 – 10+ MILES
Explore mile after mile of beautiful moss-draped maritime forest, wildlife-filled marshes and more than seven miles of exceptionally beautiful beaches on Little St Simons Island. The island is accessible only by boat, and to those staying at the island’s all-inclusive eco-resort. Explore the island with a team of naturalists, stay in one of 16 comfy, modern-rustic lodge rooms (or a historic cottage), and dine, family-style, on locally grown produce and fresh catch seafood. It’s a coastal Georgia adventure like no other.
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Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island Camping, Backpacking & Hiking
2 – 20+ MILES
Hike, backpack or camp Cumberland Island south of the city, exploring the island’s sandy beaches that seem to stretch forever, and catch sight of wild horses grazing near Carnegie mansion ruins.
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What to pack?
Our favorite hiking gear
Ready to hit the trail, but wondering what to pack? Our hiking gear list features our favorite, trail-tested hiking gear for day hikes on local trails and in the Georgia backcountry. We print and stitch our Atlanta Trails shirts and hats locally in Atlanta and Asheville, and they’re our favorite for trail adventures all over the South. And no matter what you pack in, pack it all back out. Please leave no trace and help preserve Georgia’s beauty.
OUR HIKING GEAR LIST
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.
