Skidaway Island State Park at Dawn

52 Diamond Causeway, south of Savannah proper. Maritime forest and salt marsh on a whisper-quiet ribbon of land that feels miles from the city.

The Green Trail starts through live oaks and pine — needles crunching underfoot, cardinal darting across the path, resin and damp earth smell. The trail rolls gently, never rushing. Then the forest clears onto a marsh boardwalk — tidal flats, fiddler crabs drumming in the mud, herons fishing the shallows. The air shifts to brine and sun-warmed wood.

Spring is the season. Weather is forgiving, birds are busy nesting, marsh grasses glow with new green. Parking is in the main lot. Trails are mostly flat, boardwalk sections can be slick after rain. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars. No rush required.