McQueens Island Historic Trail:
Georgia
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Description:
Built on a stretch of the Savannah & Atlantic Railroad line, the 6-mile McQueens Island Historic Trail offers a salt-air excursion for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Built in 1887, the railroad carried passengers from Savannah to Tybee Island, a popular turn-of-the-century beach resort. A highway to the island was built in 1923, leading to the demise of the railroad.

From its trailhead just 15 miles east of town, the trail parallels the South Channel of the Savannah River, a major shipping route and entry point to the Port of Savannah. Short bridges spirit you across saltwater marshes. Cord grass, cabbage palms, yaupon holly and coastal cedars line this beautiful trail, and interpretive signs list the native wildlife, including the eastern box turtle, American alligator, diamond back terrapin, bobcat, osprey, red-tailed hawk and brown pelican. Be on the lookout for these, as well as frolicking dolphins in the river. Conveniently placed benches allow visitors to pause, take in the scenery and enjoy a picnic.

This region boasts an interesting and extensive history, from its earliest inhabitants (Gaulle Indians, followed by early colonists) to the Revolutionary and Civil war battles fought on its soil. Cap your trek with a visit to the massive brick Fort Pulaski, captured in 1862 by Union troops using an experimental rifled cannon. If time permits, head over to Tybee Island, a few miles east of the trail. Tybee's 1732 lighthouse is Georgia's oldest and tallest.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the eastern trailhead, follow US 80 east toward Tybee Island. The trailhead entrance is about 15 miles east of Savannah; look for the sign for Fort Pulaski National Monument. Parking is available along the road or at the fort.

To reach the western trailhead, follow the directions above, but continue a few miles along US 80 to a small roadside parking area just before the turnoff for Fort Pulaski.

Contact:
Chatham County Public Works & Park Services Department
P.O. Box 8161
Savannah, GA 31412
(912) 652-6780

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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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nice ride - trail is getting a little beat up
By jrutch in January, 2012
we enjoyed the ride and it was winter - trail was clean - but just seemed a little beat up - toppled picnic table - signs missing or faded - part of the west end of the trail closed due to potholes or ? - but a good ride none the less - saw pelicans and a big ship out in the water coming up the river - water level was low so not much wildlife - a safe ride - parked by ft. pulaski - other folks were friendly - good experience - just the trail could use a little work (yes, i know money's tight, the economy, etc.)
One of my favorite pieces of Savannah
By Royalpix in October, 2009
I love this trail and it's a pretty easy trip with it being all flat. There's so much to see with the fiddler crabs crossing the path, dolphin in the Savannah River, and all of the water birds. But the best part for me is all the way at the far end away from Pulaski. There's a turnabout where the trail ends and it is decorated in the wildest way. Under a super massive oak tree surrounded by picnic tables, people have picked up things that washed up from the river and hung it from the trees like plastic bottles, glass bottles, hard hats, bouys... along with animal bones, drift wood.
Repairs Complete.
By tom298 in October, 2009
All six miles are in decent-to-excellent shape. Enjoyed all the bird - life! A couple of folks suggested parking at Fort Pulaski, not at the midpoint access. The latter is evidently plagued by car breakins, and the short path beween trail and highway is underwater at high tide.