One of the most beautiful and scenic pieces of land outside of Savannah, Georgia, is Wassaw Island. The island is entirely undeveloped, except for a ranger station, as it is recognized as a National Wildlife Refuge. Wassaw offers more than just immaculate beaches but also miles of trails to hike amongst the abundant wildlife. Here is what you need to know about hiking the coastal trails of Wassaw.
How To Get To Wassaw Island
Don’t expect to cross a bridge by car to enter Wassaw. The island is only accessible by boat. As a result, boat owners and boat club members alike have the opportunity to visit the secluded island.
To access the island you will enter from either the north or south end. When arriving from the north, the only option is to travel through Wassaw Sound and the Willmington River. Without a doubt you will not have the option to secure the boat to a dock when approaching the island from the north. All boats must anchor off the beach in order to access Wassaw.
When it comes to approaching the island from the south, you will have a couple of options for securing the boat and waterways. First, travel through the more tranquil Odignsall River before entering Wassaw Creek, where a floating dock is available. Secondly, run through the open water of the Little Ogechee River before entering Wassaw Creek. Keep in mind. Dockage space is limited. Therefore, you may be turned away, particularly during the weekend over the summer months.
It should be noted that currents are as tides change. Therefore, use extreme caution when anchoring a vessel. A bow and stern anchor should be used to allow swimmers the closest access to the shoreline. Comparatively, when docking, ensure to secure the vessel to the dock well and use caution when the boat dock is busy as you may quickly become set down on other vessels.
Compared to the north approach, the banks of the Little Ogechee River are lined with beaches. Anchor the vessel off the beach before venturing onshore to explore what the island has to offer.
Wassaw Island Hiking
Take it from me, I have visited the island dozens of times. Importantly, I have utilized the dock, the beach at the north and at the south end of the island. Here is what to know about Wassaw Island hiking.
When
My family and I most recently visited the island in May. May is an excellent time to hike the island trails before the summer temperatures soar into the nineties. We took advantage of the Wassaw Creek dock during our May visit because space was available.
I have visited the island during the summer and must admit the mosquitoes are thick enough to carry you away. Undoudabtly if you plan to hike the trails compared to sit at the beach the best times to visit are the late fall, winter, and spring.
Hiking Resources
‘Ill admit the first time I ventured on the trails I was nervous about finding my way, especially with two young children. Unquestionably my fears were unwarranted.
To my surprise, the trails were well marked and also, a trail map was made available after exiting the boat dock.
However, if you’re planning a trip, take a look at the Wassaw trail map before venturing onto the island.
What To Bring
We intended to avoid swimming during our May visit, especially because we were focused on hiking. We explored a combination of the inland trails and the banks of the miles of beaches.
Taking into account that we would be on the move we packed lightly. Our gear included a backpack filled with a beach towel, water, snacks, bug spray, and gnat spray.
I highly recommend bringing bug spray as we have been swarmed on previous trips. Without a doubt, pack a towel to wipe your feet dry before sliding back into shoes.
In regards to clothing, dress appropriately for the air temperature. On our May adventure, the weather hovered at 80 degrees, and the skies were clear. My family and I all wore shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers. To emphasize, you will have minimal shade even within the forested trails. Therefore, wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
Take it from me, pack light, no need to lug around a heavy bag, especially in the heat.
What Will You See
Believe it or not, we had the chance to see abundant wildlife, which excited the kids. The most notable group of animals was a family of armadillos. In fact, the armadillos were babies and ventured within 10 feet of the trail.
In addition to armadillos, we watched schools of dolphins swimming off the beach, a harmless snake, multiple species of birds, and an alligator. It should be noted that alligators are prevalent therefore don’t ever wander into the marshy areas of the island.
Although we did not happen across deer, they, too, are common on the island.
Hike Wassaw Island
Although getting to the island is a bit challenging, mainly because you will need a boat, the trip is well worth your time. I departed from Skidaway Island at the Delegal Creek Marina aboard a Carefreeboat Club vessel. However you get to the island, anchor at the north end beach, south end beach, or tie up at the dock. Once you arrive, hike the miles of trails to get a close up glimpse of the coastal landscape and wildlife.
