The Sapelo Island Nature Trail is one of the most unique in all of Georgia's sixty state parks. It incorporates five distinct barrier island ecosystems, including upland maritime climax forest, tidal salt marsh and creek systems, oak and cedar hammocks, three separate ridges of sand dunes and the beach itself. Manmade features of the new trail include an observation deck in the tidal salt marsh, a footbridge over Dean Creek, boardwalks over the three ridges of sand dunes and an observation tower on the middle of the sand dune ridge which offers a panoramic view of the nearby ocean and the south end of Sapelo. Interpretive signs provide a self-guided tour with detailed information about the island's flora and fauna. June 1st through Labor Day only.
Group size is limited and reservations are required.
The Sapelo Island Reserve is administered by NOAA and is managed by the Parks and Historic Sites Division of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources. The Reserve is assisted by the newly formed, volunteer-based support group, Friends of Sapelo. The Friends of Sapelo are dedicated to responsible coastal management, stewardship of coastal resources and the enhancement of the Reserve's education efforts. This section is under development. The upland maritime forest on the Sapelo Reserve is comprised of a mix of native hardwoods, such as live oak, red bay and southern magnolia, and timber stands of slash and loblolly pine.