Brochure Cover - Altamaha River Partnership

Near the mouth of the river, many fish that typically live in
saltwater share the Altamaha River’s waters with freshwater species.
“Altamaha Egret” by Sandy Jones © 2012
The diverse recreational opportunities along with the natural
beauty of this wide, meandering river make it a primary resource
for freshwater recreational activity in southeast Georgia. Fishing
enthusiasts can find an abundance of freshwater fish species,
including American shad, striped bass, the endangered
shortnose sturgeon, American eel bullhead, channel catfish, white
catfish crappie, largemouth bass, the introduced flathead catfish,
redbreast, bluegill, and redear sunfish.
Altamaha River Partnership
239 NE Park Avenue, Suite E
Baxley, GA 31513
Please join us our mission to Promote, Preserve and Protect The
Mighty Altamaha River! For more information, send email to
[email protected], or mail your membership request with
contact information, and check made payable to Altamaha River
Partnership:
Unbridled by dams, this free-flowing waterway is inhabited by a
broad range of animals including rare freshwater mussels such as
the Georgia spiny mussel, alligators, and the rare rainbow snake.
A cornucopia of wild plants and animals live in or near this
mighty river. Biologists have documented upwards of 120 rare
plants and animals in the Altamaha River watershed, including
some unique to the area.
The river and associated watershed is a vibrant, biologically
diverse natural system bearing the distinction of being one of
the most biologically diverse river systems found anywhere in
the Southeast. The Nature Conservancy named it one of the
“75 Last Great Places” left in the world.
• All interested private citizens (Dues $25).
The Altamaha River is truly a paradise for photographers,
paddlers, birders, naturalists, fishermen, and hunters, offering
boundless outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone who
njoys the great outdoors!
The flood plains and sandy ridges represent drastically different
habitats that are home to a fascinating array of wild plants and
animals. Here barred owls, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and
others share the land with gopher tortoises and indigo snakes. The
list of trees found in this corridor include the longleaf pine,
tupelo, swamp chestnut, willow and water oaks. Some of the rare
forms of plant life that live here are Georgia plume, Radford
dicerandra, Florida corkwood, hairy rattleweed, greenfly orchid
and Alabama milkvine.
At the mouth of the Altamaha River, about 55,000 shore and sea
birds are known to congregate on the fragile islands found there.
These tiny bits of land are among the most important stopover and
nesting sites along the Georgia coast.
• Two members from each of the following agencies: DCA, GDEcD,
GA Coastal Management Program, DNR Sport Fisheries Division, and
NRCS staff providing technical assistance to the Coastal GA and
Seven Rivers RC&D Councils;
• One representative of any business located in or doing business in
the Altamaha River Watershed;
• One representative from each of the following nonprofit
organizations and shall be appointed by their respective Board of
Directors: The Nature Conservancy, McIntosh County Seed, Coastal
Georgia RC&D Council, Seven Rivers RC&D Council, Altamaha
Riverkeepers, and the Georgia Nature Based Tourism Association;
• One representative from each of the eleven counties bordering the
Altamaha River and shall be appointed by the Board of
Commissioners of each county (dues $250);
Membership in The Altamaha River Partnership includes:
Membership in the Partnership
Natural Resources & Public Recreation
APPLING COUNTY
Carter's Bight Landing
Boat & canoe launch area, restrooms, playground area,
www.baxley.org.
Deen's Landing
Boat & canoe launch area, restrooms, www.baxley.org.
Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce
As you gently paddle out into the river, you are entering a very
special place. Originating at the confluence of the Oconee and
Ocumulgee rivers near Lumber City, the Altamaha River slowly
winds its way some 137 miles before emptying into the Atlantic
Ocean between Darien and Brunswick. Along the way, the river
flows past rich bottomland forests, cypress swamps, and tidal
marshes.
The Altamaha River
“Altamaha Afternoon” by Sandy Jones © 2012
During the spring and fall migration periods, untold numbers of
migrating perching birds and songbirds rest and feed in the
woodlands hugging the river before resuming their epic flights.
Warblers, threshes, and vireos are especially prevelant.
Eason's Landing
Boat & canoe launch area, restrooms, www.baxley.org.
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GLYNN COUNTY
Altamaha Regional Park
On the Altamaha River, this Glynn County Park offers boat
ramp, food, bait, gas services, camping, RV hookups,
fishing, and swimming, with recent improvements to the
floating docks, ramp and waterfront pavilion. The facility
now meets American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
US 341 north of Brunswick, Georgia. (912) 264-2342,
www.glynncounty.org.
Blythe Island Regional Park
On the South Brunswick River, county park with fishing
boating, dock, marina services, boat hoist, camping, RV
hookups, hiking & biking trails, two manmade lakes,
six-mile canoe trail, Hwy 303, Blythe Island Drive,
Brunswick, Georgia. (912) 261-3805, www.glynncounty.org.
Brunswick Landing Marina
Full service marina, lift, 15 docks with 314 slips, restrooms,
ice, fiberglass & other repairs, bottom cleaning & painting,
laundry room, convenient to Historic Downtown Brunswick.
2429 Newcastle Street, Brunswick, GA. (912) 262-9264,
www.BrunswickLandingMarina.com.
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
Historic rice plantation in the Altamaha Delta, with an
antebellum home, museum, rice fields. US Hwy 17 north of
Brunswick, Georgia. (912) 264-7333, www.gastateparks.org
Morningstar Marina Golden Isles
Full service marina, lift, permanent & transient slips,
restrooms, ice, and restaurant on the Frederica River. Torras
Causeway, St. Simons Island, Georgia. (912) 634-1128.
Sidney Lanier Park
At the base of the Sidney Lanier Bridge on U.S. 17, this new
City park provides a boat ramp (no fee), picnic tables and
shelters, fishing pier, and bike trail. Brunswick, Georgia.
(912) 267-5500, www.BrunswickGa.org.
Jekyll Island Club Historic District
Museums, historic tours, golf, waterpark (in season), beach,
fishing, boating, birding, marina, shopping, restaurants,
lodging, and camping. Jekyll Island, Georgia.
(877) 4-JEKYLL, www.jekyllisland.com.
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Wayne County Tourism Board
(912) 538-8687 • www.searchvidalia.com
Landings: 20, 21, 23, 25
(229) 868-6365 • www.telfairco.org
Landing: 29
Telfair County Chamber of Commerce
(912) 557-6323 • [email protected]
Landings: 15, 16
(912) 583-4676 • [email protected]
Landings: 27, 28
Montgomery County Development Authority
(912) 545-2143 • Ludowici, Georgia
Landings: 9, 12
Long County Visitors Center
(912) 240-0106 • www.hazlehurst-jeffdavis.org
Landings: 24, 26
Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis Board of Tourism
(912) 437-6684 • www.mcintoshcounty.com
Landings: 2, 3, 5
Darien/McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce
(912) 554 –7400 • www.glynncounty.org
Landings: 1, 4
Glynn County Board of Commissioners
(912) 367-7731 • www.baxley.org
Landings: 14, 17, 18, 19, 22
Baxley-Appling County Board of Tourism
All ages enjoy activites on the river, from picnics on the banks to
organized family-oriented canoe and kayak excursions. Nearby
towns offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including
annual festivals, fishing tournaments, and other river-related
activities. Restaurants, lodging and guest services are conveniently
located throughout the region. Contact local outfitters, visitor centers, or Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources for current
river conditions and activities in your destination region.
Falling Rocks Park
On the Altamaha River, offering RV and tent camping sites
with restrooms, picnic facilities, and nature trails. Deans
Landing Road. (912) 367-8100, www.baxley.org.
(912) 427-2028 • www.waynetourism.com
Landings: 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13
Darien
BrunswickGolden Isles
The Birds of the Altamaha River Corridor list is downloadable from the
Altamaha River Partnership website. Additional birding resources
including birding site descriptions and directions are available on the
Georgia Ornithological Society’s website, www.gos.org.
www.altamahariver.org
“Sustaining the river that sustains us”
Charleston
Moody Forest Natural Area
On the Altamaha River, one of the nation’s last remaining
old-growth forests of longleaf pines 200-300+ years old and
mammoth tupelo cypress 600+ years old. Home to rare plants,
birds and animals including the endangered red-cockaded
woodpecker, gopher tortoise, and eastern indigo snake. Baxley,
Georgia. (912) 366-9549, www.nature.org/georgia.
Golden Isles Parkway - US Hwy. 341 - Passes through Hazlehurst
to the Coast of Georgia: shopping, dining and entertainment.
Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis Board of Tourism, (912) 375-4543.
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Savannah
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The Altamaha River Partnership is a coalition of state, regional,
and local representatives formed in 1998 to promote nature-based
tourism and associated economic development opportunities within
11 counties bordering the Altamaha River. Each county offers
visitors a unique aspect of the Altamaha River’s abundant natural
resources as it flows through south central Georgia to the Atlantic
Ocean.
Become A Member of ARP!
Get Involved!
Lake Mayers
170-acre county-owned lake with fishing, boating,
swimming, and water sports. Public beach and residential
area. US Highway 341 at Buckhead Rd., Baxley, Georgia.
(912) 367-8100, www.baxley.org.
This brochure is made possible in part by a grant from the Federal Highway
Administration through the Georgia Recreational Trails Program,
with thanks to Glynn County Community Development & Finance Departments
~ Cover Photo Credit: Yolanda Santiago White ~
Produced by Bluemoon Publishing, Brunswick, Georgia
for The Altamaha River Partnership © 2012 All rights reserved.
(912) 568-7808 • Alamo, Georgia
Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce
Vidalia Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jacksonville
341
Birding on The Altamaha
A. Randall Tuten Environmental Park
Certified Schoolyard Habitat/Outdoor Classroom. This park
includes one-mile nature trail, 500’ boardwalk, wetlands,
two ponds, covered amphitheater, restrooms, and over 100
species of trees. Hwy 15 South, on the Appling County
Middle School campus. Baxley, Georgia. (912) 367-8630.
The Yamassee Bike Trail - Follow the 27 mile bike trail signs
throughout Montgomery County past the pecan orchards and
cotton fields, Mount Vernon, Alston, Uvalda, and historic Long
Pond. Trail maps and information, (912) 538-8687.
Woodpecker Trail - Highway 121, begins in North Carolina and
travels through Surrency, Georgia, to Florida. www.baxley.org.
Wiregrass Trail - Georgia Hwy 57 in Long, Tattnall, McIntosh
counties: history and scenic beauty.
Southern Passages - “The Atlantic Heritage Coast” - Explore the
small towns, villages, and rural treasures off I-95 from South
Carolina through Georgia to Florida.
Colonial Coast Birding Trail - Glynn and McIntosh County
seashores, salt marshes, rice fields, woodlands, tidal rivers, &
wetlands - come and enjoy the beauty! Over 300 species of birds
have been sighted in a variety of habitats. Darien Welcome Center,
(912) 437-6684; Brunswick Golden Isles Visitors Bureau,
(912) 265-0620.
Altamaha River Canoe Trail - 137 scenic miles of the Altamaha
River from its confluence near Lumber City, Georgia, to the
Atlantic Coast between Darien and Brunswick, Georgia.
www.AltamahaRiver.org
Altamaha Historic Byway - Tour the 17 mile byway connecting the
Sapelo Island Ferry with Darien, Fort King George, the Altamaha
Waterfowl Management Area, and Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation.
4 handicapped-accessible fishing sites and 4 public boat ramps along
the route. Darien Welcome Center (912) 437-6684; Golden Isles
Visitors Bureau (912) 265-0620.
Scenic Trails & Byways
F L O R I DA
G E O R G I A
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341
Lumber City
Columbus
Macon
The corridor offers numerous birding opportunities and sites
ranging from xeric sandhills to barrier island beaches. As you drift
down the river, watch for swallow-tailed kites, ospreys, bald eagles,
and wood storks soaring overhead. Other birds you may see and
hear along the river include prothonotary, yellow-throated and
Swainson’s warblers, great crested flycatchers, and northern parulas.
“Banks of the Altamaha” by Yolanda White © 2012
Atlanta
The Altamaha River and surrounding landscape provides critical
habitat for nesting, breeding and feeding Neotropical migratory
birds, colonial water birds and year round residents.
S O U T H
C A RO L I N A
Chattanooga
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY
Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area
On the Altamaha, 12,978 acres of mixed pine and hardwood,
swamps, bottomlands, and ponds. Hunting, fishing,
nongame viewing (bird watching and gopher tortoises),
walking trail & horse trail, boating, canoeing, and primitive
camping. (912) 379-9303, www.townsbluffpark.com.
Towns Bluff Park & Heritage Center/RV Park & Campground
Simple, relaxed, fun outdoor activities, with 2 miles of
walking nature trails & a horse trail leading into Bullard
Creek Preserve.Closest landing to the headwaters of the
Altamaha River. Enjoy canoeing, biking, hiking, fishing,
birdwatching, RV & primitive camping year round.
Hazlehurst, Georgia. (912) 379-9303, (912) 375-4543,
www.TownsBluffPark.com.
LONG COUNTY
Griffin Ridge WMA
On the Altamaha, over 5,600 acres, hunting, fishing,
nature trail (912) 545-2143.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area
21,000 acres in the Altamaha River Delta owned and
managed by the state for waterfowl; a major destination on
Georgia’s Coastal Birding Trail. This WMA includes:
Butler Island Plantation - Wildlife habitat for alligators,
deer, herons, egrets, ducks, and other wading birds;
Ansley/Hodges Memorial Observation Tower - With
viewing stand and nature trail off Hwy 17, Darien,
Georgia. A Pass is required for this WMA: A three-day pass
is $3.50-$7 and includes fishing; a three-day pass for small
groups of 8 or less is $10; annual individual pass is $19;
annual small-group pass is $35. Purchase your pass online
at www.georgiawildlife.com; for more information:
(912) 437-6684, or www.visitdarien.com.
Darien Bike Path and Walking Trail
Pick up a map at the Welcome Center and follow the
marked signs on a self-guided tour amidst live oaks and
Spanish moss in historic Darien, Georgia. (912) 437-6684,
www.visitdarien.com.
St. Simons Marina
On the Frederica River, a county marina with boat hoist, ice,
water, gas, bait, permanent & transient dockage. Near
Epworth By The Sea, St. Simons Island, GA. (912) 638-9146.
Natural Resources & Public Recreation
Champney River Landing
On the Altamaha River, public boat ramp, freshwater
handicapped-accessible fishing, picnic tables, restrooms.
Hwy 17 south of Darien, Georgia. (912) 437-6684,
www.cityofdarienga.com.
DDA Docks at Skipper’s Restaurant
Darien River, food, restrooms, public docks & boat ramp,
handicapped-accessible fishing, www.cityofdarienga.com.
Fort King George State Historic Site
On the Altamaha River, reconstructed 18th century fort, a frontier fortification with tours, museum and film, picnic area. Fort
King George Dr., Darien, Georgia. (912) 437-4770
www.gastateparks.org/fortkinggeorge.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
More than 2,860 acres with 15 miles of paved roads and
trails to enjoy. Fishing, boat ramp, and fishing pier. North of
Eulonis off US Hwy 17 on Harris Neck Rd/CO Rd 246.
(912) 832-4608, (912) 437-6684 www.fws.gov/harrisneck/.
TATTNALL COUNTY
Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park
Offering shelters, camping, water, restrooms, showers, lake,
swimming, golf, and playground. Reidsville, Georgia.
(912) 557-7744, reservations (800) 864-7275,
www.gastateparks.org.
TELFAIR & WHEELER COUNTIES
Little Ocmulgee State Park
1,277 acre State park with tent, trailer and RV sites, cottages,
lodge, restaurant, conference facilities, 265 acre lake with
beach, tennis courts, picnic shelters, group camp/pioneer
camp, amphitheater, 2.6 mile trail and boardwalk, boating,
ramp, fishing, canoe and pedal boat rentals (seasonal). US
Highways 319 & 441, McRae, Georgia. (229) 868-7474.
Wallace Adams Memorial Golf Course
Play eighteen holes at scenic Little Ocmulgee State Park.
McRae, Georgia. (229) 868-6365, www.telfairco.com.
Lewis Island Natural Area
Over 6,000 acres, contains the largest known grove of ancient bald cypress in Georgia. Excellent camping,
kayaking, birding, and fishing; Lewis Creek. Contact local
outfitters or call (912) 437-6684 www.visitdarien.com.
TOOMBS COUNTY
Gray’s Landing
On the Altamaha River, ramp, picnic tables, grills, camping,
restrooms, landing, and Benton Lee's Steakhouse.
138 Benton Powell Rd., Uvalda, Georgia. (912) 538-8687.
WAYNE COUNTY
Mossy Oaks RV Park & Campground
26 sites, 30 & 50 amp, full hookup, water and electricity
only. 21162 Whaley Road, Jesup, Georgia 31546
(912) 427- 4452 www.mossyoaksrvpark.com.
Heritage Park Campground
Perfect for overnight fishing trips. For information
regarding hookups and pricing, contact Connie Carpenter,
203 Jaycee Landing Rd., Jesup Georgia, 31545, (912) 588-9222.
Jaycee Landing
On the Altamaha River, boat ramp, country store, bait and
tackle, ice, restrooms, picnic tables and shelter. Camping
on the bluff at Heritage Park Campground. A Georgia Go
Fish Project. US 301 on Jaycee Landing Road, Jesup, GA
(912) 588-9222 .
Lake Grace
Enjoy camping and fishing at this enormous man-made lake
stocked with fish; fishing permits required for out-of-state
visitors. RV park and private campgrounds with fishing lakes
nearby; small fees apply. Jesup,GA; Contact Charles Herrin
(912) 579-6475, www.waynetourism.com.
Waterfront Park
On the Darien River, public docks, fishing pier, boardwalk,
shelter, picnic tables, children’s playground.
(912) 437-6684, (912) 437-6659 www.visitdarien.com
McMillan Creek Greenway
A project that includes walkways and trails along McMillan
Creek, urban forest restoration, and improved natural habitat
for all ages to enjoy. (912) 427-1313, www.jesupga.gov.
MONTGOMERY & WHEELER COUNTIES
Cooper-Conner House, c. 1798
Oldest house in Montgomery County. Slave labor was used
in the construction by Richard Cooper, a Revolutionary
Soldier buried at Dead River Cemetery. Moved to the
Brewton-Parker College campus in 1991 for preservation,
furnished with period furniture, the house is available for
viewing anytime. (912) 538-8687 or (912) 583-2241.
Paradise Park
On the Altamaha River, ramp (fee), food and ice, and
camping. Off Hwy 341 south of Gardi, Georgia.
Penholloway Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Exceptional wildlife habitat on 42,0000 acres off River Road
adjacent to Paradise Park Road. (912) 427-3233.
Oconee River to the Altamaha River
Boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, and birding. All ages
will enjoy this scenic waterway! (912) 557-7744,
(800) 864-7275, www.gastateparks.org.
The Yamassee Bike Trail
Follow the 27 mile bike trail signs throughout scenic
Montgomery County orchards and cotton fields. Please call
for trail maps and information, (912) 538-8687.
“Landing 29 At Lumber City” by Yolanda Santiago White © 2012
Rayonier Wildlife Management Area
Exceptional habitat on 105,000 acres for the elusive
whitetail deer, hogs, and other wildlife. GA 32 (Check Station). (912) 427-3233, www.waynetourism.com.
SanSavilla Wildlife Management Area
Exceptional wildlife habitat on 17,814 acres. GA 341
south of Jesup at Mount Pleasant, Georgia. (912) 427-3233,
“Below the Confluence” by Yolanda Santiago White © 2012