Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites

Crooked River State Park
Crooked River State Park, located in St. Marys, Georgia, is a 500-acre resource for hands-on learning. Three hiking trails, each featuring its own unique coastal habitat, cross the park's landscape. The river is a saltwater ecosystem that is representative of the marine environment of coastal Georgia.

Crooked River State Park Nature and Education Center consists of a classroom and laboratory. The classroom accommodates up to 30 students. The Nature and Education Center features a variety of animals common to Camden county including a collection of live reptiles and amphibians.

We offer programs ranging from aquatic ecosystems to salt marsh ecology, endangered species to protected habitats, coastal archaeology to Native Americans of Georgia. We also offer guided kayak tours through the marsh and over to Cumberland Island. Crooked River State Park personnel leads field trips for Camden county schools, programs for scout groups and summer camps, and weekend programming for park visitors.

Crooked River State Park
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway
St. Marys, Georgia 31558
912-882-8531
www.gastateparks.org


Fort King George Historic Site
From 1721-1727, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. A cypress blockhouse, barracks and palisaded earthen fort were constructed in 1721 by scout-men led by Colonel John Barnwell. For the next seven years, His Majesty's Independent Company garrisoned the fort. They endured incredible hardships from disease, threats of Spanish and Indian attacks, and the harsh, unfamiliar coastal environment. After the fort was abandoned, General James Oglethorpe brought Scottish Highlanders to the site in 1736. The settlement, called Darien, eventually became a foremost export center of lumber until the mid-1920's.

Using old records and drawings, this early 18th century frontier fortification on the Altamaha River has been reconstructed for public tours. A museum and film cover the Guale Indians, the Santo Domingo de Talaje mission, Fort King George, the Scots of Darien and 19th century sawmilling.

Group tours available for adults and youths that consist of 15 or more people. Reservations required at least one week in advance. Group tours consist of a one-hour living history presentation on a soldier’s life and a weapons demonstration. Group rate: $4 per adult or $3 per child. Picnic area and bus parking available.

Fort King George Historic Site
1600 Wayne Street
Darien, GA 31305
912-437-4770
www.gastateparks.org