St. Marys River Canoe Trail
The St. Marys River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Beautiful hardwood forests frame the gentle curves of the St. Marys River. White sandbars are found at almost every bend, making camping an easy and enjoyable addition to your paddling trip. This tea-colored river rises in the Okefenokee Swamp at a place called Ellicott’s Mound. The history of the St. Marys is an interesting one. Old sailing vessels called “tramps” would come hundreds of miles off their course to get fresh water from the river for drinking. Traders Hill was once a thriving trading post on the river and the county seat of Charlton County, Georgia. Wildlife is abundant along this wilderness trail, especially herons, egrets, osprey and turtles. You might also look for bear or deer.
Major Activities: paddling
Counties: Baker, Nassau
Mileage: 51
Skill Level: Beginner
Difficulty: Easy
Usual Current: Average (2-3 mph)
Access
- CR 121 Bridge – 5.5 miles north of Macclenny.
- Stokes Bridge – Take US 90 5.8 miles east of Macclenny to CR 121. Turn north and follow CR 121 to Stokes Road (graded road north of Brandy Brook). Turn left (west) .5 mile to bridge. (9 miles)
- SR 2 Bridge – 2 miles west of SR 2 / CR 121 intersection. (12 miles)
- Thompkin’s Landing – From intersection of CR 115 and CR 121, 5 miles west of Hilliard, take CR 121 2.5 miles north to first graded road on the west, north of Dunn Creek (Thompkin’s Landing Road). Proceed west to landing. (17 miles)
- Traders Hill – From Folkston at junction of US 301 Georgia State Route 121, take Georgia State Route 121 south for 3.1 miles. Turn east to Traders Hill Recreation Area . Accessible only from Georgia. (7 miles)
- Scots Landing – Take US 301 / US 1 north from Hilliard about 8 miles. Turn right (east) on Lake Hampton Road (also Colas Ferry Road) just before bridge. Landing is on Florida side, after about .75 mile. (6 miles)
There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.
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