The Golden Isles of Georgia are located on the coast of Georgia. They aren’t truly islands because they’re still connected to the rest of the continent, but they have a lot of waterways that surround them to make them feel very island-like. Specifically, the Golden Isles include St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Brunswick, and Jekyll Island.
Located just north of Florida, you’ll find that weather here is very similar to Jacksonville, Florida. If you’re planning on hiking during a trip to the Golden Isles, here are some tips to keep in mind.
It’s Hot and Humid in Summer
The first thing you have to understand about going to the Golden Isles in the summer is that it’s hot and humid. Typical summer highs range from 80 to 90 degrees with nights that settle around 70. The humidity here is 87 to 93 percent in the morning and around 59 to 69 percent in the afternoon. Coastal breezes do help cool things off, but be aware that it does get warm and can make hiking in this weather strenuous.
First, you’ll likely sweat more than you usually do because of the humidity. Try to wear fabrics that are breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Avoid heavy fabrics like denim. Second, hydrate. This should be obvious, but you’ll need more water here than you normally would because you sweat more and you need to replenish the moisture you’re losing. Bring twice the water you normally would. Third, wear a hat. This will keep the sun off your face and help you stay cooler.
Choose the Right Trail
If you’re an avid hiker, you’ll want to pick a trail that will give you a challenge while letting you see the beauty of the area. Cannon’s Point Preserve is just the trail for that with 6 miles that travels through marsh-upland that includes native species in a maritime forest. If birding is your favorite pastime, head to the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Here you can find over 300 species of birds, which vary depending on the season.
The Coastal Georgia Greenway starts at trail mile 41 in Camden County and extends for 25 miles. It then links to the Jekyll Island Trail System for more than 20 miles. This is a great trail for riding bikes if you prefer that to hiking. If you’re not an avid hiker, find a shorter trail such as Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island. This beach is 2 miles long and you can explore the driftwood that gathers on the beach. Check out the Jekyll Island hotels nearby, so you don’t have to walk too far to get to this beach.
Bring Along Everything You Need
Make sure when you head out for a hike that you have everything that you need. If you’re hiking near water, don’t forget a swimsuit. That way if you want to cool off, you can slip on the swimsuit and dip in the water. Other essentials include snacks, water, and a camera. Keep the water bottles inside your backpack, so the sun doesn’t heat the water inside.
Follow these tips, and you’re sure to have a fun time on your hike!
Image via Flickr by adifferentbrian
