St. Mary's River in Georgia - Extended Trip Report

by  kayak

A self-supported trip created by kayak

Trip Overview

Monday I drove up to Folkston, GA where I had made arrangements with Canoe Country Outpost to shuttle my van to Stokes Bridge on the St. Marys river. For $20. Clyde dropped me and my boat off and drove my van back to the take out at their campground, which is on the river. The St. Marys is listed as a FL. canoe trail because the river forms the border between GA and FL.

This was my first time on the St. Marys and my first extended river trip with just me for company. I was told that it would be between 4045 miles paddling, they were close it was 49.

I decided to end the trip on Thursday as most of my trips lately have had a good current to move me along. Getting on the water by 2PM I paddled a twisty narrow path for seven miles before I found a sandbar to my liking. Set up camp and just kind of killed time for the evening. Tuesday I was in no hurry and got on the water about 9:30. The one thing that stands out about this river is the numerous creeks that run into it. I would guess that over the 49 miles there was a creek that I could have paddled up every two miles. The second day the river alternated between narrow and wide.

After 14 miles I decided that I better set up camp. I saw one nine foot gator that had not much interest in me, just sat on the bank and watched me paddle by. Wednesday I passed under a bridge that gave me some idea that the trip is probably a little longer then I had planned so I paddled 18 miles. Still off the water by 4 PM. Saw a three-foot gator. Thursday again in no real hurry, I set out for the finish that came in at 10 miles. The weather was perfect; warm and sunny days and cool evenings. Also a good workout because there was little if any current and the wind was always blowing against me. Still a very nice river without much development and sandbars at every turn.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Extended Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location