An Unplanned Hike in Magnolia Springs State Park

We had no idea that Magnolia Springs State Park south of Augusta, Georgia, had such nice woodland hiking trails.  We were spending only one night in the campground on our way south and didn't do a full investigation, since our time there would be limited, and we wouldn't be arriving early in the day.

After getting set up at our campsite, we saw a trail right next to our site leading into the woods and, itching for some exercise, headed out for a walk with Paisley.  We didn't know we'd end up finding multiple trails and hiking most of each of them.  What an unexpected pleasure!

This map is too small to read, but you can get an idea of the trail system (in black), the lake, and the campground southeast of the lake. The four trails are the Spring, Lime Sink, Woodpecker, and Beaver.

Magnolia Springs State Park Map

These are not difficult trails; they are mostly flat and accessible to any reasonably fit person (or dog!)  It only took us an hour to do our complete "tour of trails" on this beautiful, coolish November day.  We were so glad we stumbled across such a nice spot and finally got some walking in after a week of working on projects.  Paisley had a blast too!

The Lime Sink Trail dumped us out near the visitor's center and day-use area of the park. The late fall foliage and Spanish Moss were so pretty in the late afternoon light.

We stopped by the spring-fed pond that gives this park its name.  You can't really see it in the photo, but we could see the spring rippling in the center of the water.

We spied a Yellow-Bellied Slider turtle swimming along near the pond's edge.

Next stop was the lake, which looked like a great place for a paddle.  Just hope you don't encounter any 'gators!

It was a wonderful afternoon!

Stay tuned for our next post from our home for the winter:  Florida!