Paddling season on the Chesapeake Bay for many ends around the beginning of November.  While there are still paddlers who bundle up in dry suits and continue paddling through the winter, others may prefer to head south for warmer waters.  One area that is ideal for late fall / early winter paddling is the area around Savannah, Georgia.  

Skidaway Island State Park was my base campground for this trip.  The campground has spacious sites with options for tents or RVs, most including water and electricity hookups.  The sites are shaded beneath a canopy of live oaks and pines, providing a serene setting.  There is access to clean restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities.  From the park there are many areas to go on day paddles within a reasonable drive.

Tybee Island

For the more adventuresome, there are many paddles in the area around Tybee Island.  You can find everything from marsh paddles to open surf.  Just be cautious.  The tidal range in this area can be up to 10 feet resulting in strong currents and tidal rips.  Local knowledge is essential. 

Launching from Ally #3 at the south end of Tybee puts you on to Tybee Creek.  Currents here can be very strong.  Paddling downstream on Tybee Creek brings you to an area known as the Triangle.  The confluence of Tybee Creek and the Atlantic Ocean creates powerful and shifting currents, particularly during an outgoing tide, which can quickly sweep paddlers off course or into open ocean.  Wind conditions often combine with currents to produce rough, unpredictable waves. 

There are many other paddling options though.  Paddling across the creek into the marshes of Little Tybee Island provides access to more sheltered waters.  Be careful and pay attention to where you are going.  The marsh has many creeks and channels many of which are dead ends. 

Looking at the map should give you an idea of how extensive this marsh is.  Pay attention to the tides and currents in this area. 

Ebenezer Creek. 

For those looking for a scenic paddle with minimal exposure to wind or current, my favorite is Ebenezer Creek launching from Tommy Long Boat Ramp.  It is about an hour drive from the campground, and is well worth making the trip.  Ebenezer Creek offers paddlers a unique blend of natural beauty and history.  In the late fall, the creek transforms into a scene of quiet splendor, with its mirrored blackwater reflecting the vibrant golds and deep reds of the season. 

The paddle from Tommy Long Boat Ramp to the Savannah River on Ebenezer Creek is approximately 7 miles making it a 14-mile round trip.  Typically, there is minimal current and paddlers take time to explore away from the main flow of the creek and into the surrounding swamplands.  Depending on the water level, it is possible to paddle into stands of bald cypress and tupelo trees.   These stalwart sentinels rise from the creek, their roots forming intricate, knotted buttresses that seem to anchor the past to the present.  Spanish moss drapes their branches, swaying gently in the breeze, adding an ethereal quality to the landscape.

Ebenezer Creek is more than a paddler’s haven; it’s a somber reminder of the area’s complex history.  During the Civil War, this quiet waterway bore witness to one of its most heartbreaking tragedies.  As General Sherman’s Union forces advanced during the infamous March to the Sea, hundreds of freed slaves followed, seeking safety and freedom.  When the Union army crossed Ebenezer Creek, they removed the pontoon bridges behind them, leaving the group stranded.  Desperate to escape the approaching Confederate forces, many tried to swim across the cold, swift creek.  Tragically, countless lives were lost in the attempt.  The waters we paddle today carry the echoes of their courage and despair—a stark reminder of the resilience and sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

Late fall is an ideal time to explore Ebenezer Creek.  The cool air keeps insects away, and the vivid colors of autumn provide a breathtaking backdrop. 

Moon River

Another area to paddle is Skidaway River and Moon River.  The launch at Butterbean Beach is very close to the campground.  As you paddle through the calm waters, you’ll glide past salt marshes teeming with wildlife and under the sprawling limbs of live oaks draped with Spanish moss that stretch over the shoreline.  These iconic trees create a natural canopy, providing shade and a sense of tranquility.  Along the way, you’ll pass historic landmarks, remnants of old shipyards, and scenic waterfront homes that reflect the area’s rich history.

The Savanah area provides a wide range of paddling opportunities.  While it may be fun to explore, make sure that you do your homework.  Have charts and maps of the area, know the tides and currents.  In some cases, it can be helpful to carry a GPS to help find your way through the marshes.  There are several local outfitters and guides who can also be useful resources.  Know your skill level and know your limits.  Above all, be safe. 

Have fun, and happy paddling.  

Paula Hubbard

CPA Coordinator.   

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