NOTE: Preregistration is required. Please email Philip Bouchard at:
Field Trip Leaders: Philip Bouchard and Bobby Hattaway
Description: Our destination is the Moody Forest WMA, a tract of land owned by The Nature Conservancy in the Georgia coastal plain near Baxley. We will walk Tavia’s Trail, a 3.7-mile loop hike that primarily passes through sandy upland forest, but also some low forest in the floodplain of the Altamaha River, including a grove of swamp tupelos. Among the many plants we expect to see are Indian Pink, Shiny Blueberry, Atamasco Lily, Orange Milkwort, Sweetbay Magnolia, Fringed Bluestar, Four-petal St. Johnswort, Gopherweed, Candyroot, Rusty Staggerbush (Tree Lyonia), Virginia Goat’s Rue, and Catbells.
Location & Directions: Moody Forest WMA is located about 10 miles north of Baxley in Appling County. Access to the WMA is via well-maintained dirt roads. However, you must take care to go to the correct location within the WMA. If you are using a map, then the key landmark is the intersection of East River Rd and Jake Moody Rd, which is about 200 feet from where we will meet. Coming from the north, drive south on US-1 from Lyons. Three miles after crossing the Altamaha River, turn left onto Asbury Church Rd. Coming from the south, drive north on US-1 from Baxley. Eight miles north of Baxley, turn right on Asbury Church Rd. In either case, continue east on Asbury Church Rd for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto Spring Branch Rd and continue for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto E River Rd and continue for 0.7 miles. Turn left into the little parking lot.
Meet At: The small unpaved parking lot for Tavia’s Trail in the Moody Forest WMA, on East River Rd just 200 feet west of Jake Moody Rd. GPS: (31.9069, -82.3126)
Bathroom Facilities: Yes.
Walking Difficulty: This hike is fairly flat, but there is a long gentle downhill stretch as we descend into the floodplain of the Altamaha, and then a long gentle uphill stretch as we return to the dry upland section. You may find the uphill stretch to be a bit tiring, especially if the weather is hot.
Bring: Lunch, snacks, & water. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Dress for the weather in layers so you can adjust as the temperature changes. You may want to bring binoculars, a hand lens, a notebook, and a camera.