Your Soul Soothing Guide to the Picturesque Places and Dreamy Drives of Liberty County
Sometimes, you need a moment to collect your thoughts, zone out the distractions of everyday life and just breathe. If you’re searching for some peace and quiet, Liberty County’s got just the remedy with a few spots in the area that offer serenity amongst all the noise.
Sunbury Cemetery: Some of Liberty County’s first and most influential residents are buried here, and while some may believe cemeteries to be eerie, others find a sense of serenity surrounded by the graves of those who have entered eternal sleep. The cemetery is surrounded by neighboring houses but the loudest noise you’ll hear will be the crunching of leaves under your feet as you meander through the graveyard. History buffs will be interested to read the stories on the interpretive signs throughout the cemetery, and you’ll have plenty of time to let your mind wander in an uninterrupted environment.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Photo courtesy of Fort Morris
Fort Morris: Visit this Georgia State Historic Site on a regular day and it will offer a muted retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. It’s here that you can observe the vista of St. Catherines Sound, almost exactly as it was over 200 years ago. Ft. Morris is also part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, and the birds provide a welcome melodic soundtrack to the stillness. Picnic tables are available, and you’re allowed to wander through the park at your leisure. Those wanting a guided tour and look inside the on-site museum, can do so as well. The surrounding Sunbury community is quiet as well, and Ft. Morris provides a tranquil place for relaxation.
Contact info: 912-884-5999
Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 9am-5pm
Historic Baptismal Trail: This is not only a nature trail, but also the holy spot where the ancestors of the local Gullah-Geechee community baptized members into their faith. Tall pines line the dirt path down to the pool, far from the busy road you pull off of for your visit. Once you make it all the way down, stroll out onto the boardwalk, which is elevated above the creek for a scenic view. On a sunny day, when the creek is at high tide, the water looks almost black from the rich, dark mud beneath. The patches of sun coming through the vibrant green trees bounce off the water for a sparkling effect. It’s a soothing site for the senses and the mind.
Contact: City of Riceboro, 912-884-2986
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and Saturday & Sunday, 9am-5pm Hours are subject to change.
Photo courtesy of Bobby Cary
Jones Creek Park: Head out to the Isle of Wight, and you’ll come across a pleasant out of the way park with a lovely view of Jones Creek. There’s a playground for little ones, however, the park remains peaceful on most days. If you have a boat or kayak, it’s a good place to launch from but if not just sit and soak in the view and revel in hushed tones and alluring view.
Contact: Liberty County Recreation Department, 912-876-5359
Hours: Sunday – Saturday 7am-7pm
Since you’re most likely going to be driving to get to these destinations, why not have a pleasant drive as well? Traffic is a stressor but take these recommended roads, and you’ll have relatively little traffic to deal with, especially if you’re going for a Sunday drive.
Photo courtesy of Camera Koala Photography
Head east on Hwy. 84 or Islands Hwy. as we like to call it, cross over I-95 and turn left onto Old Sunbury Road. It starts off as gravel, leading you past Tradeport East Business Center, then it turns into a dirt road, taking you right to the Sunbury Cemetery. The road is lined with plenty of oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Yes, your vehicle might get dirty but the satisfaction of driving down a road with no traffic is well worth it in this case.
If you stop off at the Sunbury Cemetery, get back on that dirt road and then turn right at the stop sign to head over to Ft. Morris. If you haven’t had your fill of quietness once you leave Sunbury and Ft. Morris, get back onto Hwy. 84 for a bit and then turn left at Charlie Butler Road to take you to Cay Creek Road.
Photo courtesy of Waylon McKinnon
Nothing beats an old dirt road for getting back to basics and Cay Creek Road is one of our best. I guarantee you won’t run into a traffic jam but you should take it slow anyway and drink in the view. If you do come across another car, you’ll most assuredly get a friendly wave hello. Cay Creek Road ends in Riceboro and it’s a pretty short drive down Hwy. 17 to get to E.B. Cooper Hwy. and the Historic Baptismal Trail.
Jones Creek Park is also on the way back from the Sunbury area, you just need to make a right-hand turn onto Isle of Wight Road and then follow it until you see the park on your right-hand side.
So, take a deep breath, put on some mellow tunes for your drive and then give yourself an intermission from the clamor of everyday life and commune with nature in these quiet spots.
