LeConte-Woodmanston Botanical Garden

Not as easy to find as Youmans Pond [1], though certainly worth the effort, is LeConte-Woodmanston Botanical Garden (912/884-6500, Tues.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Dec. 18–Feb. 14, call first to verify times and road conditions, $2). Part of William Bartram’s historic nature trail, this was the home of Dr. Louis LeConte, renowned 19th-century botanist, and his sons John LeConte, first president of the University of California at Berkeley, and Joseph LeConte, who with John Muir founded the Sierra Club.

The highlight here is the rare tidally influenced freshwater wetland, featuring the blackwater Bulltown Swamp. This visit is best done in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Getting to LeConte-Woodmanston Botanical Garden

From Savannah [2], take I-95 south to Exit 76. Turn right on U.S. 84, then left on U.S. 17. Turn right on Barrington Ferry Road until pavement ends at Sandy Run Road. Continue until you see the historic markers. Turn left onto the dirt road, then drive another mile.