Big Hammock Natural Area & WMA provide public access to some of the most pristine land on the north side of the Altamaha River, featuring vast hardwood bottomlands, sand ridges, and numerous oxbow lakes and sloughs.
Part of the property was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1976, and is home to a large population of the rare Georgia Plume (Elliottia racemosa), as well as numerous other plant and animal species.
Taylor Lake is a large oxbow near the access point.
The cavity of this ancient Blackgum, or Tupelo, (Nyssa sylvatica) was at least fifteen feet in height.
From the smallest skippers to alligators, wildlife abounds throughout Big Hammock.
The road varies from open to canopy. The canopied sections are the coolest, but beware the mosquitoes.
You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle on most days if you’re driving to the river. These road signs probably won’t be much help, either.
Old Field Lake is a small slough surrounded by Tupelo trees which can be a clue as to past high water marks.
There were quite a few American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) in this area.
There are many natural pools and bays to explore, most ephemeral in nature.
If you make it all the way to the river, you’ll be afforded a view like this one, at J. E. Stanfield Landing. The river is characteristically wide here.
beautiful place,, peaceful
Brian,
I grew up fishing in Taylor Lake with my family. My Grandfather and I would remain on the bank under the bridge and fish for “redeyes” used to bait his hook to catch pike. I have wonderful memories of this lake. My brother and I have been talking about visiting the lake this summer to fish it again.
Kim Hall – Third Street
Kim– Mike just told me you were my neighbor, so I must apologize for the very slow response…Thanks for sharing your memories of this beautiful place. Looks like a great fishing hole to me…
What a place of natural beauty ! Beautiful !
These are some really beautiful photos. We live in Savannah, but own some property on the Ohoopee in Tattnall County near the 280 bridge. The river is so broad in this picture, it must be pretty far below us. Can you give me some directions?
DeDe, so sorry to be so long replying…it got lost in the shuffle. The best way I can tell you to get to Big Hammock from the 280 bridge is to take Georgia Highway 121 south out of Reidsville and you will come to Big Hammock. It’s probably about a half-hour from your property by road, though likely much closer by river.