Bike paths in Savannah

Question

Traveling end of this month to Savannah. We enjoy bike riding. Best place to rent bikes and best bike paths? I am also a birding novice. Hoping to see some birds on bike paths . Thanks for your advice!

Answer

Savannah is a great city for biking, with its flat terrain, scenic views, and historic charm. As a novice birder, you'll also find that the city's bike paths pass through some areas that are great for spotting local birdlife. Here’s some advice on where to rent bikes and the best bike paths for your trip:

Bike Rentals: For bike rentals, there are a few great options in Savannah:
- Savannah Bike Tours & Rentals – Located at 321 Abercorn St, they offer a range of bikes for rent, from cruisers to electric bikes. They also offer guided bike tours if you're interested in learning more about the city’s history and landmarks while biking.
- Southbound Bicycle Company – Situated at 314 W. Broughton St, this local shop offers bike rentals and has a great reputation for friendly service. They provide both standard bikes and electric bikes, making it easy to get around the city comfortably.
- Revolution Bicycle Company – Located at 42 Abercorn St, Revolution offers rentals and specializes in bike sales and repairs. They also offer guided tours, which can be a great way to see the city and get some advice on local birding spots.
Best Bike Paths in Savannah: Here are some of the best bike paths where you can enjoy both biking and birdwatching:
- The Savannah Waterfront Trail – This is a lovely route that runs along the Savannah River and provides stunning views of the water. The path is popular for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians. You can enjoy biking along the river and spotting birds, especially near the marshy areas. Look out for wading birds like herons and egrets.
- The Isle of Hope Loop – If you want to venture outside of the city, the Isle of Hope area offers a scenic ride through historic neighborhoods and along the water. It’s a peaceful ride with opportunities to spot coastal birds, especially around the marshes and waterfront areas.
- The Historic District and Forsyth Park – You can bike through the beautiful squares of Savannah’s Historic District, with shady oak-lined streets and gardens. Forsyth Park, in particular, is a great area to bike through, and you may spot birds like sparrows, robins, and even hawks in the park’s trees.
- Skidaway Island State Park – For a more natural setting, head out to Skidaway Island State Park, located just outside of Savannah. The park has bike-friendly trails through maritime forests and salt marshes. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds to be spotted.

As a beginner birdwatcher, you may want to bring along a pair of binoculars and a bird guide to help you identify the birds you encounter along the trails. Some great spots for birding include the waterfront areas, marshes, and parks with abundant trees. Keep an eye out for common species like red-tailed hawks, woodpeckers, and a variety of waterfowl!

Enjoy your biking adventure in Savannah, and have fun birdwatching!