Entry No. 34 — the Savannah file — filed under: night-hike
Fort McAllister State Historic Park — Super Moon Hike
A ranger leads a roughly 3-mile after-dark hike through the earthwork fort, timed to the full moon ($5 per adult plus ParkPass, pre-registration required).
The story
Most Civil War fortifications along the coast relied on brick and mortar, but Fort McAllister was carved out of packed earth and sand on the banks of the Ogeechee River. That dirt design is precisely why it survived ironclad bombardments—the soil absorbed cannon fire that would have shattered masonry. By day, it is a manicured state historic site in Richmond Hill. But under a full moon, the park opens its gates after dark for a select group to walk the grounds with a park ranger.
Walking the raised earthworks and cannon emplacements at night strips away the usual static display feel. Without midday sun flattening the terrain, the silhouettes of the bombproof shelters, battery lines, and tidal marsh take on a quiet, imposing scale. Timed to catch the full moon over the water, the roughly three-mile trek relies on moonlight to guide your steps along the riverbank.
What it's like
Pre-registration and payment are mandatory before you show up, so call ahead to lock down a spot. At the park, you will pay the $5 adult fee along with the standard Georgia ParkPass daily parking fee. The three-mile night walk keeps a manageable pace as the ranger leads you through the shadows of the earthworks, accompanied by the ambient sounds of nocturnal marsh critters along the Ogeechee River. Wear sturdy walking shoes and pack a small flashlight just in case.
The move: Call ahead ($5/adult plus parking, pre-registration and payment required) and walk the Civil War earthworks by moonlight instead of daylight — the same cannon emplacements that guarded the Ogeechee River look entirely different at night.
- 📍 Richmond Hill
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 3894 Fort McAllister Rd, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Pin Point Heritage Museum — Pair an afternoon exploring coastal Gullah-Geechee history along the Moon River marsh with an evening earthwork hike on the Ogeechee.
- Graveface Records & Curiosities — Trade moonlit riverbank history in Richmond Hill for a trip into Savannah's weirdest backroom cabinet of taxidermy and oddities.
- Cosmic Corner — Match your full-moon night hike with a visit to Starland's spiritual supply shop for crystals, herbs, and occult literature.
Good to know
How much does the hike cost?
The event costs $5 per adult, plus the standard Georgia State Parks ParkPass parking fee.
Is pre-registration required?
Yes, you must call ahead to pre-register and pay before attending the event.
How long is the hike?
The ranger-led moonlight route covers roughly 3 miles through the fort grounds.
Where is the park located?
You'll find it at 3894 Fort McAllister Rd in Richmond Hill, Georgia, set right along the Ogeechee River south of Savannah.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · happeningnext.com
last checked: 2026-07-20