REED BINGHAM STATE PARK
Visitors to this scenic park may see an abundance of wildlife, especially rare and endangered species such as spotted turtles, limpkin, indigo snakes, nesting bald eagles, alligators and more. Volunteers can assist with research projects in the Gopher Tortoise Management Area and may witness the hatching of the tortoises. During winter, thousands of ?buzzards?, large black vultures and turkey vultures, roost in the trees and soar overhead. Approximately 78 percent of the plant communities occurring in the Coastal Plain can be found along the Coastal Plain Nature Trails, making them some of the most diverse in the country. The 375-acre lake is popular with boaters and skiers, and fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and bream is excellent. Reed Bingham is less than six miles from I-75, a relaxing stop for travelers. It was named for Amos Reed Bingham, a local citizen who was instrumental in having the park established.
Before its establishment as a park, the land was used for agriculture and timber. The area's history includes Native American habitation, with evidence of their presence still found through artifacts.
The park is named after Amos Reed Bingham who played a significant role in developing local agricultural practices. It officially opened to the public in 1963.
Historical features within include remnants of early settler life such as old homesteads and farming structures. Its Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed dam created a 375-acre lake that remains central to recreation today.
Facilities have expanded including campgrounds, picnic areas, trails for hiking and biking; wildlife observation has become popular due to diverse ecosystems present there.
Conservation efforts increased focus on protecting species like the gopher tortoise and bald eagles which inhabit this protected natural environment.
1. Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites: 46 sites with electric and water hookups.
2. Pioneer Campground: Primitive camping area for groups only.
3. Paddle-In Camping Site: Accessible by canoe or kayak on the Little River Water Trail.
1. Reed Bingham State Park offers a 375-acre lake for swimming.
2. The park's beach area is perfect for sunbathing and water play.
3. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so swim at your own risk.
4. Swimming areas can get crowded during summer weekends; arrive early to secure spots.
5. Canoe rentals are available if you prefer paddling over swimming in the lake.
6. The park prohibits alcohol consumption and glass containers near the swimming area.
7. Pets aren't allowed within designated swim zones but there's an off-leash dog park nearby.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent on-site or you can bring your own boat with the convenience of two private boat ramps provided by the park. Motorized boats are also allowed but must adhere to a 10 horsepower limit. Fishing is popular in this area as well due its abundance of catfish, bass, crappie and bream.
Anglers can enjoy fishing in a 375-acre lake, home to largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bream. Boat ramps are available for use. Fishing tournaments occur throughout the year.
Reed Bingham State Park is located near Adel, Hahira and Moultrie
1. Reed Bingham State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills.
2. Shelters are available for large group picnics.
3. Picnic near the 375-acre lake for a scenic view.
4. Enjoy bird-watching while you picnic, as park is home to various species of birds.
5. You can also enjoy fishing during your picnic trip at this state park.
Cycling enthusiasts can explore over seven miles of trails, suitable for all skill levels. Be aware that helmets are required.
The park's terrain is mostly flat and easy to navigate but caution should be exercised during wet conditions.
Bike rentals aren't available on-site so remember to bring your own equipment if you plan on cycling here.
Be mindful of wildlife when biking as the area is home to various species including gopher tortoises and bald eagles.
Remember not every trail in this location allows bikes; always check signage before starting a ride.
Nighttime rides require lights - it's important cyclists remain visible after dark for safety reasons.
Respect other visitors by maintaining appropriate speeds while riding through shared spaces like picnic areas or campgrounds.
THE LITTLE RIVER TRAIL
This 0.9-mile trail introduces you to a River Swamp. Periodically flooded by the Little River, these bottomlands contain plants such as bald cypress, tupelos and spruce pine, that have adapted to wet conditions. This area is the interface between higher and drier uplands and the aquatic river environment. There are extensive boardwalks and two observation points overlooking the river. Look for river otters, spotted turtles and deer.
THE BIRDWALK TRAIL
This 0.6-mile trail takes you away from the river and traverses through five natural communities. The most striking is probably the mixed southern hardwoods, where you?ll see towering Southern magnolias, hickory, American holly and the rare silky camellia. Another unique aspect is the boardwalk featuring an observation area among a variety of ferns.
THE UPLAND LOOP
This 0.9-mile trail takes you in a short circle. You?ll begin on the edge of a floodplain forest among a mixture of pines (slash, pond and loblolly) and then cross an open pine woodland where longleaf are more dominant. The trail also features wiregrass, flowering dogwood, Yellow Jessamine and Highbush blueberry.
TURKEY OAK TRAIL
This short 0.3-mile trail cuts through the Upland Loop traversing through a variety of ?scrub oaks? ~~ turkey, blue jack, laurel and blackjack oak. Other plants include sassafras, sparkleberry, persimmon and two species of rare pitcher plants. Gopher tortoises are also abundant in this area.
THE GOPHER TORTOISE BIKE LOOP
This one-mile-long bike trail covers an area that was once cultivated and features a variety of scrub oaks, longleaf pine, saw palmetto and wiregrass. You?ll also see large live oaks and wax myrtle. This section is also part of our Gopher Tortoise Management Area and the tortoises are commonly seen here.
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It's home to bald eagles and red-cockaded woodpeckers. Bird walks are organized regularly by the Audubon Society for enthusiasts.
BBs / Inns
Our historic inn is located in historic Saint Marks, one of the oldest settlements in North America. First settled in 1527, Saint Marks is a historic little city at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge, it is located just 20 miles south of Tallahassee.
79.9 miles from park*
Located 6 miles west of Adel on Ga. Hwy. 37 via I-75 exit #39, and 14 miles east of Moultrie from U.S. Hwy. 319.