Tattnall County: Nature, Sand Dunes, and History

In Tattnall County, distinctive landscapes, historic sites, and named routes shape the travel experience. One particularly striking natural feature is the Ohoopee Dunes: in some places, their sand deposits are up to 70 feet deep. The Ohoopee River makes its own impression, with soft white sandbars and clear black water.

Sand, River, and Natural Areas

The Ohoopee Dunes Preserve comprises 270 acres of protected land within the larger Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area. This natural area extends into Tattnall County. The two names therefore refer to different areas: the Preserve is a protected part of the larger Natural Area. Overnight camping trips on the river are recommended; the sandbars and dark, clear water give the Ohoopee River its distinctive landscape.

A large colony of Georgia plume is found in the Big Hammock Natural Area. The area is registered as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. The Big Hammock WMA, in turn, encompasses 7,221 acres of state-owned land. The Big Hammock Natural Area and the Big Hammock WMA are two different areas.

Routes with Distinct Features

Several routes pass through Tattnall County. The Wiregrass Trail is a 70-mile historic highway and also a scenic byway on Highway 57. The Woodpecker Route dates back to 1922 and runs through Tattnall County and three of its communities. The Georgia Grown Trail: 301 is a corridor through eight counties that also passes through Tattnall County.

The routes differ in their features: the Wiregrass Trail is 70 miles long and a scenic byway on Highway 57; the Woodpecker Route dates back to 1922 and runs through three communities; the Georgia Grown Trail: 301 passes through eight counties. You can use the feature that interests you most when planning your trip, rather than treating the three names as routes of the same kind.

Local History and Historic Buildings

The historic Tattnall County Courthouse in Reidsville was built in 1902. The Alexander Hotel dates to 1892 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 17, 1982. Today, the building houses the Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce and the Reidsville Welcome Station.

Other buildings add to the area’s historic landmarks: the Glennwanis Hotel was built in 1926. The historic Nelson Hotel in Reidsville has been restored, as has the W. L. Morris Building in Collins. At the Glennville-Tattnall Museum, visitors can see a 19th-century classroom and learn about the history of the turpentine industry. Together, the buildings and museum offer different ways to explore local history, from architecture to an industry that was once important to the local economy.

Tours, Wine, and Golf

Watermelon Creek Vineyard specializes in wines made from Muscadine grapes and offers guided tours. The present-day home of Watermelon Creek Vineyard traces its origins to 1812 on the banks of Watermelon Creek. Tours are also offered at Armstrong Cricket Farm. Alongside historic sites, tours provide another reason to visit.

Brazell’s Creek Golf Course offers a specific sporting option: the course has 18 holes and a par of 71. From the back tees, it measures just under 7,000 yards. For golfers, the number of holes, par, and length are the key figures for comparison; the stated length specifically refers to the back tees.

A regular event on the calendar is the Battle at Manassas. It is held every year on the third weekend in March at Fort Wallace-Wood in Tattnall County. If this event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific date for the year in question before finalizing your travel dates.

Plan Your Trip Around Your Interests

With a clear focus, you can shape the rest of your plans around the places and activities that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Glennville, Lowndes, Haralson County, Stephens County, Hall, Colquitt County, Walton, Telfair County.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.