Georgia’s Pristine Coast - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 1080

VISITORS FROM THE SEA
On warm nights the beaches of Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island, and other spots
along Georgia's coast are visited by fleets of lumbering giants known as loggerhead
turtles. Weighing from 300 to 800 pounds and measuring more than a yard long, the
loggerheads crawl onto the beach, dig deep holes, and each deposit more than 100
leathery shelled eggs. When the young turtles hatch two months later, they scramble
down the beach and into the sea.
Visitors to the island need to be sure to check out the Georgia Sea Turtle Center,
whichopenedinJune2007andisahospitalforillandinjuredseaturtles.Theyarethe
only hospital of its kind here in the state. The center is open to the general public and
offersaninteractive exhibit gallery andrehabilitation pavilion withanumberofview-
able sea turtle patients. For more information visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org .
4. Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
AsyoucontinuesouthonRte.17throughMidway,considerstopsatFortStewartMuseum,
the Historical Liberty Trail, andFortMorrisHistoric Park.Further,at SouthNewport, look
on your left for the sign that marks the site of the “Smallest Church in America”—a 10-
by 13-foot chapel with a modest 12 seats. Nestled in a mossy glade, the church is open to
wayfarers of all denominations 24 hours a day.