03 May 2021
Today Beth is humoring me with a sidetrip to the Folkston Funnel to see some trains.
At 0830 we left Cypress Grove Campground and Lake Santee in South Carolina behind to head south on I-95.
Noon had us eating lunch in the van at Georgia Peach World. We checked out the parking lot as they are a Harvest Host location very convenient to the interstate. There isn’t much shade, so I wouldn’t recommend the stop if it is hot enough to want air conditioning. There was a petting zoo that kids might enjoy.
Two hours later we were parked in a free lot next to the train viewing shelter in Folkston.
Getting out of the van, we heard a loud hiss and smelled propane. That’s a story deserving a dedicated post.
Most trains passing in and out of Florida funnel through this section of track providing the opportunity to see 40-45 freight and a couple of passenger trains per day.
We learned about this spot thanks to Tom & Patti Burkett, who posted Trainspotters as one of their, always interesting, Off the Beaten Path reports on the RV Lifestyle web site.
Notice of approaching trains come through speakers attached to radios, announcing when trains pass fault detectors north and south of Folkston.
Trains passing through during our visit were long and made-up of container carriers. This little rail truck was the exception.
Some trains were so long that an extra locomotive was located in the middle to provide enough power.
The small town was all about the railroad, even sporting locomotives on the street signs. If you don’t bring a camper, you can rent a caboose for the night at Railside Lodging.
Fresh white paint adorned the town depot which is now a museum. Unfortunately, they were closed due to covid-19, but we did find consolation at Whistlin Dixie, a local restaurant that provided us with fresh milkshakes.
Just south of town is Trader’s Hill Campground.
We pulled under the branches of an old live oak tree with full hookups for the very reasonable price of $20.
Popular with fishermen and kayakers, the campground is next to a boat launch providing access to the St Mary’s River. A short walk brought us to the calm of the river. Closer to the ocean, this same river widens and provides bluewater access to a significant submarine fleet.
Trader’s Hill is a friendly and inexpensive place to stay. Consider it when visiting Folkston or the East entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp. That’s our next stop…
Map of today’s route.