Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest barrier island. Pristine beaches and abundant wildlife mingle with Native Americans, enslaved people and the ghosts of America’s richest families. Visiting Cumberland Island, Georgia requires more planning than any other beach vacation. This article will tell you everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your visit. Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Directions to Cumberland Island, Georgia
As a protected national beach, only a limited number of people are allowed to enter each day.Therefore you need to buy a ferry ticket in advance. The visitor center, museum, and ferry terminal are located in St. Mary’s. Please allow enough time for parking.
Ferry schedules vary seasonally, but generally depart St. Mary’s Dock twice daily. The island is a 45 minute drive. You can also bring your bike on the ferry, but it requires space and an additional fee.
What do I need to bring?
In a nutshell? All. And you have to bring that too. There are no rights on the island. There are no trash cans either. The rule here is pack in, pack out.
No matter the season, bug spray and sunscreen are essential in South Georgia. Just take an emergency snack and go somewhere else. Drinks and snacks are sold on the ferry, and there are drinking fountains throughout the island.
Transportation within the island
Unless you take a guided van tour (more on that later), you have two options – bike or hike. Be sure to know the distance to the landmarks you want to see. It’s best to be incredibly honest about your fitness level. Don’t forget to consider the heat.
Camping on Cumberland Island
Camping on Cumberland Island, Georgia means tough camping. There are 3 wilderness campgrounds and 2 smaller campgrounds. What’s the difference? Sea Camp Group campgrounds and Stafford Beach are equipped with flush toilets, cold showers, fire pits and potable water.
The nature reserve is 8.5 to 16.5 miles from the wharf and requires a hike or bike to enter. Open fires are prohibited here, but camping stoves are permitted. There is a well nearby for drinking water and cooking, but you must bring your own water filter.
Cumberland Island Nature Activities
Hike through coastal forests and swim along 27 miles of pristine beaches. Fishing is free, but make sure anyone over the age of 16 has a Georgia fishing license. Saltwater fishing has additional requirements.They can be found at Georgia DNR Site.
There are many wild animals on the island! The island is characterized by herds of wild horses. In addition, the island is home to loggerhead turtles, alligators and armadillos. Make sure to give space to all wild animals to avoid injury.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is one of the best ways to involve your child in a trip to Cumberland Island. Pick up a free booklet at the Island Visitor Center or Sea Camp Ranger Station. There are different booklets for 5-7 and 8-12 year olds. This program provides a fun way to get kids interested in the island. Before leaving, submit a completed booklet, take an oath, and receive a plastic badge.
Land and Heritage Tour
This guided van tour to the northern tip of the island takes 5-6 hours. Visit historic sites such as the Plum Orchard Mansion and the First African Baptist Church. A great way to visit places too far for hiking or biking. Please note that this tour does not allow time for further exploration at the end of the day.
National Park Service Ranger Tours
footprint tour
Please inquire on the day of your visit as this guided tour will be held when staff are available. Walk 2.4 miles to the Dungeness Historic District for a 1-1.5 hour tour. This tour is not a loop. When the time is up, you can explore the area and return to the wharf. Self-guided cell phone tours are available if a ranger tour is not available.
plum garden tour
The Plum Orchard Mansion, which operates three times a day, is located 11 miles north of Sea Camp Dock. Getting there by bike or on foot is your responsibility. The NPS website states, “The 24-mile round trip hike is not recommended for day trippers.” The tour is 45 minutes.
wharf program
Dockside programs are ranger talks, not tours. Twice a day, it is held 30 minutes before his ferry departure. Themes vary, so ask the rangers during your visit.
Historic Sites in Cumberland Island
plum orchard mansion
This 22,00-square-foot mansion was built in the early 20th century and was home to members of the famous Carnegie family until 1921. Tours are free. just go there. Unfortunately, it’s 11 miles from the docks, so plan accordingly.
First African Baptist Church
This modest one-room church may be best known as the site of the 1996 wedding of John Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. But more importantly, this church was built in his 1896 by the island’s African-American residents. Many were once enslaved and lived in communities known as settlements. Located 23 miles from the pier, this landscape is best seen on the Land and Legacy Tour.
Dungeness Ruins
Wealthy businessman Thomas Carnegie built this house in 1884 for his extended family. Left uninhabited, his mansion suffered a fire in 1959 and now only crumbling walls remain. Still, the grounds are impressive and visitors can walk the grounds of the house on site and several outbuildings.
Gear up and enjoy Cumberland Island
It takes some preparation and planning, but it all pays off. Once you set foot on the Cumberland Island National Seashore, you’ll fall in love with this historic and natural area. Follow the tips in this article and you’ll be set to make the most of this unique destination.
This article was written and distributed by Wealth of Geeks travel.