Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the United States is a little slice of paradise known as Cumberland Island. This barrier island off the coast of Georgia is a nature lover’s dream, with miles of unspoiled beaches, pristine marshes, and dense maritime forests. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, wild horses, and hundreds of bird species. In short, Cumberland Island is a little piece of heaven on Earth—and it’s well worth a visit.
Cumberland Island can only be accessed by ferry, which departs from the city of St. Marys, Georgia. The ferry ride itself is an adventure, as you’ll get to see dolphins frolicking in the water and pelicans soaring overhead. Once you reach the island, you’ll find yourself in a different world entirely. There are no cars on Cumberland Island (with the exception of a few golf carts used by park staff), so it’s the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
There are several ways to explore the island. You can hike or bike along one of the many trails that wind through the island’s forests and marshes, go kayaking or canoeing through its waterways, or simply relax on one of its many secluded beaches.
The island has been home to native Americans, Spanish missionaries, wealthy planters, and freed slaves. Today, Cumberland Island is a national park and a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Here’s a brief history of this fascinating place.
The first people to call Cumberland Island home were the Timucua Indians. The Timucua were a peaceful people who lived off the land and made their homes in small villages. They were expert farmers and fishermen and had a rich culture and traditions.
In the 1500s, Spanish explorers arrived on Cumberland Island in search of gold. They did not find the gold they were looking for, but they did find something else of value: timber. The island’s trees were tall and straight, perfect for shipbuilding. The Spanish built a fort on the island and began chopping down the trees.
In the 1600s, the English arrived in Georgia and established the colony of Georgia. Georgia was originally founded as a place where debtors could start over fresh. Wealthy planters from other colonies began moving to Georgia, attracted by its fertile land and mild climate. soon, plantations began popping up all over Cumberland Island.
Cumberland Island was one of the largest and most prosperous plantations in Georgia. It was owned by several different families over the years, including the Lisles, the Shourds, and finally, the Carnegie family. The Carnegie family, owned Cumberland Island for nearly 100 years. During that time, they built several grand mansions on the island, including Dungeness (which burned down in 1959) and Greyfield (which is still standing today and is a beautiful antique bed and breakfast with all-inclusive accomodations).
In 1972, Cumberland Island was designated as a national seashore by Congress. Today, it is managed by the National Park Service and is open to visitors year-round.
Cumberland Island is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the world. It is home to over 9,000 acres of protected wilderness. Visitors can explore miles of unspoiled beaches, hike through pristine forests, and see wild horses roaming freely. There are also several historical sites to explore, including the remains of a Carnegie’s Greyfield mansion and Fort Caroline National Monument.
Here are 5 things you can do on Cumberland Island to make the most of your visit:
The Cumberland Island Museum tells the story of the island’s past, from its days as a private retreat for wealthy families to its present-day status as a national park. The museum is housed in a beautiful old mansion once owned by the Carnegie family. Visitors can explore the mansion’s many rooms and learn about the island’s rich history.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of photographs. Many of these photos were taken by famed photographer Ansel Adams and captured the beauty of Cumberland Island in all its glory. The museum also has a great gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books about the island’s history.
The remains of Carnegie’s mansion are located on the north end of Cumberland Island, near the spot where the island’s freshwater lake meets the saltwater marshes. Visitors can reach the ruins by taking a short hike from the main trailhead; the hike is easy and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
When you arrive at the ruins, you’ll immediately be struck by their size and scale. The mansion’s foundation is all that remains, but it’s still possible to get a sense of how grand and luxurious the building must have been in its heyday. Be sure to bring your camera—the views from the ruins are simply breathtaking.
Cumberland Island is a nature lover’s dream come true. With its miles of unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, the island is truly a paradise for those who appreciate the great outdoors. And one of the best ways to experience all that Cumberland Island has to offer is by visiting the Sea Camp Ranger Station.
The Sea Camp Ranger Station is located in the heart of Cumberland Island National Seashore, and it is the perfect place to start your exploration of the island. The station offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, including hikes, kayak tours, and beachcombing expeditions. And best of all, the Sea Camp Ranger Station is open to the public year-round!
No matter what time of year you visit Cumberland Island, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at the Sea Camp Ranger Station. In the summer, you can take a dip in the on-site pool or go for a refreshing swim in the nearby ocean. And in the winter, you can cozy up by the fire with a good book from the station’s lending library.
When most people think of national parks, they envision wide open spaces filled with trees, mountains, and wildlife. And while Cumberland Island National Seashore certainly has all of those things, it also boasts something a little bit different: dark skies. In fact, Cumberland Island is one of only a handful of national parks that have been designated as an International Dark Sky Park. So, what does that mean? And why is it important?
An International Dark Sky Park is a place where the night sky is free from artificial light pollution. In other words, it’s a place where you can see the stars in all their glory. Cumberland Island was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2018 thanks to its remote location and lack of artificial lighting. The island is one of only 22 places in the world—and the only one in Georgia—to receive this designation.
For many people, stargazing is a way to connect with the universe. It’s a way to feel small in the face of something so vast and so beautiful. And on Cumberland Island, you can really take your time to appreciate the stars. That’s because there’s no artificial light pollution to distract you or interfere with your view.
There are a few ways you can enjoy the stars on Cumberland Island. One option is to attend one of the ranger-led stargazing programs that are offered periodically throughout the year. These programs usually take place at night and last for about an hour or two. Another option is to go on your own (or with friends or family) and find a spot away from any artificial light sources—such as campgrounds or picnic areas—to set up your own telescope or just lay down on a blanket and look up at the sky.
With its pristine beaches, marshes, and forests, the island is teeming with wildlife. It’s also an angler’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities to catch redfish, trout, flounder, and more.
One of the best spots for fishing on Cumberland Island is around Sea Camp Dock. This is a good spot for catching redfish, trout, and flounder. Another great spot is at Brickhill Bluff, where you can fish for redfish, trout, sheepshead, and whiting. For something a little different, head over to Main Beach where you can fish for pompano, bluefish, and mackerel. And finally, don’t forget about The Clayhole—a popular spot for catching bass.
Here are just a few of the many reasons why Cumberland Island should be on your fishing bucket list.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, Cumberland Island is a great place to cast your line. With its diverse array of fish species, calm waters, and beautiful scenery, the island has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your tackle box and head on down to Cumberland Island for some of the best fishing around!
Sources:
