Cumberland Island Seashore
Nature and History Intertwine at this Southeastern National Park
Cumberland Island National Seashore provides the perfect getaway for those looking for pristine beaches, wild horses, and beautiful maritime forests and wildlife.
Nestled along the southern coast of Georgia lies a little-known treasure in the United States National Park System—Cumberland Island National Seashore. The largest of the sea barrier islands, Cumberland Island is a treasure for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
History
Although the park showcases nature’s beauty at its finest, the story of over 4000 years of human history can be seen in artifacts left by its inhabitants. Indians, Spanish missions and colonists are among the earliest settlers. In 1783, revolutionary war hero Nathaniel Greene and his widow bought land and began constructing “Dungeness” a four-story home. The First African Baptist church was established in 1893 for the black workers who lived in the northern end of the island during the 1890s. Visiting the ruins of a mansion constructed by Andrew Carnegie, brother of the steel tycoon, Thomas Carnegie offers visitors the opportunity to experience the lavishness and luxury of days gone past. Also, an 1898 Georgian Revival-style mansion, built by George and Margaret Thaw in 1898, was donated to the National Park Service by the Carnegie family in 1971. John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bissette were married in a secret ceremony on the Island in 1996.
Beaches, Wildlife and Activities
Cumberland Island is arguably home to the some of the world’s most pristine beaches. You can walk for miles on the sandy shore without seeing any other human visitors; the park limits guests to 300 per day. Most likely you will, however, see some of Cumberland Island’s most famous inhabitants, wild horses. Over 300 wild horses are estimated to be living on the island. Other more elusive inhabitants of Cumberland beaches include the great sea turtles that nest on the island during the summer months. Heading into the maritime forest provides more opportunity to see unique flora and fauna. Armadillos, squirrels, raccoons, whitetail deer, armadillos, wild pigs, alligators and birds can be found throughout island. Stately oak trees draped in Spanish moss protect the inland lands, and saw palmetto ferns provide shelter for the creatures of the underbrush. Miles of trails and roads make it easy for visitors to map out their own tours, or take a guided park tour.
Accomodations
Greyfield Inn is the only private hotel on the Island. The National Park Service offers backcountry camping, and rustric sea camping. Reservations are recommended for both.
How to Get There
Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida are the closest nearby cities. Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat, and the National Park Ferry Service departs from the seaside town of St. Mary’s Georgia. Contact Cumberland Island National Seashore for reservations and current rates at 912-882-4336.
