A beach trip without a crowd hits differently. There is a small Georgia island, not far from Jacksonville Florida, that feels a million miles from the real world and is accessible only via boat.
Once you arrive, you can relax at a slow pace and spend your days exploring the shore, watching wild horses, swimming in the ocean and observing island birds. This is your chance to completely unplug (because there is no Wi-Fi) and embrace the peace and quiet of Cumberland Island.
Don’t have your own boat? Schedule your ferry transportation to explore this wondrous and primitive island: Reserve Here.
Escape To An Island For The Best Natural Activities
Your trip won’t be anything less than sublime on this secluded and serene island. Here, you can enjoy:
Wild Horses
One of the biggest draws is catching a glimpse of the wild horses that freely roam Cumberland Island. Descendants of colonial livestock, these majestic animals can often be seen by the historic district near the dock. Keep looking for them along forest tracks, too – you may encounter a small herd grazing peacefully.
Camping
Spending a night under the dense canopy of Spanish moss will give you a front-row seat for stargazing. Dispersed beachside and backcountry primitive camps are also perfect for spotting wild horses quite close by. After dark, you should wander down sand paths illuminated only by silvery moonlight.
Be sure you have reviewed the island’s website, obtained your camping permit and reserved your campsite ahead of time!
Hiking Trails
Moreover, there are multiple well-worn paths that lead hikers through maritime woodlands swarming with wildlife. The 3-mile Dungeness Trail makes a prime short hike where you can witness the abandoned plantation ruins. Meanwhile, lengthy routes like the 8-mile Wilderness Loop offer rocky coastal views plus historical sites from past indigenous inhabitants and settlers of Cumberland Island.
Must-Visit Historical and Cultural Sites
If you enjoy stepping back in time and exploring remnants of the past, then Cumberland Island won’t disappoint. Visit one or more of the following places:
Dungeness Ruins
Walk through the stone and brick remnants of this once extravagant estate. As the former home of industrialist Thomas Carnegie, it played a key role in the island’s development. Nearby open fields of this part of Cumberland Island are the best places for observing grazing horses against the backdrop of coastal ruins. Interpretive signs help you imagine their mansions’ former glory.
Plum Orchard Mansion
This ornate mansion lets you witness the life of the Foshalee Railroad family. It is best if you pick guided tours that will give you immense historical and architectural knowledge. Its spacious grounds along the Atlantic are your chances to find the wild horses again from the porch or roaming nearby Spanish oak trees.
Legacy Tours
For a more in-depth cultural experience, take an informative guided van tour. Friendly park rangers share stories of the Guale Indians, enslaved people, and Gilded Age elites that shaped the island. Stops at plantation and estate sites are massive opportunities to find grazing horses enriching the historical landscape. Insights help visitors better understand the interconnected ecology, history, and conservation of this special place.
Luxury On The Island
Want the escape but also experience some luxury? The all-inclusive Greyfield Inn might be just what you’re looking for.
Greyfield Inn
Cumberland Island offers 18-miles of nearly-isolated beachfront, 300-year-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, crushed shell paths, and an abundance of wildlife untouched by the outside world. Greyfield Inn is the sole commercial establishment on Cumberland Island, giving guests an unprecedented opportunity to connect with nature at its most pristine.
Bike on winding, live oak-lined trails that lead to historic relics and natural wonder. Swim and sunbathe on a secluded 18-mile beach. Kayak through picturesque Lowcountry marshes and discover wildlife never seen before. At the end of the day, unwind on the porch with a cocktail and recount your adventures.
Cumberland Island’s Wild Horses
The wild horses of Cumberland Island Beach certainly add to the unique beauty and mystique of this remote setting. However, their presence also presents some challenges from a wildlife conservation standpoint.
The Impact of Non-Native Horses
As non-native animals originally introduced by humans, the horses can negatively impact the island’s sensitive ecological balance when their numbers grow too high. Their grazing and dispersal of seeds from non-native plant species threaten the indigenous flora that local fauna depend upon.
Habitat Degradation and Erosion
The horses’ foraging and trampling have been known to strip vegetation bare in some areas, causing heightened erosion. This degradation of habitat has consequences for native creatures like crabs, birds, and small mammals that need shelter and nourishment in the maritime forests and sand dunes.
Population Management Efforts
Ongoing population management aims to strike a balance. There is an ongoing effort to allow the iconic presence of these horses, and simultaneously protect the island’s biodiversity. Numbers are monitored and periodically reduced through humane measures if necessary to curb overgrazing.
Preserving Cumberland Island’s Heritage
Despite challenges, many still see the horses as basic to preserving Cumberland Island’s heritage as a historically managed landscape. It is hoped man and animal can both happily co-exist within this protected coastal wilderness for years to come.
Some Tips for the Visitors
Here are some tips for having a safe and respectful visit to Cumberland Island:
Plan Ahead
Book your ferry pass and camping permit well in advance. Consider bringing or renting bikes to explore the 17-mile island. Schedule your stay around the ferry schedule for seamless transportation on and off the island.
Pack Light
You can bring gear on the ferry, but pack only essentials to reduce impact. Bring water, lunch, binoculars, hiking shoes, and sun protection. Limited amenities are available on the island.
Respect Wildlife
View Cumberland’s wild horses and other animals from at least 50 feet. Never feed, pet, or approach them, as this endangers both wildlife and visitors. Observe quietly from a distance.
Trash Your Trash
Carry out all items brought. Nothing should be left on the beach or trails. Leaving no trace protects the island’s natural integrity.
Stay on Trails
Wandering off designated trails risks getting lost, trampling vegetation or startling animals. Many beautiful spots are only reachable by approved paths.
Avoid Confrontation
If wild horses approach, do not run but instead back away slowly until they lose interest. Never get between a mare and her foal. Contact rangers in emergencies.
Follow Guidelines
Obey all posted regulations to keep yourself and others safe while conserving this protected coastal haven for years to come. With awareness and care, you can fully enjoy its natural wonders.
Conclusion
Cumberland Island beckons those seeking natural solace. Explore hidden shores and animals, on nature’s terms. Hike past ruins to imagine lives across centuries. At night, gaze at bright stars and hear the soothing ocean water. Schedule transportation, camping or resort stays in advance.
