Cumberland Island, Georgia by Ryan Hines
A 45-minute ferry ride and a world away from the business of the resorts from the neighboring islands, Cumberland entices visitors to get off the grid and enjoy the wild and undeveloped coast. Get lost cruising down the dirt roads swathed in Spanish moss and towering oaks, while experiencing one of America's National Seashores.
Important Things to Remember About Visiting Cumberland Island
Plan ahead. There are no stores on the island so you have to carry on and carry out all of your supplies (including water). If you're staying overnight you need to book your campsite or room at the Greyfield Inn well in advance.
Pack light. Unless you’re staying at the Greyfield Inn, you’ll have to carry everything you’ll need during your stay.
Consider the season. A camping trip in July is not for the faint of heart. Summer temperatures in this region are typically in the 80s and 90s and up.
BE ON TIME. I cannot stress this enough; the ferries do not wait for anyone.
Cumberland Island is massive. It’s about 17.5 miles long and over 30,000 acres of land so that is a lot of land to cover on foot. Since there are no cars on the island you have two choices: walk or ride bikes. You can find bike rentals at Sea Camp Dock through the Cumberland Island Ferry for $16 a day and $20 for overnight.
Cumberland Island by Ryan Hines
Sights to See in Cumberland Island
Dungeness Ruins: Revolutionary War Hero General Nathanael Greene purchased land on Cumberland Island in 1783. Following his death, his widow Catherine Greene constructed a four-story tabby home that she named Dungeness. Thomas Carnegie and his wife Lucy began building another Dungeness on the original foundation in 1884. The Carnegie's Dungeness burned in 1959 and today only the ruins (pictured bottom left) remain on the site. The ruins are an architectural maze of intrigue; grab a camera and wander through the layers.
Plum Orchard: Built-in 1898, Plum Orchard is a 20,000 square foot, Georgian Revival mansion. Built by Lucy Carnegie for her son, George and his wife, Margaret Thaw. It is almost 8 miles from the Sea Camp dock to visit Plum Orchard. In order to tour Plum Orchard, you need to participate in the Lands and Legacies Tour. Click here for tour details.
Plum Orchard in Cumberland Island by Ryan Hines
Plum Orchard
First African Baptist Church: Located approximately 17 miles from the Sea Camp dock, visitors can visit the First African Baptist Church. During the 1890s, the Settlement was established for African American workers. The First African Baptist Church was established in 1893 and then rebuilt in the 1930s. It was the site of the September 1996 wedding of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
First African Baptist Church in Cumberland Island by Ryan Hines
Beaches: Spend hours beachcombing, swimming, and lounging on the beaches of Cumberland. I could spend all day wandering Dungeness Beach hunting for sharks’ teeth and shells.
Wildlife: The undeveloped state of Cumberland allows for a variety of roving wildlife on the island. You can find wild horses, turkeys, dolphins, hogs, deer, and birds during your stay. Watch out for alligators too. It’s important to respect these animals; do not feed them and do not approach them.
Where to stay in Cumberland Island?
Camping: There are both developed and wilderness available and limited to seven days at a time. For more camping info click here. I've yet to camp on Cumberland but with a husband in the outdoor recreation field, I have a feeling we will one day.
Greyfield Inn: Built in 1900 by the Carnegies, Greyfield was converted to an inn in 1962. With a breakfast bar, picnic lunches, cocktail hour with hors d'œuvres, and classic Southern suppers, the inn is an all-inclusive experience. It is a major splurge but these incredible food amenities alone are enough to sway me to make the spend. I hope to stay here in the near future.
With few places like this left in America, visiting Cumberland Island is truly an unforgettable experience.
Sources: National Park Service
Pin for later to plan your trip to Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island, Georgia
