This barrier island is a sanctuary to behold, including historic ruins and wild horses.
Today, Cumberland Island is mostly protected land under the classification of National Seashore.
Marshland merges into wide sandy beaches.
Credit: Wynn Myers
Important to remember: As elegant as they are, do not approach or try and pet the horses.
Here’s what to know about Cumberland Island, and what to do once you get there.
Where Is Cumberland Island?
Credit:Kelsey Glennon
Kelsey Glennon
Youll find this golden isle off the coast of the Georgia-Florida state line.
It is only accessible by wateron a ferry or private boat, or by private plane.
Its landscape consists of marsh, ancient live oak maritime forest, and, of course, beaches.
Credit:Kelsey Glennon
The shores are white sand dotted with shells, driftwood, and the hooves ofwild horses.
The best time to visit is between October and June.
Cumberland Island History
Cumberland Islands first residents were the Timucuan Native Americans.
Credit:Kelsey Glennon
Spanish and English explorers arrived in the 1500s.
Lucy brought luxury to the island in the form of estates, family mansions, and a power plant.
Its classification as a National Seashore protects it from development in perpetuity.
Credit:Kelsey Glennon
There are no car bridges to Cumberland Island.
The only way to get to the island as a public visitor is by a 45-minute ferry ride.
This is the only public motorized tour offered on the island.
Credit:Kelsey Glennon
But, you’re able to take a 4.3-mile hike called the South End Loop Trail.
Take a slow walk on the wide beaches at low tide.
Look for shells and enjoy having the beach to yourself, save for a fewwild horsesin the distance.
The family home was commissioned by Lucy Carnegie for her son George and his wife Margaret.
This specific diaspora became known as the Gullah Geechee.
The Gullah Geechee community established The Settlement at the north end of Cumberland Island.
It was the first privately owned community of former enslaved peoples after the Civil War.
Today you’re able to visit and walk through the last standing home of the community.
Today, it is immaculately maintained by the family and on-island staff.
The Inns large veranda is the epitome of Southern leisure.
The Inn is open year-round save for the month of August when it closes during the islands hottest month.
greyfieldinn.com; 4 North 2nd St., Cumberland Island, GA 32034
Cumberland Island.National Park Service.
Discovering The Legacy Of African Cultures.
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
