Tips for Planning a Day Trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia

Wild horses, remnants of a grand estate, and an isolated beach are some of the things to see when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore for the day. Located on Georgia's southeast coast, Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat and limited to no more than 300 people a day. Treasures waiting to be discovered and limited access make visiting this sea island an unforgettable experience. The following are tips I learned from planning my own day trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Reserve Your Seat on the Cumberland Island Ferry
Ferry service to the island is limited so reserve a seat in advance on the Cumberland Island Ferry. The boat departs from St. Marys, Ga., located less than an hour's drive north of Jacksonville, Fla.

Between March and November, twice daily trips are offered and December through February the ferry runs two trips daily Thursday through Monday with no trips on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Book the earliest ferry time (9 a.m.) and take the last ferry back (4:45 p.m.) to make the most of your Cumberland Island day trip. The ferry trip is about 45 minutes. Call toll free at (877) 860-6787 or (912) 882-4335.

Checking in for the Cumberland Island Ferry
Parking for the ferry is located at the National Park Service parking lot located about half a block across the street from the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center (113 W. Saint Marys St.). Everyone with a ferry reservation needs to check in at the visitor center and pay the additional park user fee.

Arriving at Cumberland Island National Seashore
The ferry makes two stops with the first at Dungeness Dock and second at Sea Camp Dock. First-time visitors should disembark at Dungeness Dock to participate in a free National Park Service walking tour discussing the island's history and natural resources. The walk ends at Dungeness Ruins where remnants of an estate once belonging to the Carnegie family can be viewed.

The second stop is Sea Camp Dock and the ranger station where bicycles can be rented. Rentals are on a space available basis, reservations are not accepted. This is also where campers receive campsite assignments.

Wildlife on Cumberland Island
The National Park Service estimates about 130 feral horses inhabit the island. The best place to view them is between Dungeness Dock and Dungeness Ruins. These horses are wild animals and should not be approached or fed. Turkeys, armadillos, wild hogs, and a variety of birds are commonly seen as well as the occasional bobcat.

What to See During a Day Trip to Cumberland Island
Visit the Ice House Museum at Dungeness Dock to trace history ranging from the Timucuan Indians, who are the earliest known island inhabitants, through the Carnegie era. Follow the park ranger to Dungeness Ruins, walk inside the island's oldest building and learn where to find the cemetery with a gravestone for Gen. "Lighthorse" Harry Lee, hero from the Revolutionary War.

Visit the beach by continuing on Dungeness Trail (1.5 miles from the dock to the beach) which is through sand making it somewhat difficult walking. The trail forks off and to the right is a short boardwalk over a salt marsh. Once reaching the beach enjoy tranquility or turn left and walk 1.3 miles north toward Sea Camp Beach. Keep an eye open for empty seashells and fossilized shark's teeth, souvenirs visitors can take home.

Look for a tall black and white pole in the sand dunes to indicate Sea Camp Beach. Follow the trail to the campground and admire the live oak trees arching to form tunnels. This is an ideal location to refill water bottles and visit the restroom. Continue another half mile for the Sea Camp Dock for the 4 p.m. National Park Service program.

The ferry makes its first island pickup at the Sea Camp Dock. Be at the dock about 15 minutes prior to departure and if taking the 4:45 p.m. ferry, it docks at St. Marys around 5:30 p.m.

What to Bring on a Day Trip to Cumberland Island
Supplies are not available on Cumberland Island so bring essentials for a day outdoors. Dress for the weather which may include a jacket, rain gear, hat and sunglasses. Pack along sunscreen, insect repellent, water, high-energy snacks and lunch. Water is limited but fountains can be found at Ice House Museum, Sea Camp Beach Campground and the Sea Camp Ranger Station. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain.

Picnic tables and benches are readily available and are ideal for enjoying lunch or resting. There are no trash cans on the island. What is brought in must be brought out.

With a bit of planning, an adventurer can have a memorable experience during a day trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Sources:
Personal Visit, Nov. 2010
Cumberland Island National Seashore, www.nps.gov/cuis
Cumberland Island Ferry, www.stmaryswelcome.com/cumberlandferry.html