5 Reasons to Visit Cumberland Island, Georgia

A popular family travel destination for decades, Cumberland Island, the largest of the Sea Islands of Georgia, offers many activities and sites for the whole family to enjoy for a weekend under the sun. Here are five reasons families should make a trip to Cumberland Island this year.

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1. Miles of Hiking Trails

With more than 50 miles of hiking trails, Cumberland Island takes visitors through forests, interior wetlands and historic districts to take in views of its beaches and marsh ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include the Parallel Trail to Little Greyfield Road, a path wandering through trees, across dunes and down to the beach, and Nightingale Trail, a path offering a view from within the maritime forest.

2. Beautiful Beaches

Its more than 17 miles of undeveloped beach makes the perfect spot for all sorts of beach activities. Enjoy a swim in the warm water or go beachcombing for seashells not occupied by little creatures and fossilized shark teeth. Bask under the sun or walk along the soft sand to enjoy endless views of the coast.

3. Camping Adventures

While campers must have a reservation to camp on the island, the designated camping spots allow for nights of peace and beauty. Sleep under trees with winding branches and listen to the surrounding wildlife.

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4. Wild Horses

Cumberland is home to the only herd of feral horses on the Atlantic coast not managed by human intervention. In essence, the wild horses are affected by all the natural stressors faced by native wildlife. While it is important to not approach these horses, getting the chance to see these horses from afar or running down a stretch of beach is a treat.

5. Rich History

Visitors can join many guided tours offered on the island. The Lands and Legacies tour includes a visit to the Northend where visitors will hear the story of the establishment of the Settlement. This tour also takes visitors into the First African Baptist Church. Other tours include a trip to the Dungeness Historic Area, where the remains of a large industrialist estate still stand, and the Plum Orchard Tour, where guests will walk through an early 20^th-century home reminiscent of the opulent era.