James Randklev/Getty Images
READ MORE ABOUT:
Cumberland Island National Seashore is a marvelous natural jewel located off the coast of Georgia. It's a more desolate island than the popular Sea Island and St. Simons and much of it is a national park. Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Pristine maritime forests and undeveloped beaches make this a perfect camping trip.
Your guide to visiting Cumberland Island:
Getting there
To get there, take Exit 3 off of Interstate 95 in the state of Georgia. The exit ends at a stop light. Turn onto Highway 40 going East. Follow Highway 40 all the way down where it ends at the Historic Downtown St. Marys Waterfront. You'll need to take a ferry to the island. Ferry Fees are $17.00 for an adult, $12.00 child (12 and under), $15.00 senior (65 and over). No pets are allowed on the ferry.Fees
Back Country camping fees are $2.00 per person per day, but if you would rather camp on the beach that will run you $4.00. But it's still a great deal for oceanfront accommodations. The entrance fee for the camp is $4.00 per visit for adults and free if you're 16 years old or younger.Things to do
There's a total of 50 miles of hiking trails throughout the maritime forests, interior wetlands, historic districts, marsh ecosystems, and the beautiful beaches. Trails are accessible only by foot. This is the perfect place for star gazing. The island's beaches and open fields provide stunning unobstructed views. So bring a telescope if you have one.Go bird watching. As a favorite resting point on the transatlantic migratory flyway, over 335 species of birds have been recorded on Cumberland Island. You can also see threatened and endangered species such as the Least Tern, Wilson's Plover, and American Oystercatcher. Go animal viewing as well and you'll likely see wild turkeys, armadillos, feral horses, vultures, dolphins, and lizards all in the same day. To experience the more hidden bobcats and otters you'll likely need to camp for a few days.
Via: Cumberland Island National Seashore
More on National Parks:
Are You a National Parks Whiz?
Go National Park Hopping--Astonishing Nature Right at your Doorstep
5 Ways Anyone Can Support National Parks Now!
Red, White, and Green: Summer Fun
