Cumberland Island National Seashore is only accessible by ferry boat or private watercraft.
may be hooked in ocean waters, tidal marshes, lakes and streams. Wildlife is abundant too, from foraging raccoons and burrowing armadillos to gliding pelicans and nesting Loggerhead sea turtles. More than 300 bird species have been identified, such as gobbling turkeys, red cardinals, chickadees, and graceful blue herons. It’s estimated that 175 wild horses roam the island, all non- natives descended from animals introduced by long-ago missionaries, soldiers, and landowners. The horses are often spotted grazing on mansion lawns, in salt marshes, and on sand dunes. Mainland Attractions The Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center on the mainland in downtown St. Marys occupies the second floor of an appealing blue building that overlooks Cumberland Sound. It’s the check-in point for ferry riders and the place to obtain park maps and brochures. Rangers are available to help with island trip planning. A nicely appointed park store sells books about nature, embroidered patches, and seashore-themed souvenirs. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Right around the corner from the visitor center, Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum focuses on
If a quiet, secluded beach walk sounds good to you, Cumberland Island is your kind of seashore.
CUMBERLAND ISLAND SOUTHEND LOOP Story and photos by Paula Loehr If variety is the spice of life, Cumberland Island National Seashore certainly qualifies as a spicy national park. On the island’s Southend Loop, you can experience a great variety of natural marvels—Atlantic seascapes, maritime forests, salt marsh, and sand dunes. You can see lots of fascinating flora and fauna while you learn about local history, architecture, and cultural traditions. Cumberland’s Southend Loop is truly amazing—like the island equivalent of a spice cabinet brimming with chili peppers, cinnamon, ginger, curry powder, and such. Cumberland Island National Seashore is located off the coast of St. Marys, a welcoming little waterfront town in the Peach State’s southeast corner. Georgia’s largest barrier island encompasses 18 miles of natural beaches that are tops for swimming and shelling. Hikers can explore more than 50 miles of marked trails and walkable roadways. For those with Georgia fishing licenses, catches like sea trout, croaker, and red bass
CUMBERLAND ISLAND SOUTHEND LOOP
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