Uncovering The Secrets Of Cumberland Island: Georgia’s Hidden Treasure
A Remote Wilderness
Cumberland Island is a hidden gem off the coast of Georgia. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we sail to this remote wilderness. The island can only be reached by boat, and with the ferries temporarily suspended, we are in for a unique experience. We find ourselves entirely alone, except for the incredible wildlife that greets us at every turn.
On our very first night, we find the perfect spot to anchor our boat to the southwest of the island. We hop onto our dinghy and make our way to a sandy beach. The untouched beauty of the beach is awe-inspiring, with towering erosion banks and enchanting driftwood trees. Our kids have a blast on this natural playground.
We later learn that the mud flats approaching that beach are an important part of the habitat and best left undisturbed, so we don’t land there again. Instead, we use a dock farther to the south for the rest of our explorations.
Wildlife Encounters
During our week on the island, we see many creatures including: sea stars, deer, armadillo, manatees, countless birds, and the island’s famous wild horses. The kids even try to adopt some hermit crabs from the beach!
The island is home to around 150 horses, making it one of the few places in the United States where wild horses can still be found. They are believed to have descended from horses brought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The horses have adapted to the island’s unique environment and climate over time, becoming feral and thriving in the wild.
Exploring the Island’s History
We stroll among the crumbling ruins of the island’s former mansions.. Several wealthy families built grand mansions on the island in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The isolation and harsh environment eventually made it difficult to maintain these large estates, resulting in their abandonment.
Today, no one lives on the island. The National Park Service manages Cumberland Island, which is now a protected national seashore.
The Unique Shapes of Salt-Stunted Oaks
We love the salt-stunted oaks that decorate the island with their unique shapes. The salt makes it difficult for the trees to absorb water, causing them to grow more slowly and with a distorted shape. The major branches of the trees tend to grow along the ground, creating a characteristic “candelabra” shape that is both beautiful and eerie.
A Beachside Adventure
One of the highlights of our trip is walking across the island to visit a beach on the Atlantic coast. We traverse past the important mud flats, salt-stunted oak forests, and towering palm trees before reaching the sand dunes and the Atlantic coast. Each of these habitats is vital to the island’s ecosystem. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to experience such a variety of habitats in one walk.
Our time on Cumberland Island is incredibly grounding. The peacefulness of this place has a way of soothing our souls. And oh, the sunsets! They are absolutely breathtaking, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink. The isolation we experience here is a welcome break from the stress of the time. Cumberland Island truly is a hidden treasure, and we feel incredibly lucky to discover its magical allure.”
We’ve created a video capturing some of the calm beauty of this trip, which you can watch on our YouTube channel. Join us in uncovering the secrets of Cumberland Island and experiencing the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem.
You can also read about how we got here in our older blog posts and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and adventures.
We’ll be back with more exciting adventures soon! Until then, keep embracing the salty spirit, my friends.
