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Cumberland Island

Imagine an island that transports you back in time. Visualize sand dunes dotted with sea oats and beach grasses, palm trees, sand and surf. Imagine Cumberland Island, Georgia. Cumberland Island is owned, operated, and maintained by the National Park service.

A few things about Georgia's Cumberland Island may surprise you. Much like the other barriar islands in Georgia this island offers a variety of maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, marshes, and interior wetlands.

The most amazing thing I did on the island was sit somewhere quietly, and watch the wild horses run the beach. Can you believe that such a place even exists? It does.

There are more than fifty miles of hiking trails to delight your senses with native flora and fauna. Turtle nests dot the beaches, and if you camp overnight, you may see a giant loggerhead lumber onto the beach. Violating turtle nests, stealing turtle eggs, or even disturbing marine species remains is strictly prohibited.

A maritime museum collects and maintains a collection of the variety of marine species that have been found on and around the island.

Cumberland Island is only a day visit, or a camping trip. There are no commercial developments on the island. Camping is very limited.

Access to the Cumberland Island can only be gained via ferry, or a limited number of private boats. Visitors to the island are strictly limited in the nation's effort to preserve the integrity of the island. Outback camping is available, though no fires are allowed, and there are a minimal number of campsites available on the beach with cold running water.

In addition to the 150 wild horses, there are over 2,000 wild hogs rooting around on the island. The horses and hogs are not indigenous to the island, but were brought by early settlers. When they could not survive on the island, they simply left the horses and hogs behind, which have returned to their native wildness overtime.

The Sea Camp dock rents bikes for $16 for the day. Kids can rent bikes for $10 a day. If you are only visiting for the day, I highly recommend a self-guided bike tour of the Island. You'll likely see wild turkeys, screech owls, long-legged wood storks, warblers, and more. If you are lucky you may even see a bald eagle.

The only historical remains on the island are the former home Revolutionary hero Nathaniel Green. Though the home was lost, the famous Carnegie family built a house, reminiscent of a castle on the same site. The Carnegie home was burned down, and all that remains are remains.

There is also the First African American Baptist Church. This small chapel was the site of a Kennedy wedding in 1996.

The island is largely undeveloped, but there is one Inn on the island. Lodging in the posh Greyfield Inn runs $274 to $400 a night.

Ferry visits only allow you four hours on the island. You'll want to make several visits to see all the island has to offer, or consider camping so you'll have time to explore.

Most importantly, make reservations at least six months in advance, even for the ferry ride. This unique national treasure books up fast.