Cumberland Island Attracts Seniors

Senior travelers, welcome to Georgia’s largest barrier island and one of the most spectacular natural habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. The Island is 17.5 miles long and totals 36,415 acres of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks.

The greatest and most lasting value of the Island is its ability to change visitors who spend time there. It is a place of transformation. It is this intangible feature that seems to be the most important benefit which Cumberland Island has for its many guests. Full of history, they say that it goes way back to as early as 2000 B.C. That’s a long time ago folks.

Where History and Nature Meet

St Marys, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, the gateway to Cumberland Island, is where senior visitors will want to start. Pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature.

Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and wealthy industrialists all walked this island. It is a National Seashore and well worth a visit. The beach is said to be the most “Beautiful Wilderness Beach” in America.

 For Seniors Who Like Flora and Fauna

Cumberland Island provides a unique opportunity to view the flora and fauna of a natural coastal ecosystem as well as to learn about the coastal heritage of the region. Located about three miles off the mainland, the 18-mile-long island varies from less than one-half mile to three miles wide, with about 80% of the island owned by the National Park Service.

The NPS ferry operates twice a day, leaving the mainland at 9:00 am and 11:45 am and departing Cumberland Island at 10:15 am and 4:45 pm. So hop on the ferry for a day on the unpopulated sands or stay for stargazing at 18-site Sea Camp, which connects to the beach vis a boardwalk.

Nota Bene: reachable only by ferry or kayak, with a limit of no more than 300 visitors per day and only 1 small inn, Cumberland Island maintains its reputation as one of America’s most pristine seaside regions. There is nature, romance, history and adventure entwined in the many activities available.

The Island is a senior nature lover’s dream: Ecology, History, Resources, Wildlife and more. It boasts 3 ecosystems, including beaches, marshes and forests as well as a rich variety of animals and plants.

Towering oaks draped with Spanish moss line the trails of the forest, which is a habitat for armadillos, deer, hogs, rabbits, turkeys, raccoons and horses. My vet daughter would love it there.

Travel & Leisure Magazine has a super guide to the Island with comments that senior travelers will find useful if you are a first-time visitor. So when you are in Georgia, hit the coast and visit Cumberland.  You’ll be glad you did. jeb