Cumberland Island in Georgia

Trip Overview

I took a 3 day 2 night Sea Kayak trip out to Cumberland Island Georgia for the weekend with my cousin and fellow paddler David Grist. We paddled from St. Marys, Georgia down the St. Marys River and across the Intercoastal out to Cumberland. We were able to follow the tide out to the sound, but met a nasty headwind as we paddled up the island. Total time out to Sea Camp took approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

At Sea Camp, we were able to set up and then walk down to walk around the island and down to Dungeness to watch the sunset.

The next day I went on about an 18 mile run through the northern part of the island and into the Wilderness area on the beach, on trails, and on the main road. I hung out at Plum Orchard a bit and sat on the lovely porch looking over the marsh.

The paddle back to St. Marys had a nice tailwind but was a little tippy out in the sound. The tide was heading out up the river and the wind was in our face, but the overall time back was about 2 hours 15 minutes.

Very lovely trip.

Finally, there is a great outfitter in St. Marys called Up the Creek 912-882-0911 which is just next to the shove off point. They open early and can give you some good advice. The Riverside Cafe is also very good for breakfast and is directly across from the put-in spot.

Accommodations:

Camped on Cumberland at Sea Camp. Cold showers, water, flush toilets.

Outfitting:

Dagger Airalite 15.5

Perception Carolina 14.5

Fees:

$4 per day camping per person.

Directions:

Hwy 40 to downtown St Marys. Just off I-95

Resources:

GPS and National Park Service Map.