Cumberland Island National Seashore Welcomes Visitors
(St. Marys, GA)- Superintendent Gary Ingram welcomes visitors back to Cumberland Island National Seashore. The seashore has been closed since impacted by Hurricane Irma in September. The ferry loading docks were heavily damaged during the storm, preventing access to the island from its normal debarkation point in St. Marys. The National Park Service (NPS) and Lang’s Seafood, the NPS concession run ferry service, are very grateful to the City of St. Marys for making available the city’s Gateway Dock. This dock is located at the eastern end of St. Marys Street and is the new temporary loading dock for passengers visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. The city modified this dock to accommodate the ferry service until the NPS ferry dock is repaired.
The park is urging visitors to be prepared for a longer walk to the Gateway dock and be aware of new procedures for checking in for the ferry. Please take a moment to visit the park’s Be Ready! page (https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/be-ready.htm) and review the information provided. There are videos, maps, and an essentials checklist to help visitors prepare for their trip and the morning check-in.
Visitors must check in at the mainland visitor center 1-hour prior to their scheduled ferry departure in order to allow time for ferry check-in, unloading of gear, parking, and walking to the ferry dock. Reservations are subject to cancellation if not checked-in 30-minutes prior to ferry departure. Those bringing bicycles must reserve a spot for their bike at check-in. Only the first 10 bikes will be accommodated. Visitors should have their vehicles parked, have their tickets and gear ready, and be at the Gateway dock 15-minutes before departure for a safety orientation and loading. Long term parking is in the National Park Service lot across from the city’s Howard Gilman Park. A loading zone for gear and handicap parking is designated at the Gateway dock area, at the eastern end of St. Marys Street.
Visitors can expect normal access to the southern end of the island as primary visitation areas have been cleared of down trees by National Park Service saw crews, arborists, and park staff. All camping and trails are open, and the three remaining managed hunts will occur as scheduled. The designated Wilderness area north of Stafford Field has a significant number of downed trees in many locations making hiking a challenge. Always use caution when hiking and camping in natural environments on the island. Look up, look down, look all around and beware of falling dead trees. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to the island”, said Superintendent Ingram, “We ask visitors to prepare for an enjoyable trip and take your personal safety seriously. Always know your location and use situational awareness. Please bring the essentials such as water, bug spray, and an extra layer of clothing.”
The park welcomes back boaters, although there is limited dock space for those who wish to visit the island by personal boat. The south-end of Sea Camp dock and the Dungeness dock are still closed due to damage incurred from last year’s Hurricane Matthew. Boats may dock on the inside, or east-side, of the northern end of Sea Camp dock or at Plum Orchard. This docking space is available 7-days a week on a first-come-first served basis. There is no authorized overnight docking.
The popular concession run Lands and Legacies tour of the island will resume its normal operation. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations for these tours and for the ferry in advance at: www.cumberlandislandferry.com; phone reservations are not available at this time. Walk-up reservations will only be processed during ferry check in, as space and time allow.
The mainland museum will return to its normal operating hours, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily. The mainland Visitor Center will resume its normal operating hours, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Admission is free.
Refunds are being issued for all ferry reservations impacted by closures following Hurricane Irma by the concession, Lang’s Seafood, Inc. Please be patient as those refunds are processed. The ferry office is still on generator power and has limited phone and computer access.
Campers whose reservations were impacted by park closures will be issued a full refund of their permit fees. If you have questions or concerns about your refund please contact the Recreation.gov customer service line at 1-888-448-1474 or visit the Contact Us page to email your concerns or chat with a customer service representative by visiting: https://support.recreation.gov/rec_contact.
Please monitor our Facebook page for up-to-date information about visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore: www.facebook.com/CumberlandIslandNPS/ .
Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh and beaches. The island is also home to over 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness. The island’s natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia. The seashore is accessible by pedestrian-only passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys.
~NPS~
Jill Hamilton-Anderson
Chief of Interpretation, Education and Visitor Services
Cumberland Island National Seashore
101 Wheeler Street
Saint Marys, GA 31558
912-882-4336 ext. 257 (phone)
912-409-2612 (cell)
912-882-6284 (fax)