Finding Wild Horses in Georgia
Return to Finding Wild Horses here for tips on visiting the range and to find herds in other areas
Cumberland Island Wild Horses
Size: 36,420 acres
Number of wild horses found on the island is between 150-200
Size: 36,420 acres
Number of wild horses found on the island is between 150-200
The one herd of small wild horses in Georgia can be found at the Cumberland Island National Seashore. The herd is managed by the National Park Service and you will need a National Park Pass or to purchase a Day Pass at the visitor center near the dock. You will also need to make a ferry reservation ahead of time.
The nearest town to the the island is St. Mary's, Georgia. Driving directions to the dock/visitor center and parking information can be found here.
The only way to get to Cumberland Island to see the wild horses is by ferry or private boat. I would take an early trip over so you have the day to spend there, or you can make camping reservations and stay overnight. The only vehicles on the island are the ones used by the Park Service so you will need to be prepared to do a lot of walking/hiking or rent a bicycle (or take your bike with you). There is a camp store to buy supplies but definitely take water and snacks with you.
There have been alligators spotted on the island, so keep your eyes open!
You can get a map of the island from the Visitor Center before you get on the ferry and you will need it. It's a beautiful island with a mixture of forest, sandy beaches, tidal flats, marshes, and mud flats. The Dungeness Mansion ruins are on the south end of the island and are beautiful; near the mansion is where I first saw horses on the island. There are additional buildings on the island to tour and see but you will need to either rent a bike or plan to stay overnight to see it all. I kept to the southern end and saw 3 small bands of horses between the ruins and the beaches to the east. I then made my way back to the dock to catch the ferry back.
The nearest town to the the island is St. Mary's, Georgia. Driving directions to the dock/visitor center and parking information can be found here.
The only way to get to Cumberland Island to see the wild horses is by ferry or private boat. I would take an early trip over so you have the day to spend there, or you can make camping reservations and stay overnight. The only vehicles on the island are the ones used by the Park Service so you will need to be prepared to do a lot of walking/hiking or rent a bicycle (or take your bike with you). There is a camp store to buy supplies but definitely take water and snacks with you.
There have been alligators spotted on the island, so keep your eyes open!
You can get a map of the island from the Visitor Center before you get on the ferry and you will need it. It's a beautiful island with a mixture of forest, sandy beaches, tidal flats, marshes, and mud flats. The Dungeness Mansion ruins are on the south end of the island and are beautiful; near the mansion is where I first saw horses on the island. There are additional buildings on the island to tour and see but you will need to either rent a bike or plan to stay overnight to see it all. I kept to the southern end and saw 3 small bands of horses between the ruins and the beaches to the east. I then made my way back to the dock to catch the ferry back.