Hosted Event Detail

Where:  Crooked River State Park, GA Select for map and directions >>

Schedule: 
 
Our goal is to paddle to Cumberland Island National Seashore at least one day for exploration and a walking/paddling tour of the island. We will land at Plum Orchard and have the opportunity to visit the Plum Orchard Mansion or take a short hike to the other side of the island. Weather is the one thing that could keep us from this goal as the only way to reach the island is by water. Tides are also something that will be very important to consider in our plans as they can reach 5 knots and need to be paddled with and not against! Safety concerns will be paramount in the planning process and all of our plans will be dependant on what we find when we get there. It is better to turn around and be safe than to place anyone in undue jeopardy. There are many options for us so we will find good paddling somewhere!

For those that would like to join the group but are not interested in paddling to the island there is a ferry that operates daily to and from the island but reservations are encouraged. Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Come walk in the footsteps of early natives, explorers, and wealthy industrialists. Enjoy ranger guided tours or explore in quiet solitude. Cumberland Island is a 17.5-mile long barrier island off the coast of southern Georgia. Most of the island and surrounding area was designated a National Seashore in 1972 and is now administered by the National Parks Service. It is accessible only by boat. Most visitors take a ferry from Saint Mary's and explore the ruins and old mansions on the south end. Most of the northern 2/3 of the island is now a designated wilderness area. The island has a colorful past. Archeological evidence shows that Native Americans inhabited the island over 4,000 years ago. Spanish forts were constructed there in the 1500s to 1700s. Some of South's most productive plantations were located on Cumberland in the late 18th Century. In 1880 Thomas Carnegie bought most of Cumberland and built the largest mansion ever to be located on the island. The 59 room Scottish castle was complete with turrets, a pool house, 40 outbuildings, golf course, acres of manicured gardens and a squash court. The mansion was used as a retreat through 1959 when it burned to the ground. The island was saved from ravaging development in 1972 when the Carnegie family and Mellon Foundation purchased most of the land and donated it to the National Park Service. Much of the island has reverted to a wild state.

We will be reviewing and modifying our plans in the months to come but if you have ever wanted to explore this area by kayak this would be a great time to take the plunge and join us for a really great weekend!


Links
Select the name to follow the link.

Crooked River State Park                    Cumberland Island National Seashore

Plum Orchard Mansion

Registration:

Open to members of the Columbus Paddling Club, the Georgia Sea Kayakers and their guests. Select here to register for this event.