Dungeness Ruins — Attraction in Cumberland Island

This is a very cool place. It was during the extreme heat wave, so it was 98° w a real feel of close to 115°! The boats have AC, but, the boat with the AC was being repaired, ours did not have AC. Saw some dolphins on the 45 min ride to the island from the ferry, which was cool! Once we got to the island, we got off at first stop. Now listen, and they do say this before you board, but, if you want to see the ruins, vet off at first stop, the. You can walk a couple miles to beach, which isn't horrible, but in extreme heat, it was brutal. If you are not into seeing the ruins, which are kinda cool, honestly, then get off at 2nd stop, which is WAY closer to beach. A lot of horses are first stop. Not too many roaming the beaches. The water was great! It was fun seeing wild horses. You can actually camp on the island. I think it is free or very cheap. That would be fun! There is not food on island, only a fee water stations, some showers and bathroom for campers and visitors. It was an good...

Full day of exploring, starting with a ferry ride over to the state owned island, Cumberland Island. After disembarking, a trail to the right takes you through the woods, and to a small museum telling the story of who lived and built on the island. The next stop is Dungeness Ruins, which was once a flourishing estate in the 1920s. After exploring the ruin grounds and seeing the horses (you can't go into the ruins), getting back on the trail takes you onto a boardwalk, then dunes. You then come out on the beach to walk the remaining mile or so. Whole hike is over 4 miles so pace yourself and bring plenty of food and water. Trail, grounds and ferry are kept up and appear well run. We only had one problem resulting in the poorly designed web site to buy ferry tickets. Bought the wrong ones and couldn't get through to them by phone, even after calling for over an hour. Problem was solved with an email instead. Highly recommend this day trip. I understand there are also van tours if you'd...

Wow, what an amazing site and sight. I could only imagine the structure in its formal glory. Plenty of informational boards spread throughout the grounds for you to read through and learn of the rich history that is Dungeness. Keep you eyes open as there is plenty of wildlife roaming the area. To the South you will find a trail that leads to the National Seashore. Be aware at the time we were blocked by flooded paths that made our access to the beach unreachable. Never the less the hike along a boardwalk, gives you a chance to see some of nature's lowland ecosystems. The Park Service does a great job maintaining the grounds. Highly recommend a visit while you stay at the Greyfield Inn, to the North.

Expect the summer heat and humidity to slow you down, so pack plenty of water and shade. The bugs can be bad sometimes of the year so bring some spray as well. It's crazy for me to say but expect lots of sand if you venture along the trails...