When looking for things to do outside in Georgia, you probably want to find something with a unique flair to it. How does a park filled with wild horses sound? Florida has Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Virginia and Maryland have Assateague Island, and the good news is… Georgia is blessed with Cumberland Island. Cumberland Island is one of the most fascinating places in the state in terms of natural beauty AND history. This one-of-a-kind national park to visit in Georgia is breathtaking. Where else can you watch wild horses roam about, enjoying the natural state of the beautiful island scenery?

Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island is also one of the best places in the country to see wild horses roam.
Flickr anoldent
Horses have made Cumberland Island National Park their home for centuries. There are over 10,000 acres of Congressionally-designated Wilderness area here, and the equines certainly take advantage of all that space!
Flickr David Hawkins
Guests who visit Cumberland Island can expect to see these majestic creatures freely roaming through the land.
Flickr Jim Sorbie
If you camp overnight here, you may even find a few near your tent as you wake up with the rising of the morning sun!
Flickr anoldent
But where did all these horses come from? The history of how they came to be dates all the way back to the 1500s. It is rumored that the Spanish brought over a few on their journey to the area.
Flickr Karson Designs

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The earliest recorded account for these wild horses comes from around 1742. The Spanish and English battled over Fort St. Andrews, and the Spanish found 50 to 60 horses near the fort.
Flickr TranceMist
By the 1800s, these horses were still thriving. The population was thought to be in the hundreds, and many of them were domesticated to use as work horses at the various plantations that dotted the island.
Flickr Rob Bixby
Many of the horses were removed from the island in the 1900s. However, there are still quite a few feral horses who freely roam here, grazing at their home on the island.
Flickr Karsun Designs
Exploring the island is a truly magical thing. These are some of our favorite hiking trails in Georgia. Where else can you see wild horses playing in the sand?
Flickr Matthew Paulson
Watching them roll and frolic is a beautiful experience.
Flickr MFer Photography
If you haven't yet visited Cumberland Island National Park, the horses and history here are more than enough reason to do so.
Lee Coursey/Flickr

Have you ever visited Cumberland Island National Park in Georgia? Share your experiences with us in the comments. And, if you’re looking for more things to do outside in Georgia, take a look at 10 Amazing Georgia Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love.

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Things To Do Outside In Georgia

Lisa Sammons | January 10, 2022

What are some of the best parks in Georgia?

Did you know we've got an impressive 63 state parks in Georgia? These are spread all over the state, so whether you're in the north, south, or middle regions, you've got plenty to see in the Peach State! If you want a whole list of spots to explore, check out this article on ten of our favorite state parks in Georgia. Tallulah Gorge State Park was recently named the best park in Georgia, and while there are many contenders for the title, we do think the views there are pretty hard to beat.

What are some of the best hiking trails in Georgia?

Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting into the hobby, hiking in Georgia is a fantastic experience. We've got such a variety of trails with some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you're a novice, check out these twelve easy trails. They're short and sweet, but the landscape is gorgeous and they're great for getting you into shape and into the habit of getting out and enjoying nature.

What are some of the best national parks to visit in Georgia?

We've got 11 national parks in Georgia and they're all filled with history and beauty. If you're into the history of the Peach State, check out the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park in Atlanta.

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Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA