Grab the Earmuffs for This Hike in Georgia That’s 100% Worth Braving the Cold

If you have not tried hiking in the winter, it might be time to give it a try. Winter often means fewer bugs, less heat and humidity, and more active wildlife to observe. Of course, wearing the right gear is a must. I'm a big fan of earmuffs and hand warmers on a winter hike. The Cumberland Island River Trail is an amazing wintertime hike in St. Mary's, Georgia.

The Cumberland Island River Trail is a 1.3-mile out-and-back hike in the Cumberland Island National Seashore. It is generally considered easy and only gains 16 feet in elevation. The trail runs along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and hikers can enjoy amazing water views.

The trail is popular for birding and viewing wildlife. Hikers note seeing wild horses grazing along it and armadillos. Animal tracks are also often found along the trail. Of course, it's always wise to maintain a safe distance from wild animals.

The trail is located on Cumberland Island, which is only accessible by boat. A ferry transports visitors from downtown St. Marys, and private boats are also welcome to dock in specified areas on the island. On the island, hikers can access restrooms and water fountains. There are also no trash cans on the island, and hikers must take all trash with them when they leave.

For more information on the Cumberland Island River Trail, visit its listing on AllTrails.

Before setting out on your next winter hike, make sure you have the gear you need. These down ear warmers are a great, packable option.

Cumberland Island has more than 18 miles of trails, so hikers have many options when visiting. The Dungeness Loop Trail is a 4.2-mile hike through diverse terrain and historic ruins. The Parallel Trail to Hickory Hill Trail is a 5.2-mile point-to-point, moderately challenging trail.

Aside from hiking, there are plenty of other things to do and see on Cumberland Island. Visitors can see the Dungeness Ruins, the remains of a mansion built in 1884 as Thomas Carnegie's winter home. They can also take a free tour of Plum Orchard Mansion, the 22,000-square-foot seasonal home of husband and wife George Lauder Carnegie and Margaret Thaw. At the Sea Camp Ranger Station, visitors can get more information, brochures, and maps and enjoy programming. On a guided tour, visitors can see the First African Baptist Church, a one-room building established in the late 19th century by African American residents. The church is also where John F. Kennedy Junior and Carolyn Bessette were married in 1996.

St. Marys, Georgia, is a charming small town of about 18,000 people. The St. Mary's Submarine Museum, St. Mary's Aquatic Center, and Crooked River State Park are amazing attractions there. St. Mary's also has delicious restaurants like Riverside Cafe and Locals Dockside.

If you're interested in staying in St. Mary's, consider booking a room at the Spencer House Inn, where you can enjoy an out-of-this-world breakfast.