The Breathtaking National Park In Georgia Where You Can Watch Wild Horses Roam
By Marisa Roman|Updated on January 10, 2022(Originally published January 05, 2022)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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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