Backpack the Parallel Trail to Yankee Paradise Campground

Start your adventure in St. Mary's, GA, where the [Cumberland Island National Seashore Ferry]http://www.cumberlandislandferry.com/) is located. You'll receive your tickets and hop on the ferry for a 45 minute ride to the island. Once you are dropped off at Sea Camp you will be given an orientation to the island along with your camping permit. You will then begin your journey on the Parallel Trail which leads you directly to Yankee Paradise (7.5 miles from the ferry).

Take your time exploring and enjoying the beauty that surrounds you because there's so much to see. Listen for horses neighing (make sure to keep your distance if you see them because they will bite if you get too close) , armadillos scampering, and the sounds of the trees in the breeze. Once you get to Yankee Paradise there are several campsites to choose from but it is on a first come first serve basis. Set up camp and enjoy your time there. If you have time the next day make the 30 minute walk over to Plum Orchard for a tour of the mansion and fill up on potable water around back if you are staying another night. One option to get back to the ferry is to walk the beach and count the black and white poles that you see in the dunes. They will guide you all the way back to Sea Camp where the ferry is located or you can take the Parallel Trail all the way back. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ferry.