Cumberland Island Trip Overview:
Price: $900 Per Person

Come visit Georgia's largest barrier island. This is the perfect playground for the woman who has been thinking about taking that plunge into backpacking. The terrain is mild, allowing you to break your legs in and take in the sights. Chances to see wildlife abound, as well as countless opportunities to explore marsh, beach, and wooded environments as we backpack from one end of the island to the other. This trip is ideal for the novice backpacker ready to try a multiple night wilderness experience.

The Goal: This is the perfect backpacking trip for the beginner hiker. You will learn fundamental backpacking skills through a series of talks, discussions, and hands on experiences while on the trip. Topics covered will include use and understanding of your gear, how to choose an appropriate campsite, Leave No Trace Principles, hygiene in the woods, backpacking etiquette, safety issues for a wilderness context, and general first aid among other topics.

Conditioning: Cumberland Island is relatively flat terrain with little variation. There are a few small, undulating hills as well as a few barely perceptible uphill grades over longer periods of trail. There will be times when we are hiking in sand which will be a small challenge but may be a nice variation from the packed dirt trail. Mileage for the week will be around 6 - 9 miles a day. You do not need to be in top physical shape to join a hike with Roam. It will be in your best interest to be somewhat physically active. We recommend that you do a series of practice hikes, be it short walks, even around your neighborhood. This will help break in your boots and get you used to carrying a pack on your back. The closer you get to your trip date; you will want to make sure all your gear fits in your pack and can be carried comfortably for roughly an hour. The goal of Roam is that you will be able to carry all your own gear.

Equipment: Before your trip, Roam will work meticulously with you on choosing gear that best fits your body as well as does not cost you a second mortgage. We have a saying at Roam, "there is no such thing as right or wrong gear, but there is comfortable and uncomfortable." Your guides want you on the comfortable side. We have done thru-hikes before so we will steer you in the right directions in creating a light weight and realistic pack weight. If you are hesitant in pulling the trigger on some of the more expensive gear, Roam offers a Rental Progam.

Cost: $900 per participant (minimum of 2 participants for trip to run.) Roam will provide lodging in Jacksonville, Florida on arrival and the night before departure. We ask that you make your travel arrangements for an arrival time of 2:00 p.m., so your guides can go through an orientation with all participants. This should allow for enough time to get any gear that may have been forgotten. Free parking will be available for the length of your trip. You will be responsible for all restaurant meals eaten off trail. You are also responsible for airfare/transportation costs to arrive at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). We provide awesome guides, food on trail, lodging, camping fees and permits, transportation once you get here, and good company. To Reserve a Spot