River Trail Stop 7
Photo: NPS Photo- 0.6 mi
- round trip
- 30 ft
- climb
- 19 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- Sep–May
- best months
Is River Trail Stop 7 open right now?
Alert in the area
The National Park Service lists an alert for Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Scam Warning - Book ferry tickets through concessioner site only
Park alert covering Cumberland Island National Seashore · NPS · Cumberland Island National Seashore
As of · Source: NPS · Cumberland Island National Seashore. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Stop #7: Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) The live oak trunk is to the left of post number 7. The live oak is the dominant tree in the maritime forest. Its dark green leaves are present throughout winter until the new leaves appear in the spring. The outstretched branches form a dense canopy. Thick, waxy leaves protect the tree from excessive salt spray. Prior to use, they were soaked in water to remove the bitter tannins. The nuts were then dried and ground into a meal for bread. These same acorns also attracted wildlife such as deer, squirrel, and turkey which made for easy hunting. In the late 1700’s, live oaks were sought-after for building ships. It is estimated that by 1802, 80% of the live oak trees were harvested from Cumberland Island. The strong, dense wood of live oaks resisted rot and even cannon balls, hence the nickname of the U.S.S. constitution, ‘Old Iron Sides’. The curved, twisted growth of live oaks made them desirable for ship building.
- Nearby · River Trail Stop 8 · Parallel Trail · River Trail Stop 6
Best time to go · Sep–May
Best time to visit River Trail Stop 7
Best months: September–May. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
62° / 43°
8 wet
Feb
65° / 45°
8 wet
Mar
70° / 51°
8 wet
Apr
76° / 57°
7 wet
May
82° / 65°
8 wet
Jun
86° / 71°
11 wet
Jul
89° / 74°
12 wet
Aug
88° / 74°
13 wet
Sep
85° / 71°
11 wet
Oct
79° / 62°
9 wet
Nov
71° / 52°
7 wet
Dec
65° / 46°
8 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Brunswick 23 S, GA, 3.4 mi away at 25 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
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Stop #8: Smilax (Smilax sp.) Look above the shrubs to find this vine. You can also see the smilax growing on the west side of the trail on top of Red Bay and up from the ground. It may be hard to identify in the winter months, as some species are deciduous. Smilax is a genus…
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Stop #6: Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) When facing post number 6, the red cedar is the large tree with flakey bark to the right of the post. The eastern red cedar is actually in the juniper family. Cedar trees, such as the one to the left, are an aromatic evergreen. They…
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Stop #9: Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) Wax Myrtle is the small shrubby plant surrounding post number 9. Its leaves are light to dark green and are skinny, elongated leaves, with slight toothing near the edge. This evergreen shrub is found in the dunes as well as the forest.…
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River Trail Stop 3
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Stop #3: Red bay (Persea borbonia) When facing post number three, the red bay can be found just to the right of the post. It may have brown leaves and look dead. Smaller, younger red bay trees can also be seen further to the left and right of the post. They have large dark…
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River Trail Stop 2
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Stop #2: Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) Cabbage palms are native to our area and provided many uses to native peoples. When facing post number two, a cabbage palm grows directly behind the post, and another to the right of the post. They grow vertically into the typical palm…
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River Trail Stop 1
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Stop #1: Pine (Pinus sp) Yellow pine is a generic term for several species of pine trees that are found in the Southeastern United States. When facing post number one, look east and slightly south. The Pine tree towers into the canopy above Red Bay and shrubs. Vines climb…
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Nightingale Trail - Trailhead North
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You have reached the last stop on the tour. Walking the main road to the left will take you to the Dungeness dock access road, approximately 0.5 miles. Walking to the right will take you to Sea Camp dock access road at 1 mile.
