hog hammock

Hog Hammock is not our Hog Hammock. Ours is a 2.8 mile trail in West Palm, even if you add Promontary trail to the hike its maybe a total of 4.5 miles. Sapelo Island you give the Sapelo's $15. for a ferry trip to this island reserve. I did not pay for the guided tour, although it sounded good. I did get to see Reynolds Mansion (it was occupied), lighthouse, birds. Descendants of Geechee own Hog Hammock village.

We really enjoyed going off the beaten tourist path to this undeveloped island off the Georgia coast. Rented a golf cart to get around and see the interior of the island and how the slave descendants/Geechee community lives today in Hog Hammock. Took a 3-hour private van tour, too. That's a must. Very nice people, great food and company. A different way of life for sure, but beautiful all the same.

The private tours of Sapelo Island provide a unique opportunity to hear about the lives of people who live in this community. The previous reviews give a good overview. Although most of the island is now a reserve owned by the government, the village of Hog Hammock is privately owned by the descendants of the Gullah Geechee people. To gain access to the island you have to arrange a tour. Only then will the ferry operators allow you to visit for the modest fee of $5 return ticket. We had to be there by 8am to catch the ferry. The return journey was at 2:30 pm on the day we visited. That left a little time to visit the pristine white sand beach stretching for miles, where we only saw three people swimming.There are government-run tours for $15 but only on certain days. We chose to go on a private tour. Our B&B in Darien recommended Ms Fran Drayton (phone 912-485-2172) who is about 85 years old with memories to match her age. She was not available so her husband recommended Fran's cousin "JR Grovner"(912-506-6463) and he referred us to his young cousin Stacie who took us on a very personal tour of the area in her van. This included RJ Reynold's mansion (not always open to visitors), the research center, light house, beach, and Hog Hammock village.The fact that there were only my wife and myself on the tour made it even more personal. She talked about the history as well as her own background and her future hopes and aspirations for the facilities on the island. We think she will do well in her endeavors and wish her all the best. Meanwhile, we strongly recommend her or her cousin's private tours of Hog Hammock and Sapelo Island.

We visited this community as part of bus tour which was linked to the boat/ferry trip over. I believe we paid about $15 a person. Great history, sites and lighthouse. It was money well spent ! Try to go when there are no people staying at the Reynold's Mansion, so you can go inside !! Reservations can tell you if mansion occupied.

In March 2014 we finally got to visit Sapelo Island. We've tried a couple times, but the state tour was cancelled due to low participation or we couldn't wedge the visit into our schedule.We took a tour with a local guide--Chuck of Sapelo Sights. He was a great guide with extensive knowledge of the island. We visited the Reynolds Plantation (not inside), the lighthouse (again no admittance, the state tour occasionally opens the lighthouse), the post office and Hog Hammock. Tour is 1/2 day.We enjoyed the tour and loved learning about some of the island's history. But to me once will be enough as far as island tours, even though we did not see the north side of island or get to climb the lighthouse. I would go back again only if I could spend several days on the island (maybe camping) and have a bicycle so I could really explore. I think given that opportunity would really bring out the special nature of this place. But everything is so spread out, you really need time to get around and see things.I had considered staying in Hog Hammock at the rooms there (the cabins are more than I want to spend). The problem here is you will need a way around the island for sure. You pretty much have to drive or ride bike or rented golf cart to any other attraction. I would guess the beach is at least 2 or 3 miles away--unless there is a quick cut through we weren't shown.Now, if you have plenty of money and patience for the year plus lead time for reservations, the Reynolds Mansion would be a great stay. Again, it's off on its own and you will be driving to other spots.BTW, you pretty much have to take the tour. It is not practical to walk anywhere or really get around on your own (although I would love to try). You must be on a tour or have invite from island resident to even board the ferry over--so no go it alone here.That said, I would say Sapelo is worth at least one visit. If you could extend as a group with planned activities with estuarine research center I am sure that would be awesome. Or if you are a researcher, this place is heaven. Funny note, the island (and Hog Hammock which is reminiscent of many poorer backwoods communities in rural GA) is getting Fiber connectivity. Funny to see so many older, modest frame houses in a community with the "latest" in high speed internet. Pays to be near a university research center.Ranking with the GA barrier islands, Sapelo is interesting due to history and somewhat wild nature. If you could only visit one "unspoiled" barrier island I would suggest Cumberland as the gem for a one day tourist visit (no tour required, just ability to walk and gawk), to me it is a world class gem. For activities and overnight stays while still having a natural feel, Jekyll Island cannot be beaten. For me, it is the best all around barrier island in GA. A great resource with around 60% mandated to be undeveloped and still affordable (for now although state is showing their greed in allowing "higher class" development and reneging on its pledge to keep Jekyll affordable for all classes of GA citizens)--biking, history, great beaches {not good for swimming though awesome for walking--Driftwood Beach one of my favorite I have even been to}. St Simons Island is pretty good, close to Jekyll, developed--good eating. Tybee Is near Savannah is the "typical" beach destination.I've rambled on too much already. Enjoy the GA Barrier islands and pay close attention to the marshes--they are truly unique and if you take the time to really observe--beautiful and teaming with life.

On our tour we stopped at the library and had a presentation on the Gusiche culture. Very knowledgeable and friendly librarian. We very much appreciated her talk and history of the local population.

Recently went on a visit to this Georgia barrier island and experienced something quite different for me…a guided tour about history from someone who had lived it!Sapelo Island is a remote and sparsely inhabited island near Darien that is only accessible by boat or Ferry. The island itself is restricted with access only allowed through registration for tours through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or by contacting one of the islands inhabitants or descendants of original inhabitants. This is where it gets interesting…the island was originally used as a plantation beggining in the late 1700’s and was populated with “slaves” from the West Coast of Africa, namely Senegal, Ivory Coast and Ghana. The plantation owner had a distinct and unique form of forced bondage that resembled indentured service more than typical slavery. This form allowed the unique culture of the island to flourish as a center of what was called “Geechee” or Gullah. Before and after the Civil War, the Gullahs stayed isolated and on the island, self supporting, and for the most part were left alone. Our guide, Ms Fran Drayton, is a descendant and at 85 can recall conversations she had with relatives who were part of that culture. Her interesting insights, keen wit and overall love of the island and its rare culture makes the natural beauty of the island a distinct bonus as part of the tour. From the early lighthouse, to the old slave cemetery and the mansion built by RJ Reynolds, the tobacco magnate, on the southern tip…all make for an interesting four hours. Pristine and undeveloped…the island has a natural beauty along with a fascinating history. Well worth a visit. You can contact Ms Drayton at 912-485-2172 to arrange a tour.

My wife and I stayed at the "bird houses" located on the marsh in Sapelo Island Ga. The view was amazing, the beach was untouched. We saw raccoons running along the marsh, deer grazing in our yard. It was such a relaxing place I can't put into words the experience. Who would have knew Georgia has a little piece of paradise.

I would have liked a little more information about this particular place. I understand that he inhabitants do not like pictures taken of their home and I can understand this and I did not.

Sapelo Island, being the4th largest of Georgia's barrier islands, is accessible only by ferry from Meridian Dock, 8 miles northeast of Darien, Georgia. The island is managed by the Georgia DNR, which operates the ferry service and is the state liason for several island intities,including the UGA Marine Institute, the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve and the private community of Hog Hammock, which is home to approximately 70 full-time residents, many of whom are descendants of the antebellum slaves of Sapelo's various plantations. Sapelo's human occupation dates back at least 4500 years based on archaeological studies conducted at the Shell Ring and various shell middens on the island, so needless to say, the island is drowning in history and folklore!We took the 8:30 am ferry from the Meridian Dock. The ride, although only less than 30 minutes, allowed us breathtaking views of the river and the marsh... Once we arrived on Sapelo Island, Yvonne, who conducts the State Tour, met us. We boarded the bus and toured the southern part of the island, which included Hog Hammock, J.R. Reynolds air field, the Reynolds Mansion, the post office,the general store, the lighthouse, the beach and the UGA Marine Institute. Unfortunately, on the State Tour, we did not go to the north end of the island where the Shell Ring and the community of Chocolate and other historic sites are. After the tour, we rented bicycles and went to the beach, which was stunning. There were bathrooms there and a covered picnic area right on the beach where we enjoyed a picnic lunch and a very refreshing swim (105 degree heat index the day we were there!) I will go back, but I will do one of the private tours that delve more into the history, culture and folklore of the island and covers the north end. In addition to bike rentals, there are also golf carts for rent. If you would like to spend the night or several, there are options for accommodations, including camping, rooms for rent and even the Reynolds Mansion may be rented! This area has got to be some of the most picturesque in the world! Don't miss it! Make sure to make all reservations ahead of time...beginning with a call to the Sapelo Island Visitors Center. Take food and drinks - although the General Stores does carry snacks and drinks, operating hours are limited.

Since we were staying in sight of the Sapola Island ferry we figured we'd head over for a tour, not really knowing what to expect. The ferry is $5 per person round trip and the ride is a bit less than 1/2 hour. We enjoyed watching dolphins (or porpoises--not sure which) fishing and swimming near the dock and further out in the bay. You have to be on the guest list to board the ferry which means you're either taking a private tour or the tour run by the State of Georgia. The caretakers of the rental house we were staying at suggested booking a tour with Nancy and Caesar Banks and we spent almost 3 hours learning about the history of Sapola Island and its people, whom Nancy calls saltwater Gitchee. It was just the 3 of us on the tour and it was an outstanding value.It was educational and emotional to be in a place where our guides' relatives had been enslaved. I doubt I'll ever forget the feeling of being in a pretty woods named Hanging Bull when Nancy explained that bull was a nickname given to African men by the plantation owners and this area was where men were hanged for perceived misdeeds. Nancy gave us an outstanding history lesson, made sure we saw some alligators, gave us time to walk on the beautiful beach that we had all to ourselves, and sent me home with some of her wisteria to try to grow in our far colder climate. The Island's current population is declining from lost jobs, increasing property taxes, and older generations passing away and unless something changes, the community of Hog Hammock will only be a memory. It was fun and meaningful to hear Caesar's stories of growing up on the Island and we came away with a sense of gratitude to Nancy and Caesar for helping us know their place and their history.We learned so much in a short time and all three of us (including our 13 year old daughter--who isn't known to enjoy educational tours) were glad we had the opportunity to visit Sapelo Island.Logistical information--there are no restaurants on the island, but there is a small store for drinks and snacks. Do bring bug spray if you're planning to do the short nature walk. I would recommend doing a bit of research about the Island in advance (which we did not do) because they will customize your tour to focus on whatever you're most interested in.

We had an excellent tour guide Mr. Jr. Grovenor who lives on the Island. What a delightful time we had. Mr.Grovenor is fantastic, We fell in love with his sense of humor and that infectious smile. If you want to know about Sapelo Island take the tour with Jr. My father is still talking about his bus ride to Chocolate.Your New FriendsWOF Orl, Fla

So sad that this area suffers from a declining population, but those that were born there remain loyal to their roots. Those that have left to find work on the mainland return often.

Sapelo is my grandmother, her father, his father, his father, and now MY Home away from home!The ferry ride to the island is the most relaxed, with dolphins riding beside the boat. Then watching them dance once we have reached the island. Riding under the shade droop tress to the community to be greeted by family that hold the key to my past. I love them and Pray GOD will continue to keep hold the history and preserve the legacy of my 5th great grandfather in Hogg Hommock.

In a quest to visit all Georgia's barrier islands, Sapelo Island was on our list of stops. We planned a camping trip so that we could stay a few days inexpensively. We found the Bailey family - especially Maurice - a huge help in planning our stay. We were able to stay at their campground and they were delightful hosts. They made our reservations for the ferry and provided a tour of the north end of the island. We hiked to Cabretta Beach one day - it was delightful and we had the beach to ourselves (except for the shore birds). The next day we hiked to the south end of the island to see the Reynolds Mansion, the UGA Marine Institute, and the lighthouse. It was interesting to see. We happened upon Beth who is in charge of the Friends of the Institute - she was friendly and able to answer our numerous questions. On our return to Hog Hammock, we stopped in at the public library and met Michelle. She was like everyone else we met, pleasant and friendly! If you get a chance, eat dinner at Lula's Kitchen - delicious Southern buffet! The residents of Hog Hammock truly live on "island time" - and it didn't take us long to slow down, either. This island is peaceful and beautiful! I would highly recommend others slowing down to take a peek at Sapelo!