Cumberland Island National Seashore • Georgia

Sand dunes covered with shrubs and grasses

Alligator resting on a log in pond

Ocean beach at sunrise

large, white mansion behind oak trees draped with Spanish Moss

rippled sands of a beach in front of pine tree covered bluffs

huge oak trees and palm shrubs line a sand road

brick and stone ruins of a large mansion at sunset under colorful clouds

small white one room church, old red house in the background, under cloudy skies

tidal creek at low tide surrounded by palm and oak trees

St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.

Vegetation holds dunes in place providing a barrier to erosion forces and creating essential interdune meadows to support island life.
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Cumberland Island National Seashore encompasses a variety of forest, marsh, and coastal landscapes providing a home for numerous species including American Alligators.
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Cumberland Island National Seashore encompasses nearly 18 miles of undeveloped beach offering recreation for visitors and essential nesting area for birds and sea turtles.
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Visitors can take a guided tour of the Plum Orchard Mansion and experience the luxuries of Victorian high society as well as the effort and ingenuity it took to make it possible.
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Tidal forces continue to shape the land today as they have for thousands of years forming high bluffs used for fortifications and ship docking throughout the island’s history.
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While visitors to the island cannot bring vehicles, they can travel the historic main park road by foot and bicycle. Some remaining island residents will still drive vehicles on the road to reach their residences as they have for generations.
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Dugeness was the largest mansion built on the island as part of the Carnegie Estate. Though lost to fire in 1959, the ruins of the mansion and several of its support structures are a reminder of the island’s rich history.
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The remote north end of the island is home to the First African Baptist Church and The Settlement, where African American residents were able to purchase their first deeded property on the island at the end of the 1800s.
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Rising tides bring valuable nutrients into tidal creeks, while receding tides remove waste. This makes the tide cycle the beating heart of the island’s tidal creeks, salt marshes, and estuaries.
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Cartoon drawing of an electric wheelchair with treads instead of wheels words

Increased accessibility with a track wheelchair designed to go over sand and along trails

One room white church with a red rundown house in the back

Take a 30 mile guided van tour, over rough roads and through dense forests, to explore the history and environment of the northern island.

a couple riding bikes down the road

Biking can be a great way to explore the island. Find out how.

Park volunteer assists with the Plum Orchard holiday event

There are a number of ways to take part and volunteer at Cumberland Island. Learn more about what current opening might be right for you.

Last updated: July 30, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

101 Wheeler St
St. Marys, GA 31558

Phone:

912 882-4336

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