Take a 4.5 miles hike through the forest, over the marsh and along the beach. Take some time to explore the Dungeness historic district, wildlife and history is everywhere! This Is a great 3-4 hour day hike for first time visitors that provides a taste of the island’s diversity.
3-5 Hours
Plum Orchard Mansion was built in 1898 by Lucy Carnegie for her son, George Lauder Carnegie, as a wedding present. This home reflects an opulent era in the island's history; one of recreation, relaxation, and time spent with family. This Visitors today can join a ranger for a 45-minutes tour of this 22,000 square foot home for a glimpse of such times.
Backpacking on Cumberland Island can be a great experience when proper preparations are made. Failure to prepare can lead to a less than desirable and potentially dangerous experience.
1-7 Days
Riding a bike can be a great way to get around the island. However, with no paved roads on the island it is important to understand the conditions on the island. Read on to find out if biking is right for your visit.
2-6 Hours
Take a 15-mile round trip bike ride up to the Plum Orchard mansion and take a tour of the Georgian-revival house. This is a strenuous 3-5 hour bike ride. Check with a ranger before starting out for current conditions.
3-5 Hours
Bringing your own bike can provide more access to the island. Not all bikes are suited to be ridden on Cumberland Island. Read on to see if biking is a good choice for your visit.
2-6 Hours
Walk with a ranger as you explore the Dungeness historic district and dive into the pivotal stories of its location. Tours are offered when the ferry arrives at the Dungeness dock (around 10:00 AM and 12:45 PM) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, when staff is available. Ask if tours will be offered on the day of your visit. Tours last about an hour and cover roughly a mile in distance.
Kayaking to Cumberland Island offers a different perspective and can be a rewarding experience. Advanced preparation is essential, however. This is only recommended for those with previous coastal kayaking experience.
Take a van ride to the north end of the island. A guide will present the island's history.
Join the National Park Service “family” by becoming a Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, have a park ranger review it, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge for Cumberland Island. Pick up your booklet and badge from the Mainland Visitor Center and Sea Camp Ranger Station today.
With over 17 miles of undeveloped beach, no matter where you are on Cumberland Island you’re never too far from the beach. Swimming in the ocean can a great way to beat the heat on a hot coastal Georgia day.
Take a secluded hike through the maritime forest and along the beach. This hike will take you through saw palmetto, wax myrtle and under the canopy of sprawling live oak trees. The trail will intersect with the Little Greyfield beach crossing about two miles in. Take this crossing through the dunes to a particularly isolated portion of the beach. Turn right and keep the ocean to your left to return to Sea Camp. You can also take this loop the opposite way.
2-4 Hours
Birding on the beach can be successful in any season on Cumberland Island. There are many rear-round residents, and those around during breeding season, migrations, and winter alike. Be sure to pack your binoculars and head to the beach on your next visit to the island.
Stop by the bookstore at Cumberland Island’s Visitor Center in Saint Marys, GA, open daily from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Christmas Day). You will find books related to the island’s natural and cultural history, apparel, postcards, pins, patches, magnets, and more.
With 17 miles of undeveloped beach, it is easy to find your own personal space on Cumberland’s beach. The wide-open space of the beach provides a striking contrast to the dense, tangled maritime forest. When you step out of the forest in the dunes, you feel like you are entering a whole new world. Whether you are looking for seashells, shorebirds or a tan, the beach on Cumberland will not disappoint.
20-30 Minutes
Cumberland is a magical place for photographers. Abundant wildlife, picturesque ruins, and lack of crowds make this a great place for taking photos.
Make a pitstop at the Ice House Museum to learn about the island’s history. Fill up your water bottle at the water bottle filling station and use the restrooms before heading on to Dungeness.
10-30 Minutes
The Nightingale Trail on the south end of the island is a great place to experience the interior of the maritime forest.
20-30 Minutes
The River Trail is 0.8 miles long and connects the Sea Camp and Dungeness docks. It takes you through the maritime forest and provides a few views of the intracoastal waterway.
20-30 Minutes
The ocean can bring many interesting things onto our beaches. Beachcombing is a popular activity on Cumberland Island. Shells are not found on the beach all the time, however. Read on to learn when is the best time to scour the beach for shells.
1-2 Hours
Cumberland Island is a great place to view wildlife. Dungeness is a great place to look for the many common animals on the island and is an easy walk from the dock.
The extensive marshes around Cumberland Island provide great birding opportunities. One of the best places to get a view of the marsh is at the marsh boardwalk, just east of the Greene-Miller Cemetery. After you’ve gotten your history fix at the Dungeness ruins area, take the short walk to the marsh boardwalk, a birding hotspot.
Take a hike to the southern most historical district to see the ruins of a Carnegie mansion, learn about what it took to upkeep the estate, check out wildlife and enjoy the view of the salt marsh. This short hike can be enjoyed in just 2 hours.
1-2 Hours
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on Cumberland Island. About 200 of these species are migratory, with the rest being year-round residents of the island. What birds you will find on the island will depend on what time of year you visit. The best birding is typically in the spring, when many birds stop over on Cumberland Island on their way north. Dungeness is a great area to view many different species.
Open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily , the Mainland Museum for Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great starting place to learn more about the island’s diverse history. Exhibits explore the cultural and natural history of the island from prehistoric American Indians lives, through British occupation during the War of 1812, the Plantation Era, Gilded Age, and the island today.
15-60 Minutes