Cumberland Island National Seashore

About

Cumberland Island National Seashore is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, a place where wild horses wander pristine beaches and centuries of history hide beneath canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Accessible only by ferry or private boat from the small town of St. Marys, the island feels like stepping into another era.

The island stretches 17.5 miles long and encompasses nearly 36,000 acres of maritime forest, salt marsh, tidal creeks, and undeveloped beach. It's one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands on the Atlantic coast, and the National Park Service works to keep it that way. Daily visitor numbers are capped, which means you'll often have long stretches of beach almost entirely to yourself.

History runs deep here. The Timucuan people lived on the island for thousands of years. Later, it became home to grand estates built by the Carnegie family in the late 1800s. You can still see the ruins of Dungeness, a massive mansion that burned in 1959, its tabby walls and chimneys standing against the sky. The restored Plum Orchard mansion offers a glimpse into Gilded Age luxury.

Wildlife is everywhere. The island's famous feral horses roam freely across dunes and marshes. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beaches in summer. Armadillos, deer, and over 300 species of birds call the island home.

For day visitors, the ferry ride from St. Marys takes about 45 minutes each way. Plan your trip carefully since ferry schedules are limited and reservations fill up fast, especially in spring and fall. Bring water, sunscreen, and food, as there are no stores on the island. The Sea Camp area near the ferry dock has restrooms, a small museum, and picnic areas. Overnight visitors can camp at developed or backcountry sites, or stay at the historic Greyfield Inn, the island's only commercial lodging.

Accessibility

Cumberland Island offers several accessibility features, though the island's wild and undeveloped nature does present challenges. The Land and Legacies Van Tour is a standout option for visitors with mobility needs. The van has an ADA-standard lift and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. This five- to six-hour motorized tour is the only one on the island, covering major historic sites and scenic areas that would otherwise require extensive hiking.

At the Sea Camp area near the ferry dock, you'll find accessible restrooms and the island museum. Cottages #3 and #4 on the island are wheelchair accessible, providing overnight options for visitors with mobility considerations.

It's important to know that most trails on Cumberland Island are not paved or hard-packed surfaces. Sandy paths and uneven terrain are common throughout the island, which can be difficult for manual wheelchairs or walkers.

Georgia's state partnership with the Aimee Copeland Foundation provides free high-mobility all-terrain track wheelchairs at a growing number of parks and sites. Contact the park directly to ask about current availability for Cumberland Island.

The ferry from St. Marys is the primary access point. Visitors with accessibility needs should call ahead to confirm ferry boarding accommodations and reserve the van tour well in advance, as space is limited. The St. Marys visitor center at 101 Wheeler Street can answer specific questions about current conditions and accessibility on the island. Contact Cumberland Island National Seashore directly for the most up-to-date information on accessible facilities and services.

More accessible places in Georgia

• High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
• Fox Theatre (Atlanta)
• Andersonville National Historic Site (Andersonville)
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Sandy Springs)
• Fort Pulaski National Monument (Savannah)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (Atlanta)

Photo credits

• Cumberland Island National Seashore - ga-cumberland-island-national-seashore-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Cumberland Island National Seashore - ga-cumberland-island-national-seashore-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Cumberland Island National Seashore - ga-cumberland-island-national-seashore-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)