Cumberland Island Maps - Explore the National Seashore

Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest barrier island, stretching nearly 18 miles long and covering over 36,000 acres. Protected as a National Seashore, the island offers a rare mix of windswept dunes, maritime forests, freshwater lakes, salt marshes, and undeveloped beaches. 

Cumberland Island still feels untamed. Migratory birds fill the skies, wild horses roam the beaches, and marine life flourishes along the shore. With more than 50 miles of trails as well as landmarks like the Dungeness ruins, the island offers both adventure and quiet reflection. 

Many visitors find that time here provides a chance to slow down, reconnect with Georgia’s coast, and experience landscapes that remain largely unchanged by development.

Read stories from Cumberland Island.

How Big Is Cumberland Island?

Nearly 10,000 acres of Cumberland Island are protected as federally designated wilderness, ensuring that large parts of the island remain permanently protected. Stretching almost the entire length of Georgia’s coast, the island is expansive enough to contain miles of quiet beach, wide marshes, and dense forest in one place. 

To put its size in perspective, Cumberland Island is larger than many Georgia cities, offering visitors a vast landscape to explore on foot, by paddle, or along the shoreline.

What To Do On Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island offers a wide range of experiences for visitors who want to explore Georgia’s coast in its natural state. Hike or backpack along more than 50 miles of trails that connect maritime forests, salt marshes, and sweeping beaches. Campers can choose from developed sites near Sea Camp or remote backcountry areas where solitude is part of the adventure. 

History is also an essential part of the island’s story. Visitors can spend time among the remains of the Dungeness ruins or tour Plum Orchard Mansion to gain a deeper understanding of the families who once lived here. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, offering opportunities to spot sea turtles, armadillos, and a diverse array of bird species throughout the year. 

The Georgia Conservancy occasionally hosts a Cumberland Island Service Weekend. Volunteers help maintain trails and support conservation efforts. These trips offer a meaningful way to learn, conserve, and do service work while connecting with some of Georgia’s most precious national treasures.