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Cumberland Island National Seashore

Maritime Forest

Maritime Forest (Alan Cressler)

Cumberland Island, GA

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a beautiful, largely undeveloped 36,000-acre barrier island, 9,906 acres of which is congressionally designated wilderness. Access is by ferry or private boat, so advanced planning is required to visit the island. Extensive salt marshes border the island to the west, and 18 miles of pristine, white-sand beaches border Cumberland on the east. The island has an amazing variety of wildlife and plant communities. More than 322 species of birds have been seen here. The Visitor Center and Museum are on the mainland in St. Marys.

Important: Check the ferry schedule and plan your trip ahead of time. Bring food, beverages, sunscreen, rain gear and other necessities; the island has no stores. Private boaters can dock at Sea Camp, Dungeness or Plum Orchard. Overnight boaters must anchor offshore. Bicycles and carts are rented on a first-come, first-served basis at the Sea Camp Ranger Station.

Specialties

Peregrine falcon, painted bunting, red knot, oystercatcher, black skimmer, warblers, Wilson's plover, snowy plover.

Tips

Look for peregrine falcons during fall migration, painted bunting in summer and warblers during spring and fall migrations. Shorebirds are best seen during summer, winter and spring. Most American oystercatchers nest between the Sea Camp access and the south jetty. Piping plovers may be spotted on the beach in winter. Recent years have found wintering snowy plovers, as well, so look carefully. Least terns typically nest at Long Point on the north end. Check tides for optimum times to see wading birds.

Other Wildlife Highlights

American alligators are often seen along marsh edges and in freshwater wetlands. Gopher tortoises can be found in the pine woods and armadillo and turkey are commonly seen on the island. Summer is a great time to watch for manatees near the docks. Feral horses also inhabit the island. Visit the NPS website to learn about the impact the horses have on Cumberland.

Flora Highlights

You can find great examples of coastal Maritime forests (Sea Camp, River Trail), salt marsh (boardwalk near Greene-Miller Cemetery, behind Dungeness), interdune meadows (Sea Camp and Dungeness beach crossings) and undeveloped beach on Cumberland's south end. The border between these different ecosystems is a great place to look for birds.

Best Birding Seasons

  SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER
Gull-like Birds ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Shorebirds ✓   ✓  
Songbirds ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Wading Birds ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Waterfowl       ✓

Fees

Entrance fee and ferry fee. Check the NPS website for up-to-date pricing.

Website

https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm

eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L150425

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Amenities

Boat Ramp
 
Cabins
 
Camping
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Dock/Pier
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Fishing
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Hunting
 
Nature Center/Museum
✓
Picnic
 
Primitive Camping
 
Restrooms Accessibility Icon
✓
Trails Accessibility Icon
✓
Viewing Platform/Blind
 
Visitor Center/Gift Shop
✓
Water Fountains
✓

Trail Sites

  • Fort Pulaski National Monument
  • Tybee Island: North Beach
  • Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center
  • Skidaway Island State Park
  • J.F. Gregory Park
  • Fort McAllister State Park
  • Fort Morris State Historic Site
  • Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
  • Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area
  • Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
  • St. Simons Island: Gould’s Inlet & East Beach
  • Jekyll Island: North End Beach
  • Jekyll Island: Causeway
  • Jekyll Island: South End Beach
  • Crooked River State Park
  • Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
  • Cumberland Island National Seashore
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