Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Cumberland Island National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 36,000 acres on Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. The refuge features a mix of maritime forests, salt marshes, dunes, and undeveloped beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The island was designated as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1972 to protect the unique ecosystems and species inhabiting the region. Cumberland Island has a storied human history, featuring Native American occupation, colonial settlements, and the remains of several historic estates, including the famous Dungeness ruins and the Plum Orchard mansion. Visitors are drawn to the refuge for opportunities to hike through wooded trails, watch shorebirds and wild horses roam freely along the coast, and explore salt marshes by kayak or canoe. There are no bridges to the island; access is by ferry from the mainland, preserving its remote and undisturbed character. Campgrounds and primitive backcountry camping are available for multi-day trips, combining wilderness experience with access to sandy shorelines and historical landmarks. The refuge is critical habitat for endangered and threatened species, including wood storks and sea turtles. Its combination of natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and historical interest makes Cumberland Island National Wildlife Refuge a premier destination on the southeastern coast of the United States.
