Cumberland Island, a National Seashore run by the National Park Service, is the southernmost of Georgia’s barrier islands and only reachable by ferry. It’s a beautiful spot, boasting 17 miles of beach and 50 miles of trails through pristine maritime forests, and wide marshes. There are also the remains of the former Carnegie estate. It’s worth a day trip for the many biking, hiking, and running opportunities. There are no paved roads on the island. Note: Roads and trails can be a softer/sandy surface. Our top recommendations for running on Cumberland Island:
Flickr: Mary Fairchild
Beach. From the ferry terminal, it’s 1 mile to the beach, where you can run for miles. There are many other access points to the beach across the island. It’s largely undeveloped. Sand can be firm and compact near the water, but tidally dependent and situational.
South End Loop. The most popular walk/hike on the island can also be done as a run! 4.3 miles, including 1.5 miles along the beach. Nice variety, including forest, beach, marsh. NPS DESCRIPTION
Author Photo
Main Road. Good straight shot run through the heart of the island “under a draping canopy of live oaks, across forest floors packed with palmetto, through tall stands of stately pines, over open fields, near tidal creeks, fresh water wetlands and lakes”. Road is easily accessed from either of the two ferry docks. Run for as many miles as you like through this shady canopy. Generally firm service with good footing — can get soft/sandy during dry spells. For more of a trail run, the Parallel Trail runs parallel to the Main Road for several miles. It’s runnable, but narrower and more overgrown in spots.
There are numerous other trail options heading further north on the island, and the experience can get more remote. This page has excellent descriptions of the numerous trails, with distance options.
Cumberland Island, a National Seashore run by the National Park Service, is the southernmost of Georgia’s barrier islands and only reachable by ferry. It’s a beautiful spot, boasting 17 miles of beach and 50 miles of trails through pristine maritime forests, and wide marshes. There are also the remains of the former Carnegie estate. It’s worth a day trip for the many biking, hiking, and running opportunities. There are no paved roads on the island. Note: Roads and trails can be a softer/sandy surface. Our top recommendations for running on Cumberland Island:
Flickr: Mary Fairchild
Beach. From the ferry terminal, it’s 1 mile to the beach, where you can run for miles. There are many other access points to the beach across the island. It’s largely undeveloped. Sand can be firm and compact near the water, but tidally dependent and situational.
South End Loop. The most popular walk/hike on the island can also be done as a run! 4.3 miles, including 1.5 miles along the beach. Nice variety, including forest, beach, marsh. NPS DESCRIPTION
Author Photo
Main Road. Good straight shot run through the heart of the island “under a draping canopy of live oaks, across forest floors packed with palmetto, through tall stands of stately pines, over open fields, near tidal creeks, fresh water wetlands and lakes”. Road is easily accessed from either of the two ferry docks. Run for as many miles as you like through this shady canopy. Generally firm service with good footing — can get soft/sandy during dry spells. For more of a trail run, the Parallel Trail runs parallel to the Main Road for several miles. It’s runnable, but narrower and more overgrown in spots.
There are numerous other trail options heading further north on the island, and the experience can get more remote. This page has excellent descriptions of the numerous trails, with distance options.
Among the best of Georgia's barrier islands for running. 10-mile beach with firm sand, oceanfront bike path, Historic District Path, and the N Loop through moss-shaded oaks and marshlands.
The largest of the Golden Isles. Winding island streets, lovely beaches, two villages, and 30 miles of bike paths. East Beach is a fantastic beach run. Avenue of the Oaks and other tree-lined paths and pretty residential districts are also running highlights.
A privately owned island--one must be a resident/guest/hotel guest. Best running options are 3.3 miles along Sea Island Drive., the gorgeous running beach, private paths in the resorts, and 1.5 miles along Sea Island Rd. from the gate.
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