General Biking

Biking can be a great way to get around the island, but make sure you know the conditions.

NPS Photo/Stella Carroll

Biking can be a great way to get around the island. However, conditions on the island can make a bike ride quite tough. Make sure you plan ahead to understand what conditions may be like.  

Bikes are allowed only on Cumberland island’s sandy roads. No trail riding is permitted. There are no paved surfaces on the island. The main road is a single-lane sand road. During dry periods, the sand can become quite soft and makes riding a bike difficult. Mountain bike tires or wider are recommended. After a rain, the sand becomes more hard-packed and can be more pleasant for riding. During a period of heavy rain the road can turn into a river and after the rain large puddles will be present.  

If you decide to bike north on the island, consider your water sources. Stafford Beach Campground- 3.5 miles north of Sea Camp- has potable water. Plum Orchard has treated water at 7.5 miles from Sea Camp. Be prepared with enough water and for rough road conditions on the northend. Wherever you bike to, you will have to get back on your own power, so check your watch and listen to your body.  

Beach riding is allowed between Sea Camp and Dungeness beach crossings. 

You may encounter vehicles driving up and down the road. Please pull to one side to let them pass.  

There are several private properties on the island. Please do not ride down these areas marked private. 

E-bikes are allowed on the island as long as they are under 1 HP (750 watts) and are pedal assist only. E-bikes are allowed only where traditional bikes are.  

For more info on riding a bike on Cumberland Island and a complete list of bike rules and regulations, visit our biking page. 

You can rent a single-speed beach cruiser on the island ($16 for the day/$20 overnight; first-come-first-served) or bring your own bike on the ferry ($10 per bike, reservations available). Rental bikes are only available in adult sizes. 
***UPDATE: Bicycles are NOT currently being rented on the island. Transporting your own bike on the ferry is an option.

Details

Duration

2-6 Hours

Activity

Biking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

All visitors 16 or older must pay the park entry fee or have an America the Beautiful pass with them. Fees can be paid on the island at self-pay stations located at each dock or in person at the Mainland Visitor Center. You may also pay your entrance fee in advance online at www.pay.gov.

Location

Main Road

Biking is allowed only along the Main Road on the island. The roads on Cumberland are unimproved sand roads. There are several spur roads around Dungeness and Plum Orchard that allow bicycles. No trail riding is allowed. Please walk bikes over grassy areas around Dungeness and Plum Orchard.

Reservations

No

Reservations can not be made for bike rentals. 

Accessibility Information

The Main Road is an unimproved sand road. Thin tire bikes are not reccomended.