Cumberland Marsh State Natural Area Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Cumberland Marsh State Natural Area Preserve is located in Virginia and is a haven for rare and endangered plant and animal species.
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Summary
The preserve spans over 2,800 acres and features a unique mix of wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Visitors can explore the preserve's diverse ecosystems through a number of trails, including the Cumberland Marsh Trail and the Beaver Pond Trail.
The area is home to an array of wildlife, including several species of migratory birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Some of the rare and threatened species found in the preserve include the eastern spadefoot toad, the bog turtle, and the northern harrier.
The best time to visit Cumberland Marsh State Natural Area Preserve is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warmer and many of the plants and animals are in full bloom. Visitors can take guided tours of the preserve, participate in bird-watching and photography workshops, or simply enjoy a picnic in the scenic surroundings.
Overall, Cumberland Marsh State Natural Area Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking to experience Virginia's unique natural beauty.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Crawfords State Forest
Sandy Point State Forest
Upper County Park