Fort Clinch State Park Trails
Fort Clinch State Park is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, this park offers outstanding trails, both paved and unpaved. With its namesake fort and peninsular location, it also offers tremendous historic and natural amenities. Initial development of this park was started in the 1930’s through the Civilian Conservation Corps, making it one of Florida’s first state parks. The trail system includes a 6.5 mile unpaved “loop” trail for hikers and off road bicyclists, the park’s paved road, and several miles of beaches along Cumberland Sound with hard packed sand for riding and hiking during low tides.
Major Activities: Biking, Mountain, Biking, Hiking
Trail Length/Surface: 6.5 miles unpaved; 3.3 miles paved road.
Fee: Park Admission
County: Nassau
Nearby Towns: Fernandina Beach
Notes:
Traffic on the unpaved loop trail is one way for bikers and helmets are required. Hikers may travel in either direction. The trail begins at the fort parking lot and parallels the park drive for approximately three miles, then crosses the road and returns back toward the fort on the opposite side. Parts of the trail are heavily forested and traverse ancient dunes that are very steep, offering a challenge to off-road bicyclists and hikers as well. The trail is also accessible in several locations along the paved park drive.
The paved park drive offers riding suitable for touring bicycles. Please walk bikes on boardwalks leading to beaches. Biking is not permitted on the pier. Florida laws require helmets to be worn by all children 16 and under when bicycling roads or trails. Children under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian while bicycling in the park.
Willow Pond Hiking Trail is also located centrally along the park drive (not shown on map). For more details regarding this trail and other amenities at Fort Clinch State Park, visit the park’s web page listed below.
Access/Directions:
From I-95, get off on Exit 129 (new Exit 373), the Fernandina Beach / Callahan exit, and stay to the right. You will then be traveling east on A1A. (This road becomes 8th Street within the town limits of Fernandina.) Stay on this A1A for 16 miles until you come to the intersection of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Turn right on Atlantic Avenue and go about two miles. Fort Clinch State Park will be on the left.
Contact Information:
Fort Clinch State Park
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-7274
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