The Bike Trails of Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a haven for the weary, a beachadditional opportunities for fun and discovery.
home-away-from-home for budget-minded folks fromThe Mid-Island Forest Trail cuts cross-country from
Florida to Canada and points west. The island boastsBen Fortson Parkway, through maritime forest, past
attractions running from the wet and wild Summerisolated salt marsh and pond environments (where you
Waves Water Park to the beauty and serenity ofmight spot an alligator or a king fisher), before ending
Driftwood Beach to the historic majesty of theat the Historic District. Rest up at Cafe Solterra, and
Millionaire's Village.renew your energy with a Big Cookie.
And all points are connected and readily reachable byAnother woods trail runs from the back of the Horton
the system of bike trails that criss-cross Jekyll IslandHouse ruins and ends at Old Plantation Road. It's a
like arteries in a circulation system., carrying thelittle-known trail where you navigate a sandy track
life-blood of this quiant barrier island - you, your friendsthrough forest that's habitat for deer, raccoon, squirrel,
and families, and fellow adventurers.and rabbit - maybe even Sasquatch.
There are several types of bike trails you can explore.Shark's Tooth Beach Trail can be accessed at the trail
1) The Paved Trails -head just to the left of Summer Waves. The trail is
Most of the bike trails are paved, and wind all aroundabout a mile long, and winds through open spaces
the island, leading to and penetrating through mostsurrounded by salt marsh and treed hammocks to
areas of interest.wind up on the river side of the island, where, at low
You can bike with your kids for miles along a beachtide, you can search for sharks teeth.
trail overlooking the Atlantic. Stop off at Blackbeard's3) Create Your Own Bike Excursions -
Restaurant for a snack and a cool drink.You don't have to stay on established trails. Jekyll
Explore the South Loop, and make a point to exploreIsland's streets are flat and invite easy riding. There are
Glory Boardwalk, and the beach where the civil waralso a few more cut-throughs, sandy short cuts from
movie "Glory" was filmed. This section will also takeRiverview Drive to Beachview Drive, along the South
you past the aforementioned Summer Waves WaterLoop.
Park.Or, if you want, ride your bike along the beach. You'll
Seek out hidden spots, shops, and restaurants as wellneed your own bike for this, as rentals aren't allowed
as view the historic cottages of millionaires past on theon the beach. Be sure to wash your bike down with
maze of trails within the Historic District. The Jekyllfresh water after your ride.
Island Club Hotel is located here, as well as JekyllBring your dog - Jekyll Island allows dogs on the beach
Island's temporary Convention Center (servingif they're leashed and under a responsible owners
conventioner's needs while their new state-of-the-artcontrol. This means picking up after your pooch, too.
Convention Center, due for completion in 2012, is underYou can rent all kinds of bikes, from cruisers to kid's
construction).rides to four-seater surreys, as well as accessories.
The Golf Course Loop takes you past Oleander, PineTry area hotels, the Bike Barn adjacent to the Jekyll
Lakes, and Indian Mound Golf Courses, as well as theIsland Mini-golf Course, or Wheel Fun Rentals, located
Jekyll Island Tennis Center.at the Days Inn and Suites.
Zip along the Intra-coastal Waterway, visit the HortonIt's fun to explore Jekyll Island as a family. Whether
House ruins, and check out Driftwood Beach from thetooling along a sandy beach, lazily winding among
North Loop Trail.ancient live oaks, or riding through a salt marsh
2) Off-shoot Trails -paradise, Jekyll Island is the perfect place for that
These trails cut off from the paved loops, opening upperfect family vacation - brought to you by bicycle!