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At more than 24 miles long, the Jekyll Island Trail carries visitors through a landscape they’re unlikely to encounter elsewhere in Georgia. As the last outpost before the Atlantic Ocean, the 7-mile-long barrier island features sandy beaches, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and the historic vacation homes of the early 20th century’s rich and famous.
The mostly paved, interconnected trail system encircles the island, a popular destination for sunbathers, campers, and golfers. It stretches from Driftwood Beach in the north, where ghostly remnants of a forest march into the surf, to the growing southern beach. Although the trail is paved, side trails may be dirt or packed sand. Wildlife, such as deer or terrapins, is often seen on the trail; visitors are asked to report sightings of invasive species, such as feral hogs or coyotes.
The island, a former plantation, is now owned by the state. Several buildings of the historic Jekyll Island Club still stand, and visitors can walk where the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Morgans once played.
About the Route
A central starting point for the 16-mile main loop is the Village Green at the eastern end of Ben Fortson Parkway/GA 520, which crosses the East River from the mainland. Heading north, the trail passes numerous hotels overlooking the beach. Boardwalks cross the dunes to access the beach.
In 1.7 miles, the trail veers one block inland as a side path along Beach View Drive. In 2.3 miles, turn right to connect to the North Loop Trail, which passes through marshes and the eerie Driftwood Beach. The trail turns left in 1.4 miles at a fishing pier and begins its southern journey through a shady forest.
In 1.3 miles, after passing the 200-site campground, trail users will find the remains of the circa 1743 Horton House, one of the oldest surviving structures in the state. This route through a forest at the edge of a marsh ends at the airport in 2.3 miles; the trail enters the historic district in less than 1 more mile. The well-manicured lawns of the old Jekyll Island Club are home to “cottages” that look more like mansions. The historic district also houses the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where injured turtles are rehabilitated and studied, and the Jekyll Island Museum.
The route around the southern section of the island crosses the parkway and heads south, passing Summer Waves Water Park in a mile. In 2 miles, the trail—which sometimes takes the form of a side path and sometimes a crushed-stone path—reaches St. Andrews Beach. This is the site of the Wanderer Memorial, commemorating the survivors of one of the last illegal slave ships to cross the Atlantic. Head north on the trail next to South Beachview Drive to return to the Village Green in 3 miles.
The Jekyll Island Trail runs between 1198 Riverview Dr (Jekyll Island) and 100 St Andrews Dr (Jekyll Island), with parking at both ends.
Parking is also available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
This trail is a nice wide path that runs around the island in wooded area and along the beach. It is a beautiful ride. The trail is crowded in places on the weekends.
My husband and I bike Jekyll at least once a month. We start out at the Marina where there is a good family restaurant with pub food and cocktails. Nice views off the back and very social with the boaters coming and going. The trail is mostly paved a little dirt thru the woods. It’s a loop so I love it! Lots of oceans views, many places to stop for a eat or drink. Lots of butterflies, and birds. Some shopping, tons of history and benches to rest and take in nature. Give yourself the day! You could zoom thru it in a couple of hours but why! So much to take in!
Love riding this gorgeous trail
If you’re looking to ride casually and enjoy great ocean and nature views, this is for you! There are some 5+ mile stretches to get in some light cardio. Plenty of good food/brew choices close by too
I can't give enough stars for such a nice wide trail that roams through beach views, piers, playgrounds, coastal ponds, historical buildings and more.
Jekyll Island will spoil you! It’s worth the drive wherever you are! Clean, we’ll kept and park services are superb. Safety and security is top notch. There’s even a GA State Trooper post located on the island. Great restaurants and the entire island is bike and dog friendly!
Rode 12 miles of the best bike trails. The path will take you by the ocean, historical area, piers, concessions, sunny and shaded areas. Check the tide charts for low tide, so you can ride the driftwood beach section.
We loved Jekyll Island and most of the trail.
Most of the trail is lovely, but there are some sections where the surface is rough making it a challenge for "small wheels" like Inline skates or Trikkes. One section was worn concrete and a few sections had shells embedded in the concrete, which looks pretty but is a rough surface to skate on.
Much of the trail is brand new, wide, concrete and is excellent. Near the south end, the pavement suddenly stops and you are forced onto the road if you are on wheels that can't ride on sand. I hope they will continue the paved section all the way around the south end. It wasn't crowded when we road (January) but in the summer, riding on the road would not be safe.
The trail is well marked and we will come again, but plan our trip with caution to the unpaved portions.
This little Island has beauty, history, great restaurants, and many activities that are all accessible via the bike trail. It was a grand day out for sure. We covered the entire trail, toured the historic Jekyll Island Club and museum; ate a terrific lunch on the water and enjoyed the beach. Who could ask for more?
We spent the entire day crisscrossing the entire Island. We stopped on the Isl on the way north because of the wonderful reviews. We weren’t disappointed. If anyone planning on doing this ride, a film crew has shut down Driftwood beach trail until 03/28/22.
I wrote this trail in December on a beautiful 80¿ day Trail was in great shape while paved scenery was fantasticMany places on the island to get a bite to eat and a cold one after the ride
We absolutely loved this island trail. This map really helped us discover each trail section, otherwise we would have missed. The wildlife, surroundings, and beach views were spectacular. Would definitely like to come back.
We rode the loop and made a few off shoots for lunch and see a few sites. Very easy 95% paved trail. Parts of it you can ride the hard sand right on the coast, others your on a very hard packed sand/ dirt trail. It mostly paved and wide enough to allow on coming bikers to freely pass by. Numerous restrooms and benches. A great trail for a cool day. When it’s hot, parts of it are not shades at all and those areas would be uncomfortable. All the cross sections off the paved trail are fantastic shade and a fun leisurely ride.
I’ve been riding rail trails throughout the US for a few years. This loop around Jekyll Island is the most beautiful ride I’ve ever done. The scenery on the north loop section is breathtaking. I had to stop multiple times to take pictures and just breath in the view. The southern loop isn’t as pretty and has areas where you are riding on the road. But there wasn’t much traffic so I still felt safe. Absolutely a must!
We travel around with our folding ebikes and explore good trails on traillink. Jekkyl island tops the list for the scenery, historic sites, wildlife, and the trail network. Absolute perfection.
I love the trails here. Been riding my bike for 20 years now!
Mid October ride was cool in temp but even a warmer day would take advantage of the shaded trails for cooling. Parked at the COVID closed convention center as were many other areas. Closed water park reminded me of Wally World. FYI entry to the island cost for all day parking. 8$ did not see this on the other reviews, maybe I missed.
We were really impressed with the mix of natural beauty and manicured park-like setting offered by Jekyll Island bicycle trail. Absolutely enjoyed ever second of the beautiful island. Georgia state parks system did this one perfectly. Can not wait to return.
I was looking for bike trails. This is the one so far. Lovely area, good shapes to ride bike, peaceful place. Plus there is a lot of thing to do.
The combination of wide paved bike paths, looping wooded trails, and mixed use trails is about as good as casual bike paths can be. You're on a beautiful island filled with historic buildings and homes. The trails take you to all of the various island sites; shoreline, woods, swamps. It's not a ride designed for a workout. It's very flat and has lots of curves, pedestrians and road crossings to slow and watch for. You'll see islanders on work out rides pass by on nearby roadways. Those don't have bike lanes, but speed limits on the island are slow, so folks feel safe enough. Great way to visit Jekyll Island.
Deer, alligators, raccoon, etc...Lots of wildlife to see up close.
A great way to tour the Island. I have biked and walked it. Many different types of scenery, marsh, wooded, ocean. Plenty to see and many places to stop and sit. Make sure to take time and enjoy, especially Driftwood Beach.
We ride this often. The actual trail is 19 miles. You do some dirt, road, bridges, go through woods, over creeks, through ancient oaks and in front of the beach. Very nice. Needs lots of repairs and cleaning after Hurricane Irma.
The scenery is by far one of our favorites, the ride takes you from the marsh, to historic buildings, blending to the beach and ocean views, along the way you will encounter shopping and resturants, golf courses, the water park and nature. Simply a relaxing ride with mostly wide paths to alow traffic in both directions. No matter the season you will fall in love with this treasure of the coast. From the fast paced rider to the laid back cruiser, Jekyll offers something for all. We take our 6 year old nephew with us on some rides and he loves it even on his smaller bike. The trails are a very nice ride for our cruisers and our friends ride road bikes and they also found it a pleasing ride. There has been alot of improvements over the last year to the riding paths. I don't see many being disappointed after their experience here. Come for the day, stay for the week, or discover your home away from home.
I have biked Jekyll Island trails for many years as a stop over on my way back from Florida. The trails are in good shape with lots of things to see and places to stop. There is lots of history here dating back to early colonial times. Do get the brochures and maps from the state park. There are three short well packed dirt trails in the center of the island on the south end. The Beach Village has shopping and lunch places. Bob
The trails around Jekyll are in great shape. I've taken my family riding several times. Lots of wildlife from deer to blue herons. Lots to do and see. Great rides on the beach.
Do not bring your road bike! This is a trail for mountain bikes or beach cruisers. Only portions of the trail are in adequate shape for road bikes. I ended up occasionally on dirt trails. Opted to ride on the parallel streets in many places just to get off the trail.
North side of the Island offers great views of passing bulk cargo and Ro-Ro ships. Seaward side of the island offers great views across the protected dunes. I clocked 16.7 miles around the island, not entirely on the circumference trail. All hotels are bike friendly and have beach cruisers; many are dog friendly.
Make some noise and maybe the local authorities will do some repair work on the trails.
Ridden Dec-12, 2015, 9:30 AM, temp: 17 C.
PS - thanks to the staff at Hampton Inn & Suites.
You have to pay $6 to get on the island since much of it is a state park. But it is well worth it. The trails run all over the island, and cover a variety of landscapes - along the beach, through the woods, through the historic village. Most of the trails are shaded and well maintained. Bike rentals are available at most of the hotels. There are very few restaurants, but many hotels. Get a map at goldenisles.com
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