When planning a vacation to Jekyll Island, Georgia, you’re probably picturing spending plenty of time on the beach. While the Jekyll Island beaches are great places to enjoy the outdoors, they’re certainly not your only option. To stay active and explore some of the most beautiful nature of the island, consider taking advantage of the Jekyll Island trail system!
Even if you don’t consider yourself an experienced biker, there are plenty of trails for you to explore. Best of all, they are just minutes away from our most popular Jekyll Island vacation rentals.
Jekyll Island Trail System
The Jekyll Island trail system covers approximately 25 miles of the area, allowing you to witness beautiful beaches, lush forests, and everything in between. The trail begins at Riverview Drive at the Camp Creek Picnic Area and winds its way throughout the island, eventually ending at Beachview Drive at the St. Andrews Picnic Area.
You’ll encounter various surfaces throughout the trail, including asphalt, dirt, concrete, or crushed stone. Those not as experienced at cycling are likely to be more comfortable on asphalt or concrete, while the dirt or crushed stone trails are great for intermediate or advanced cyclists. As you travel the path, you can pick up bike maps at the beginning of the trail system, from a local hotel, or another vendor.
Trail Loops
There are a few different loops you can choose from to navigate the island. First, you might want to travel along the Historic District Loop to learn more about the fascinating backstory of the area. This loop covers 2.1 miles of trail and allows you to pass by. the clubhouse and several cottages of the Historic District. You can see where J. P. Morgan, William K. Vanderbilt, Joseph Pulitzer, and more spent their time on the island.
You can also enjoy the incredible Ocean View Trail. As the name suggests, this loop provides uninterrupted ocean views nearly the entire journey! This trail loop also covers 2.1 miles and takes you past rolling dunes and stunning shorelines as you travel from the Ocean Club to the Beach House Restaurant. Stop at Beach House for a delicious meal once you’re done with the trail!
But the adventures don’t stop there. For a shorter journey, check out the Glimpses of Golf Courses Loop. There are four golf courses throughout the island, and this 3.9-mile loop allows you to look at each of them. You’ll be able to witness the same stunning views and breathtaking wildlife that golfers see without teeing up.
Finally, you can choose to enjoy the North Loop or the South Loop. The North Loop covers approximately 9 miles and brings you to the shores of Driftwood Beach. This trail is ideal for beginning cyclists as it offers some of the most stable terrains of the entire trail system. On the South Loop, you’ll discover 5.7 miles of trail as you make your way to St. Andrew’s Point. You’ll pass some fascinating landmarks along the way, and at the end of your ride, there’s a wildlife viewing tower where you can get a bird’s eye view of nature.
Jekyll Island Beaches
Many of these Jekyll Island bike trails take you right near the shoreline, so it makes sense to take a break and enjoy the sand for a while. You’ll likely come near Driftwood Beach no matter which loop you choose to take. This beach is relatively secluded and not typically crowded, offering picturesque views from every angle. If you’re biking for a while and need a beautiful place to relax, look no further than Driftwood Beach.
You might also enjoy visiting Shark Tooth Beach for a truly unique experience. It’s a well-kept secret, but it’s a place locals love to visit for a good reason. You can come out when the tide goes out and hunt for shark’s teeth (hence the name of the beach) and other treasures that have been washed up on the shore.
Finally, check out Great Dunes Beach if you’re looking for a larger, family-friendly destination. This beach offers plenty of amenities, including showers and restrooms, a spacious picnic pavilion, courts for volleyball and bocce ball, and more. Plus, several bike trails go right past this stretch of shoreline!
Plan Your Visit!
Ready to experience the beautiful outdoors of Jekyll Island? Start planning your Jekyll Island getaway today! View our rentals, book your favorite, and prepare for your best vacation yet.
Bike Rentals
If you want to take your bike on the trail, you don’t have to worry about bringing your own from home. Plenty of local companies offer affordable Jekyll Island bike rentals for you to enjoy.
First, consider Jekyll Island Bike Barn. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., This destination offers bikes for the entire family, from the little ones needing bike trailers or tricycles to adults who need full-size bikes. You can also rent tandem bikes if you want to take a ride with your sweetheart. This establishment is located at the corner of Shell Road and North Beachview Drive.
Another spot to obtain Jekyll Island bike rentals is Beachside Bike Rentals. You’ll need to get to the Days Inn and Suites, where the rental company operates. Their hours can change by season, so call ahead to confirm when you can select a rental. Once you arrive, you’ll have a huge selection of bikes to choose from and a helpful staff who can get you all of the necessary equipment for your trip.
You may also consider renting your equipment from Jekyll Wheels, which operates from the Jekyll Island Club’s Ballroom Veranda. They offer an extensive fleet of bicycles and accessories to provide everything you need when spending your day on the trail. Additionally, if you bring your bike from home, you can store it overnight or bring it here for maintenance. Jekyll Wheels is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.
Find Your Jekyll Island Rental
Exploring the Jekyll Island trails is a great way to stay active, see the area, stay entertained, save some money, and make memories with your loved ones simultaneously! But once you’re done biking for the day, you’ll want a place to freshen up and rest a bit before you head back out into town. That’s where we come in!
Parker-Kaufman offers a wide range of Jekyll Island rentals for you to choose from. Whether you’re visiting the area on a romantic getaway weekend partner, a fun vacation with your family, or even a solo trip, we have the perfect vacation rental full of convenient amenities. Our Jekyll Island cottages are located just moments away from all of the area’s most appealing attractions. Throughout your stay, you’ll have the helpful team of Parker-Kaufman to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
There’s no time to waste! Book your trip to the shores of Jekyll Island today.
