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The Amelia Island Trail, on Florida's northeastern coast, runs 8.7 miles from Peters Point Beachfront Park through Amelia Island State Park in the city of Fernandina Beach to Big Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville.
About the Route
Much of the paved, tree-lined route parallels Highway A1A, a scenic byway. The connection to Amelia Island State Park allows trail-goers access to the park's acres of soft, sandy beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. Kayaking and horseback riding are popular park activities. Fishing is also allowed here, as well as at Peters Point Beachfront Park on the trail's north end.
Both a pedestrian bridge and the A1A Vehicular Bridge, which has narrow protected pedestrian lanes, provide access to Big Talbot Island State Park. The pedestrian bridge also provides access to the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park.
The southern end of the trail is at the northern end of Big Talbot Island State Park near the Sawpit Creek Boat Ramp and Boneyard Beach.
Connections
The trail's southern end connects via a bridge to the Timucuan Trail on Big Talbot Island.
The Amelia Island Trail is part of the developing East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile route between Florida and Maine.
The Amelia Island Trail runs between Peters Point Beachfront Park (4600 Peters Point Rd, Fernandina Beach) and Big Talbot Island State Park (Jacksonville), both of which offer parking.
Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Way too many road and driveway crossings, noisy roads, and the white-knuckle major bridge crossing with interstate-speed traffic, all really diminish what would otherwise be a five-star trail.
Great trail. Take it across the bridge to Talbot island and then take the path to the beach. Amazing
Started at north end in a large parking lot along the beach. Trail is very winding and interesting but does have a few road crossings. People seem very aware of bikers making crossings easy.
While pleasant enough, partially shaded, and modestly scenic, the further north you go on his trail the more urban the interface becomes. The entire trail parallels route A1A. Traffic is not a major distraction as speed limits are fairly low at around 35 mph. Lots of driveway crossings, but not a big deal, as the vast majority of drivers are courteous.
The trail is not worth it as a standalone trail, but when combined with the Timucuan Trail to the south it does becomes a worthwhile ride. We began our ride just at the south of the Nassau Sound Bridge at the parking lot for the Fishing Pier / boat launch and entrance to Big Talbot State Park. This parking lot is the northernmost trailhead for the wonderful Timucuan Trail. But it also serves as great trailhead for the Amelia Island Trail. Parking is limited, but the $3 fee is nominal. Clean restrooms make this a very good staging place. You could also consider using the Amelia Island State Park on the north side of the bridge as an alternative.
At one time the George Crady Fishing Pier Bridge provide a pleasant bike / pedestrian only alternative to the A1A bridge. However, it is now permanently closed. Fortunately, it is very safe to use the extra-wide, bike only lane across the A1A bridge connecting both the Amelia Island and Timucuan trails.
We rode as far north as Scott Road, then headed east on this quiet, scenic, and mostly traffic free road enjoying the view of these truly wonderful homes. It was a great way to connect to Amelia Island Parkway. Turning south (right) onto the sidewalk alongside Amelia Island Parkway, the Scott Road Public Beach Access is about one tenth of a mile south of Scott Road. This bonus is an alternative and little-known beach access trailhead with free parking. Your only concessions are a port-a-potty instead of a restroom and less proximity to the higher quality Timucuan Trail.
We didn’t do it, but you could easily go north on the Amelia Island Parkway sidewalk and end up at the northern Peters Point Beachfront Park Trailhead. Likely a more pleasant path than staying on A1A. We continued southwesterly on Amelia Island Parkway, and soon connected back to the main Amelia Island Trail for our return trip. The sidewalk is just sufficient to safely pass the occasional oncoming walker or bicyclist. And it affords a much woodsier feel than the rest of the trail. Gotta give this trail a conditional 4. It is not a stand-alone 5, like the adjacent Timucuan Trail, but it is a worthwhile extension to make for a full day of enjoyable outing.
We only had a limited time so we started from Amelia Island State Park (parking but no restrooms - park entrance is $2/person). Road 20 min north then had to turn around due to time constraints. Would love to come back when we have more time.
We are novice riders and the trail was well marked and easy to navigate. A beautiful ride that also offered some shade.
This trail is gorgeous! Lots of shade, a steady cool breeze, and so many bunny rabbits! We timed our ride to watch the sunset from the bridge on the way back. It was stunning!
This trail, we had high hopes for after big Talbot Island, but there were way too many cars too close to the street and way too many parking lots that you had to cross over it was not a relaxing ride
Great trail when to crowed. Shaded all the way to the bridge. Started at Peters Point ended at Little Talbot Islanders approx 22 miles. Took the street back due to trail being crowded by walkers and beach cruisers. Really nice trail .
It is a great 6 mile paved path. We actually went off the path to American Beach. Stopped at a road side stand and bought oranges. We had a wonderful day.
Beautiful trail, loved this! Many crossings but drivers were very considerate of bikers. Rode from Big Talbot Island to Fort Clinch and back. Stopped at Sliders Grill on the beach for lunch. Perfect day.
My hubby and I ride rail trails every weekend. This is my least favorite as there are too many crossroads. Too much traffic. For me, it was NOT at all relaxing.
However, I loved that we started at the ocean and could relax sitting and walking on the beach after our ride in both ends of our ride.
Nice paved path but very close to A1A. You cross the busy road a couple of times so be careful. Can be very busy on the weekends. If starting at the northernmost part you can go over the bridge and continue on the Timucuan Trail.
We road from the State Park on the southern end to Peters Point and back. We thought this trail might have some ocean views but it doesn't, except at the endpoints. Its a nice ride but it's literally right next to busy A1A highway. The trail crosses it 3 times and there is a lot of road noise from the big trucks on A1A. You will be safe on this path, but if you want a quiet ride, this is not the trail for you.
The northern starting point with free parking and facilities is Peters Point Park right on the ocean. Heading south the trail along Amelia Island Parkway is narrow concrete so the high speed bikers might find it confining but I loved the curves and the already blossoming spring flowers. You do have to be careful at the many drive ways. I loved the fact that they had sanded off the bumps where one payment had risen above its neighbor creating a bump. There is an alternative wider trail starting at the same point and running along the main highways also to the south. Youker
The Amelia Island State Park parking lot address is actually listed on map as 8148 1st Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA. It is on your right side just after the bridge. I put in the 8162-8164 Florida A1A, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA as coordinates but could not find the state park until I found the correct listed address. Amelia Island State Park cost two dollars for the day to park. The booth was closed so they had an honor system. You can also go through the first parking area to the second, if you want to get to the nice white sandy beach area to swim or fish. There wasn't much traffic or bikers being it was the middle of the week and day.
I walked from the park to the third rotary which was exactly 3 miles. The trail was a pleasant walk. The trail was curvy and hilly and pleasant to walk and even though it was next to 1st Coast Highway (A1A). The ride up the coast to the park and back home was beautiful and enjoyable.
I'm fairly new to bike riding but this was by far the route I've ever ridden.
Wonderful trail, wonderful ride!! We enjoyed every bit of it!
Good ride for a Sunday morning
Started at Seaside Amelia and rode to Great Talbot Island. Absolutely beautiful! Trail was very easy to follow, safe, mostly shaded and paved!! A must see and ride!!
I am a serious rider and ride the roadways from the ferry to downtown Fernandina Beach. A 50 mile round trip. I was told about this trail and thought it would be a nice ride for me and my wife, who is a more casual rider.
We started at the most southern point on Talbort Island. We loved it! Smooth road, nice curves, some shade and nature views. We did find the road to have areas of slippery pine needles and some tree debris. Could have an extra foot or two in width, put in all a great pathway.
Unfortunately, our ride was only 3.5 miles before it ended at the end of a wood section over the marsh. We were barricaded in and had to slip through the barricade and lift our bikes over it. From this point we road on the roadway over the causeway which connected the Islands. This is one of the best views on the east coast. The bridge has a car width lane which made it very safe for riding. Why the off-road path ended at this point is puzzling. As the bridge connects you to miles of bike paths on Amelia Island. I understand that the plan is to use the old causeway, now used for fishing, as the cycling route. It would have been ashame to have ended our ride after the 3.5 miles and miss out on the ride over the water and paths on Amelia. Regarding the end of the 3.5 route, upon our return there is a sign that says 'do not enter' and doing so is a felony. My only thought here is that there may be an inspection required or engineering issue before this section can be opened.
Hard to understand why when this wooden section is completed, very safe and in beautiful shape.
Anyway, the paths on Amelia are wonderful. Although there are many many stops at intersections and a few areas where you have to cross over state road A1A. In all, a great ride. Just need to clear up the confusion that the trail ends after 3.5 miles and is not the 7 miles indicated.
Went from Omni Amelia Plantation to Amelia State Park. Good ride, lots of shade on a hot day. Would have gotten a 5 except that the vegetation was encroaching the trail on both sides.
Had a great ride with two friends on this trail and two connecting ones -- plenty of shade, very leisurely ride in spite of a few A1A crossings. Starting at Big Pine trailhead on the Old King's Highway trail on Big Talbot Island, we rode three miles on wooded trail, boardwalk and pedestrian/fishing bridge before picking up the Amelia Island Trail, for a total of about 12 miles. Big Pine Trailhead is the first trail parking area you see on Big Talbot, coming from the south; parking/use is $3. The last half mile or so of the boardwalk is closed for construction, putting you on diamond strip beside a 60mph highway, but soon you cross to the bridge approach.
We could have gone 5 more miles from the end of Amelia Island trail, at Peters Point Park, up to the north end of Fernandina Beach, but it's a diamond strip passing continuous beachfront homes with driveways. There are also some short trails or bike lanes in the town itself.
Next morning we rode on sidewalk/pedway along Amelia Island Parkway, from its southern end up to A1A, about 4 miles. (It continues as a bike lane NW-ward over to SR200 near the intracoastal.) The southern section was very shaded and quiet, narrower than the trail but wide as sidewalks go. If we had more time, we would have taken another trail west to Yulee, which starts just west of the intracoastal bridge and runs beside SR200 about 7 miles to Yulee.
I highly recommend this area. It has plenty of trail mileage for interesting riding, even without a really long trail. The communities are upscale, built around beachfront and golf courses, with a Georgia Sea Island sort of atmosphere. But there's public access to all the beaches, parks and trails, and food and lodging are reasonably priced. To the south along A1A/105/Buccanneer Trail, other short sections of trail are complete, and will be joined eventually into a continuous Timucauan trail down to Ft. Caroline in Jacksonville.
Lots of natural beauty and mot crowded. The trail is well kept.
I ride the trail frequently
It wasn't too bad of a ride. Not a fan of crossing the road constantly. Over all it was a nice ride though.
I wanted to give this trail a 3.75 but it will not allow it for some reason.
Today my wife and I road the whole trail from Peters Point to the bridge and back, just over 13 miles. It's a nice trail, but for road bikes it's a little cumbersome due to all the drive and entry ways, plus having to cross A1A two times each way. One thing for sure that when crossing the people in cars are so good about stopping and letting you cross, that's was one of the highlights of the ride (a BIG thank you!). The ride is very interesting because of the layout with the hills and corners on the trail. Needs a little trimming up, some of the vegetation is getting a little out of hand and could be a hazard to riders. It's a very beautiful trail and very smooth asphalt for riding or running. From what I see coming with the completion of the wooden bridge and the rest of the trail into Duval county is that the trail will become a easy 4.50-5.00 trail for any type of rider or runner. This will be a trail we will come to time and time over for the experience that it will offer for years to come.
This is one that need's to be on your list to check out for running or biking!
Enjoy and be safe!
Mike Adams -Ponte Vedra Beach, fl.
I'm a local and we desperately needed this trail. Park at Peter's Point b/c it is free. However, the trail does cross several business entrances and roads. I actually prefer to ride in the bike lane, which runs the length of the trail too. Depends on whether your goal is speed or enjoyment, I guess. Another leg of the East Coast Greenway will soon connect this to the Big Talbot Island trail. Not sure what the total length will be but it is probably close to 20 miles. Already bike lane the whole way though. Keep in mind, it is Florida so try to ride early in the morning or late in the evening during warm months (pretty close to year-round). Have fun and be safe!
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