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Print Friendly MapAt 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 is one of the safest well maintained trails. Very few street crossings. Small parts of the trail borders roads but the traffic is minimal. We enjoyed this ride!
This is a fairly good trail for skates but watch out for a dirt section that goes around a mile. You can go in the road if it isn’t too busy. Probably a better trail for bikes but still fun to in-line skate
This trail is Great, we camp in the campground, and toured all the sites on the island by bike, great trip
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.
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