*********** I started this page for the JEKYLL ISLAND TRAIL SYSTEM, which is a thing, but Yelp then…read morechanged it to the Jekyll Island Campground, which is an entirely different thing that already has a different Yelp page elsewhere.******** I also put this under categories for hiking and biking but Yelp changed it to camping. Hiking and biking trails are NOT the same thing as a campground!!!! I hope Yelp can get its act together to acknowledge the trails on this island, which are a huge draw for visitors, and which have their own web presence as acknowledged by the Golden Isles tourism org, as well as the state parks system!
JEKYLL ISLAND TRAIL SYSTEM
So this review goes with the dozens of photos I posted of the trails all over the island, better known as the Jekyll Island Trail System.
JI has over 25 miles of paved trails throughout the island. They also have dirt/sand trails, and gravel trails. Most trails are handicapped accessible, though I'd stick to the paved ones if exploring on wheels of any kind.
It is very popular to circumnavigate the perimeter of the island, which can be done, nonstop, in under an hour on bike. But you can easily spend a day traveling this island by bike if you pause to take in all the sights. I would not call any of the trails difficult, neither for biking, nor for walking. The island is mostly flat, so virtually no inclines at all, and the paths are so well-maintained that you will never encounter overgrowth or mud or anything on the paved or boardwalk trails.
From Corsair Beach Park, northward, one can ride their bike on the beach, including all over Driftwood Beach, which is arguably the main attraction of not only Jekyll Island, but all of the Golden Isles put together! Other worthy stops include the Historic District, St. Andrews Picnic Area, and Clam Creek Picnic Area. But those are just highlights.
Bikes can't go on the southern beaches because it is a haven for sea turtle nests. However, you can chain your bike in the parking lot and walk these beaches, which are worth every second of detour.
Beach Village is another fun stop, and the perimeter bike trail goes right through it. Beach Village houses Love Shack inside Jekyll Market, which is my top recommendation for a food stop!
On the southern end of the island, there are a lot of inland trails, running through swamp, and under thick tree canopies, allowing you to really explore the innards of the island, and a lot of wildlife.
At the northern end, between Clam Creek and Driftwood Beach, there is a trail through the swamp that has beautiful views in every direction, especially at sunset.
More toward the center of the island, Tupelo Trail runs past Horton Pond, and Shell Rd. Trail navigates some of the best wildlife spotting areas on the island.