Hiking Fort Clinch State Park

OUTdoorsy is hiking the trails at Fort Clinch State Park on beautiful Amelia Island. We will meet in the parking lot at Ft Clinch at 10:00 a.m. and hike the trails. After we finish the hike, you’ll have the option to explore the fort itself ($2.50 per person admission to the fort).

ABOUT THE TRAIL
Fort Clinch offers a 6-mile trail for hikers and off-road bicyclists. Traffic is one-way for bikers and helmets are required. Hikers may travel in either direction. The trail begins at the fort parking lot and parallels the park drive for approximately 3 miles, then crosses the road and returns back toward the fort on the opposite side.
Parts of the trail are heavily forested and traverse ancient dunes that are very steep, offering a challenge to off-road bicyclists and hikers as well.

• Willow Pond Hiking Trail is located centrally along the park drive. Parking is available. Two loops encircle a series of freshwater ponds. The shorter loop takes around 20 minutes to complete, and the longer loop takes 45 to 50 minutes. Wildlife observation is very good on these trails. Alligators, deer and a variety of bird life can be seen in this area.

ABOUT THE FORT
History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park in nearby Fernandina Beach, FL. A row of cannons pointing across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia are silent testimony to the strategic importance of Fort Clinch during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the fort’s many rooms, galleries and grounds, and learn about the life of a Union soldier through unparalleled living history programs.

For additional information on the park and its history visit the official Fort Clinch State Park website.

The interesting history of Fort Clinch can be found here.

Further information can be found at Florida State Parks and at Amelia Island / Fort Clinch.

To view a map of the park, please visit Florida State Park Maps.

Here is excellent and well produced 9.5 minute video about Fort Clinch State Park and the Top Ten Things To Do.

Here is a 16 minute video about the history of Fort Clinch.

PLEASE READ:

1. Meeting location: Fort Clinch State Park parking lot at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27
2. Driving directions to Fort Clinch State Park: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. It’s about an hour drive north from Jacksonville, depending on where you’re located in Jacksonville.
3. Entrance Fees: $6.00 per vehicle, for 2-8 people. $2.50 per person Fort Admission
4. Facilities: restrooms are located in the visitor center.
5. Pets: well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome at Fort Clinch State Park but are not permitted in buildings, boardwalk or on the beach. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets.
6. Bring sturdy shoes, hat, bug spray, sun screen, plenty of water, trail snacks, camera and/or mobile phone.
7. Dining: for those interested, we’ll probably go into the historic town of Fernandina Beach for lunch afterwards, there are many options available.
8. Carpooling: If you’d like to carpool, we could designate a carpooling meet up site. Please indicate in the comments if you’re interested in sharing a ride.