Fort Clinch State Park Sports & Outdoors Tips by grandmaR

Fort Clinch piers - Fishing, Beach and Boating

Fort Clinch is a Florida State Park which is ideally suited for a number of water sports. I've seen kayaking a couple of times in the St. Mary's River (second and fourth pictures), and of course there are white sand beaches for swimming, especially along the Atlantic.

You can fish along the Amelia River (on the west side of the island- photo 2), along the Cumberland Sound (north side of the island) from finger jetties, or off the half-mile long fishing pier that divides the Cumberland Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. Surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean is also quite popular.

Equipment: The Florida Fisheries site will explain whether you need a fishing license and you will need to bring your gear.

You can also get a $5 permit for night fishing which is only off the long fishing pier. The pier itself may be licensed in that case.

Address: 2601 Atlantic Avenue

Other Contact: (904) 277-7221 info

Phone: 904-277-7274 manager

Theme: Fishing Trips

Hike or Bike

I have not been biking in this park. This is information from the FL State Parks site.

There is a trail system for hikers and off-road bicyclists which includes a 6.5 mile unpaved loop trail. The trail begins at the fort parking lot and is also accessible in several locations along the paved park drive. There are also several miles of beaches along Cumberland Sound with hard packed sand for riding and hiking during low tides.

The 3.3 miles of paved road in the park offers riding suitable for touring bicycles.

Another trail is the Willow Pond Hiking Trail which is located centrally along the park drive.

Fee: Park Admission ($5.00 per vehicle up to 8 people or $1.00 per cyclist)

Nearby Towns: Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island in Nassau County.

Equipment: Notes:
Traffic on the unpaved loop trail is one way for bikers and helmets are required. Hikers may travel in either direction.

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.

Please walk bikes on boardwalks leading to beaches. Biking is not permitted on the pier. Florida laws require helmets to be worn by all children 16 and under when bicycling roads or trails. Children under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian while bicycling in the park.

For more details, visit the park’s web page listed below.

Address: 2601 Atlantic Avenue

Directions: Stay on A1A for 16 miles going east from I-95 to the intersection of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Turn right on Atlantic Avenue and go about two miles, Fort Clinch State Park will be on the left.

Phone: 904-277-7274

Theme: Biking

Website: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/fort_clinch.htm