The Golden Isles offers some of the most bike-able towns on the Georgia coast. The family-friendly Jekyll Island Trail System takes visitors between the National Historic Landmark District, beaches, charming streets, and more.
On St. Simons Island, another unique trail system takes you by historical sites like the St. Simons Lighthouse, Christ Church, and Fort Frederica, down beachside paths or hard-packed sand, and along small-town shopping and dining paths.
If you’re looking for unique rides that don’t take a full day, here are some more options throughout the Golden Isles:
Earth Day Nature Trail | Brunswick
Best for: Wildlife viewing and bird watching
Explore the self-guided Earth Day Nature Trail that winds between salt marshes, tidal ponds, and a coastal hammock high ground, complete with breathtaking ocean and marsh views. Find great places to rest along the boardwalk where there are wildlife observation decks or towers and educational signage.
East Beach | St. Simons Island
Best for: An on-the-sand bike ride
Because of the Golden Isles’ unique tide schedule, East Beach maintains a wonderfully hard-packed sandy shoreline that is ideal for biking on the beach. Try a quintessential ride where the sand meets the shore, from the shady Massengale Park at the south side all the way to Gould’s Inlet on the north. Check tide schedules before you go to make sure you experience the bike trail at its most navigable.
Local tip: If you have young children who are just learning how to ride a bike, this is a perfect spot! If they wobble or tip over, they’ll land on the forgiving sand instead of a paved sidewalk, preventing scraped knees or elbows and countless tears!
John Gilbert Nature Trail | St. Simons Island
Best for: A shady maritime forest trail
Ride along the paved sidewalks on St. Simons to the shady trails of the John Gilbert Nature Trail to the property’s center where a gorgeous and magnificent live oak tree, named “John’s Oak” for Mr. Gilbert, stands. Park your ride in the provided bike racks and continue your trek through four wooded areas and up to the marsh’s border for some incredible views.
North Glynn Recreation Complex | Brunswick
Best for: An easy, paved ride around a park and lake
Find family-friendly, paved paths throughout this 153-acre facility that go by athletic fields, picnic pavilions, two dog parks, and even a 13-acre stocked lake. Take a break from your ride to take advantage of the picnic areas, and a slower stroll around the mile-long walking trail within the North Glynn Recreation Complex grounds.
Southeast Georgia Health System Fitness Trail | St. Simons Island
Best for: A short ride through gorgeous coastal foliage
This half-mile paved trail winds through a forest of live oaks, cedars, bamboo, and other native plants. This trail is often used by runners who utilize benches and fitness stations that are strategically placed along the way. The Southeast Georgia Health System Fitness Trail represents the Health System’s dedication to promoting health and wellness through regular exercise.
Coastal Georgia Greenway | The Golden Isles
Best for: A paved coastal ride to see as much of the Golden Isles as desired from 2 wheels
The Coastal Georgia Greenway is a path that is currently being built that will connect South Carolina to Florida that will flow through all six of Georgia’s coastal counties, including Glynn County and the Golden Isles. Enjoy coastal views, historical sites, and other area attractions on this ride.
Currently, the Jekyll Island Trail System, St. Simons Island Trail System, Sidney Lanier Bridge, and the Torras Causeway Trail are all parts of the greenway. Soon, the Jekyll Causeway Trail, Marshes of Glynn Trail, the Liberty Ship Trail, and parts of U.S. Highway 17 will be added to the greenway so visitors can have a more complete picture of the Golden Isles from two wheels.