Northeast Florida’s bike trails may be America’s best kept cycling secret. This Concierge guide will provide you with the details you need and some inspirational insight to make you want to pack up your bike and head to the Sunshine State.
We will highlight the best cycling destinations in Northeast Florida, providing interactive maps of five-mile rides, full-century rides and even multi-stop self-guided bike tours.
You’ll find a vacation biking destination when you combine the warm weather of winter, pristine beaches and natural wonders in Northeast Florida with hundreds miles of bike trails, bike lanes and rideable road.
Amelia Island Bike Trails Overview
Amelia Island is part of the Sea Island Chain of barrier and tidal islands along the Atlantic Ocean Coast of the Southeastern United States. The islands are situated between the mouths the Santee River (South Carolina), and St. Johns River (Florida). They offer some spectacular biking routes.
Amelia Island is a unique vacation destination.
- Biking 50+ miles is an extraordinary experience
- Relaxed beaches
- Food scene in the Historic District of Fernandina Beach (including Florida’s oldest bar)
- Historic Fort Clinch State Park
- Natural areas (especially on the southern end of the island).
- Unique Stays (Sea Cottages & Multiple B&Bs).
- Luxury resorts (Ritz Carlton and Omni).
Amelia Island Bike Map
Amelia Island offers six main bike trails.
- Amelia Trail (1.8 Miles) A glorified walkway along Amelia Island Parkway
- Art Trail (2.6 miles) Amelia River To Sea Trail is an enjoyable trail that takes you from the Amelia River all the way to the sea.
- Fort Clinch Park Road (3.1 miles) Not a trail in the traditional sense, but a low-traffic road that runs through a canopy oaks.
- Egan’s Creek Greenway (4,7 miles) – A 4.7-mile lollipop with a natural surface
- Amelia Island Trail (5.6 miles) The north end of the trail is just a glorified walkway, but the southern end from Omni to Amelia Island State Park has some nice views.
- Timucuan Trail (11,9 miles) A beautiful trail that runs through parks between Amelia Island State Park and the Mayfield Ferry
Amelia Island has another beautiful half-century ride that takes you from the Fernandina Historic District to Mayport Ferry. This is shown on our Amelia Island map as the Amelia Island Route. For something different, southbound riders may want to consider the ARTS Bypass. Northbound riders should avoid the Amelia Trail on the Amelia Island Parkway, as it is a glorified walkway alongside a narrow shoulder.
The similar named (but very different!) The Amelia Island Trail stretches along Highway A1A between Peter’s Point Park and Amelia Island State Park. Consider staying in the bike lane until you reach the Omni Resort, and then switching to the trail. You’ll want the ride to be as enjoyable as possible, so try to stay on the east side of A1A (the trail) instead of using the bike lanes. The storm damage north from Little Talbot State Park will force you to leave the Timucuan Trail. However, the ride will be more enjoyable if re-entering the trail through Little Talbot State Park.
Our Time Cycling Amelia Island
We spent a few days exploring Amelia Island while researching this guide. We stayed in the Sea Cottages of Amelia which is a comfortable, midrange option that has all the amenities of a studio. The Sea Cottages of Amelia are bike-friendly because you can lock your bikes on your patio. We had dinner at Joe’s 2nd Street bistro, and our morning coffee at Mocoma Coffee. (A local craft brewery that offers morning coffee service).
Fort Clinch, Egan’s Creek Greenway and the ARTS Trail were all explored on our bicycles. Fort Clinch’s sunset was stunning. The Christmas lights and decorations along Centre Street were also beautiful, but they are best explored on foot, rather than by bike, at dusk. SuperCorsa Cycles was our next stop, where we talked about local cycling and shop rides. After 31 miles, we slept well and the next morning, we rode down to the ferry, then onto St. Augustine. This is where our guide takes us.
Overview of Biking in St Augustine
This guide describes cycling in St. Augustine with great detail. It includes sections on:
- St. Augustine Historic District Bicycle Routes
- Biking around Anastasia Island
- Cycling Ponte Vedra
- GTM Preserve Bike Trails
- Palatka-St. Augustine Trail Overview in this article’s section on Palatka
- Flagler Beach – Marineland Trail
- Lehigh Greenway Trail
It is possible to spend 3 days biking north, south and west from St Augustine. You can also add a few more days of sightseeing and cycling through the Historic District. St. Augustine is a unique destination, with all of its activities and some of the most romance hotels in Florida. This is especially true during the Nights of Lights, which runs from mid-November to January. This guide is focused on biking, so let’s get started.
A1A Coastal Route – Mayport to New Smyrna Beach (110 miles total)
The A1A coastal route runs from Mayport Ferry to New Smyrna Beach. It is important to know the route, especially when traveling from Mayport, to Atlantic Beach and through St. Augustine. Ormand Beach will also be a part of this journey. This ride will require the most experience and judgment from the riders. This route has been divided into sections for easier digestion and includes pictures along the way.
The sections of the A1A Coastal Route include:
- Mayport to St Augustine (38.1 miles)
- Mayport to Ponte Vedra (11,2 mi)
- Ponte Vedra Blvd (7.1 mi)
- Mickler’s Landing – St Augustine (20.1 mi)
- St Augustine to East Central Rail Trail/Edgewater (69.8 miles)
- St Augustine to North Peninsula State Park (37.3 mi)
- North Peninsula State Park – East Central Rail Trail (32.5 miles)
Mayport to St Augustine (38.1 miles)
Mayport – Ponte Vedra (11,2 mi) We will start at the northern end of the Mayport – New Smyrna Beach road. Mayport Ferry operates every half hour. This includes transit and loading times. So don’t worry about planning your passage. Note: The Mayport Ferry closes occasionally for winter maintenance. For the latest information, check Jacksonville Transit Page. Alternative route is dangerous – 105 to Dames Point Bridge, I-295, to Route 116. Consider using a shuttle car until the ferry is back in operation.
As you turn the corner in Sherman Point, there are some good views of the St Johns. You might not have any traffic behind you for the first mile, up until the intersection with 116. But then, things get a little hairy.
The 116 bike lanes are sometimes repurposed as turn lanes. By the time A1A meets up with Mayport Road they will all be gone and you’ll have to ride on the sidewalk for a little over a mile. Maritime Oak Drive is the first opportunity to bypass the Navy property or gated communities. This route will take you to Ocean Blvd/ First St. It is a pleasant ride with a beach-town vibe, but there are no views. Continue down First / Duval to Ponte Vedra Boulevard.
Ponte Vedra Boulevard (7.1 mi) : Although there are no bike lanes, the slow/low-traffic roads in this ‘Old Money Florida’ area make for a pleasant ride. The southern end is particularly beautiful, with its homes and gardens.
You can cut through Mickler’s Landing both northbound and southbound. You may want to use the traffic light at Ponte Vedra/A1A to cross, but it depends on the amount of traffic.
Mickler’s Landing to St Augustine (20,1 mi) This is the most enjoyable section of the ride. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Preserve has beautiful dunes, bike lanes, and minimal traffic.
Vilano Beach’s elevated Francis and Mary Usina Bridge offers a spectacular view of St Augustine and its harbor. Check out the Historic District Rides for alternative scenic routes or stops on the way.
St Augustine East Central Rail Trail (69.8 miles)
St Augustine – North Peninsula State Park (37.3 miles):There is a bike lane on this section, and even a bike trail that runs from Marineland State Park to Gamble Rogers State Park. It is not always a true trail because there are driveways and sand. Use your judgement when deciding whether to ride on the bike lane or the trail.
This segment is mostly bike lanes, with some sections offering spectacular views. Especially at the Manzantas Inlet, between Marineland, the National Monument, and the Gamble Rogers SP dunes.
North Peninsula State Park – East Central Rail Trail (32.5 miles):This section is the one I am least familiar with. I’ve ridden and scouted every other section except this one. The route that I have shown is based on research.
Overview of Biking in DeLand
We always thought about going to DeLand to do the Spring to Spring Trail, and to have a pancake breakfast at The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House was not open when we lived in Orlando. We returned to do research for this article and discovered that the Old Sugar Mill had been replaced by the New Old Sugar Mill. Locals claim the menu and atmosphere is the same.
Spring to Spring Trail is now a 85-mile system of trails that connects DeLand to Titusville, New Smyrna Beach and Titusville. DeLand’s beautiful downtown, boutique hotels and delicious restaurants make it easy to spend a weekend biking. We would love to return and try Tiny Houseboat Adventures as well.
The best two-day plan is to ride Spring-to-Spring and Lake Monroe Loop in one day (30-50miles) and then the out-and back from Osteen-to-Titusville (60miles).
DeLand Bike Trails
I apologize for naming my own trail. I’ll say it’s an accidental byproduct of active trail expansion and try to make the most of it. The St. The St.
As of spring 2021, the 260-mile SJR2C Loop will be about half complete. The Coast to Coast Trail is another priority Florida Sun Trail. Both SUNTrails, as well as the massive East Coast Greenway, share significant trails in and around DeLand. Signage is often shared.
The Spring to Spring Trail was originally a trail that connected Gemini Springs and Green Springs (5 mi), but it has now been expanded to include DeLeon Springs and Green Springs, (27 mi) (minus Beresford Gap). This section includes Blue Spring State Park, which has its very own trail. The trail also leads to DeLeon Springs State Park. The trail ends just north of DeLeon Springs. East Central Regional Rail Trail is another name that has been used for both the Titusville Trail and the Edgewater Trail. Mia culpa, I made up a name convention. I will standardize it soon, hopefully to coincide with the promised upgrade of trail signs.
Spring to Spring Trail (sixteen miles) For the purposes of this guide, the Spring to Spring Trail is the contiguous portion of the trail from Lake Beresford Park to Green Springs Park. There is a small neighborhood gap just below the Debary Plantation Trailhead. However, it is easy to ride on neighborhood roads. As of December 2022 the signage on US-17 was very poor. However, if you keep in mind that the trails are at right angles to each other and exercise caution, it will be fine.
Blue Spring State Park, Green Springs County Park and the “colored springs”, Blue Spring State Park are all worth a visit. Blue Spring Park offers swimming in the summer, and one of largest natural gatherings of manatees during the winter. Kayak rentals and an eco-tour by pontoon boat are also available. Green Springs, a rare sulfur spring with a green color that was once a health resort but is now a photo stop to see. Both parks are accessible directly from the trail.
Beresford Gap Bypass to De Leon Springs State Park (11) miles: This route’s lower half is the SJR2C-recommended Beresford Gap Bypass. The upper half of the route is a trail that has been completed along Grand Ave, with some dedicated trails to the US-17 junction at Spring Garden Ranch Road.
It is worth the ride to get there via neighborhood roads. DeLeon State Park offers year-round swimming at the springhead, and you can also carb-load with the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House.
East Central Regional Rail Trail (35,2 miles): After you pass through Green Springs and have a few smooth blacktops with no street crossings, the trail is opened up. This is a section where you can go as fast or slow as you like. At the Maytown Trailhead, you’ll see regular milestones that are counted down to zero. Around Osteen, you can find the last best restrooms, water and food. After that, it’s a self-supported trip for 25 miles to the BP Station before the 442 Overpass.
Palatka Biking Overview
Palatka has always been a major trading city. It was important even before Europeans arrived, as it is one of only a few natural crossings on the St. Johns River. William Bartram, a naturalist who lived in Palatka at the end of the 18th century, led many Florida expeditions.
In the late nineteenth century, Palatka was the second largest port on the St. Johns River after Jacksonville. Seven steamboats operated from Palatka with piers that stretched along the entire waterfront. Eight first-class hotel were located in Palatka, with the Putnam House being the largest. It had 500 rooms, and was a popular winter destination for Grover Cleveland, Annie Oakley, and other notables. As the railroad replaced steamboats in Palatka, it slid down from being a bustling port to a sleepy town.
Bartram Sites and Bartram’s Travels are a collection of Bartram locations that preserve its rich heritage. Putnam County, known as the Bass Capital of the World and the early-March azalea blossom in Ravine Gardens, attracts thousands of tourists each year. There is also a vibrant local biking community that has chartered many cycling routes as well as two long rail trails.
Palatka Bike Trials
Palatka-St Augustine Trail (21,9 mi) When completed, this trail will connect Palatka and St Augustine. It will also bridge an important gap in the SJR2C Loop. It’s only about 7 miles long and ends unceremoniously right before I-95. The SJR2C loop where to ride page lists routes for experienced cyclists.
It’s 40 miles round trip from downtown Palatka, even without connecting to St Augustine. The first half of the trail runs on the road up to Hastings, ( Florida’s Potato Capitol). Then, the road enters some beautiful tree canopies, wetlands and other natural areas.
Palatka-Lake Butler Trail (26.5 mi) Don’t be fooled by the name, this trail is not yet connected to Lake Butler… but will be soon. They’re currently working to bridge the gaps. It runs right now from the outer reaches of Palatka up to Keystone Heights.
This last sentence contains two pearls of wisdom. You’ll need to drive or use one of the local Palatka biking routes to reach the trailhead. Second, you gain 130′ in height to reach Keystone Heights. This is enough to be noticed on a long bike ride.
Keystone Heights offers a pleasant trail with a light canopy of trees and many amenities, such as creative breakfasts in Orange Blossoms, and camping in covered trailers in Keystone Heights Rv Resort.
Putnam County Bicycling Routes
These routes were designed for the 2015 Palatka Bicycle Festival. They are based on Putnam County’s cycling page. The cue sheets contain useful information on how to navigate traffic and what sights you may see. I highly recommend that you read them before setting out. MapMyRide’s research has been embedded in the cue sheet, but it does not replace the information provided by the cue sheet.
To reach the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail, I’ve only ridden a section of the Bartram/Bellamy Century and a variation on the Murals and Historic Home Loop.
- Historic Homes and Murals Route (round-trip 8 miles) Visit Palatka’s historic homes and Murals including 1.8 mile of car-free roads through Ravine Gardens State Park. I think you should ride through Ravine Gardens if you are in town. However, it is up to you whether you want to correct some of the meanders.
- East Palatka Short Loop (12.2 miles – round trip). A leisurely hour ride along St Johns River’s east side.
- Palatka-Hastings Loop (27.5 mi round-trip) A longer loop along the east bank of the St Johns River. I’d be tempted by the river sections of this ride, and the Short Loop. Then return via the bike path.
- Dunns Creek (47.3 mi round trip)– A loop around Lake Broward to Welaka. This route has some tricky sections, such as US 17 and CR 309, a hilly rural highway with no shoulders. Be sure to check out the cuesheet. Dunns Creek can be combined with a loop on the Palatka-St Augustine Trail for a nice century ride.
- Brown’s Landing (10 miles – round trip). An out-and back to Brown’s Landing Dock.
- Buckman’s Lock Loop (23,6 mi round trip) — The closest thing you can get to Stoke’s Landing/Spalding Lower Trade Store without a boat is Bartram’s travels
- Bartram/ Bellamy century (90.8 mi round trip) – A century that uses the best parts the Palatka- Lake Butler Trail.
Our Time Cycling in Palatka
After riding the Palatka-St Augustine Trail we decided to visit the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail to meet local cyclists who created the amazing cycling routes in Palatka. We were still stuffed from the pancakes we ate in DeLeon Springs but we couldn’t resist grabbing a burger in Angel’s Dining Car, Florida’s oldest diner.
After lunch we checked in to our room at the Hampton Inn Palatka on the riverfront and then headed to Azalea City Brewing Co where Linda Crider was waiting for us. She is a former founder of Bike FL and a member of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop.
Linda took us along the historic waterfront and through Ravine Garden after chatting with us about everything Palatka. Ravine Gardens is a wonderful natural area with pedestrian-only roads. After a beautiful sunset over the river we cleaned up and went to Velchoff’s Corner for dinner with Linda, Dana, and Julie, from the Palatka CVB.
Linda was an incredibly gracious host. She offered to take me on a ride through the town and to the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. We weaved and wiggled our way through the neighborhood streets to Francis Youth Sports Complex. We hopped onto a trail paralleling 309c which led us to the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail.
I left Linda behind and drove to Keystone Heights. The scenery was bucolic and covered in trees. Jenn, who lives in Keystone Heights was running late. I took the SR21 to Gold Head Branch State Park. After 25 miles on a railroad-graded trail, it was safe but not inspiring.
I met Jenn in the state park. We took a short hike on the Ravine Trail, before driving to Orange Blossoms.
The Biking Experience in Orange Park
Orange Park may seem odd at first as a town to highlight in this guide. Orange Park was a great place to base ourselves. You can enjoy all the urban attractions in Jacksonville without having to deal with the notoriously difficult bike infrastructure. (All of the St Johns Bridges except the outer belt are connected into downtown).
Orange Park is a great trail town. We’re so proud of Orange Park that we created our ….
10 Reasons to Go Biking in Orange Park:
- Our Orange Park Ride is a stunning 30-mile cycling route
- Access to the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail
- Enjoy the fabulous dining scene
- The Club Continental Hotel
- St Johns River Views are stunning
- Local bike shops that offer full-service
- Spring Park at Green Cove Springs
- Local coffee scene is fantastic
- Tree Houses at Camp Chowenwaw
- A unique history including the origins of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the remarkable Anna Kingsley
Orange Park Bike Trails
Orange Park Ride (30 mi round trip). This ride combines 3 bike trails, Doctors Lake and Black Creek, with the mellow neighborhood streets around Holly Point. You can access the ride via Club Continental. However, you could also do it from Camp Chowenwaw’s tree houses.
- River Road Trail (4 mi in and out) has a sidewalk that offers spectacular river views.
- Doctors Lake Drive Bike Path is a well-constructed path that runs under oaks covered in Spanish moss. The first 100′ of the northern trail is a bit sloppy. Strava shows a lot of heat trails left by local cyclists who ride the road for some time and then cross the grass when the surface gets better.
- Black Creek Trail (20 mi round trip) is a spoke on the Orange Park Ride wheel. This is the longest segment, but it’s not our favorite. The boardwalks above wetlands and the last 1/2 mile of the Black Creek Park trail through the trees are some of the most beautiful sections. There are too many intersections between the stores and US-17, which can make it difficult to get around.
If you are a math whiz, you will notice that we have listed 35 miles for a route of 30 miles. Doctor’s Lake, Black Creek and Holly Point share connector roads.
Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail (14,5 mi) This is a real rail trail that weaves through woods and trail towns. There are regular water and restroom stations on the trail.
Camp Milton has interpretive trails that lead through Civil War earthworks preserved, as well as a Florida farm and nature trails. Baldwin is a small town with quaint shops and restaurants.
Our Time Cycling in Orange Park
After a morning of riding the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail, we arrived in Orange Park. We enjoyed a stunning sunset on River Road, and delicious Puerto Rican cuisine at Palermo. (The mofongo is legit!) Kimberly, from Clay County CVB, shared all the things Clay County has to offer.
We also enjoyed a Clay County Christmas at the Hometown Holiday in Clarke House Park, and the Parade of Trees in Green Cove Springs Park. We were unable to book Club Continental for our wedding, so we opted for a beautiful 1920 Carriage House on the riverfront.
The weather changed and we were unable to ride in the morning. We drove and ate a lot along the way. The prime rib was at the Hilltop Restaurant the best meal we had that day. The she-crab broth came in second. The Holly Point neighborhood is very bike-friendly, and has some of the biggest oak trees in Florida.
Wrapping the Concierge guide to Northeast Florida Bike Trails
Congratulations on finishing a 5000 word article. You’re likely interested in planning a bike trip to Northeast Florida if you’ve read this far. You can do this in two ways. There are two ways to do this. The second option is to link the towns with a multiday bike tour.
Amelia Island, DeLand and Titusville are all well-connected. Once the SJR2C Loop has been completed, connecting to Palatka should be much easier. It is difficult to ride into Orange Park, but you could use it as a staging area for the loop closure of the Amtrak route between Jacksonville and DeLand.
If you are planning to ride in North Florida you might also want to spend a day biking on Jekyll Island. It’s a unique experience that you won’t want to miss.