Fort Clinch State Park Hiking/Nature Trail

There is nothing that could provide a more geographically fitting greeting to a traveler entering Florida along the Atlantic Coast than Fort Clinch State Park. It is, without a doubt, one of the crown jewels of the Florida State Park system and a gateway to many key historic sites and popular beaches along the First Coast.


Fort Clinch State Park Map

My husband & I really knew nothing about the park except what we had read on the Florida State Park website, but we headed there one weekend day in anticipation of getting in a decent hike in preparation for a backpacking trip we had planned along the Chattooga River in South Carolina. We read that Fort Clinch has a 6-mile hiking/nature trail that is also open to off-road bicyclists. Our first visit led us to return again the following weekend for another hike and to explore the park a bit more. This is one place that needs to be visited more than once or twice to fully experience what the park has to offer. After two visits, we still have not toured the fort!

Fort Clinch has been a part of the park system since 1935. It is located north of the city of Fernandina Beach, off State Road A1A. The address is 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 - (904) 277-7274. Visit the park's website for complete information about fees, hours, etc. at: http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/

The parking lot for accessing the trail is at the end of the main road where the actual fort is located. A visit to the fort is a popular destination for almost everyone visiting the park. Fort Clinch is listed as one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country, achieving historical significance during both the Civil and Spanish American wars. A museum is housed in another building close by. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped with many construction projects within the park.

The fort is accessed from the Visitor Center where a fee is collected at the information desk. There is a concession area with snacks and beverages, souvenirs, etc. Restrooms are conveniently located just before entering the Visitor Center.

Civilian Conservation Corps Recognition Sign

Distance:

• 6 miles

Terrain:

• Hilly trail with large cross roots and varying soil conditions within a forest hammock offering occasional sand dune and estuary views.

Amenities:

• Ample parking at the Visitor Center with restrooms, a food concession, water fountains and a picnic area. There is an awesome beach along the Atlantic for swimming, sunbathing or beachcombing. Overnight camping is available within the park.

Pets:

• Well-behaved pets are welcome on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length. Pets are not allowed in buildings and on the beach or boardwalk. Please bag waste as a courtesy to other hikers & bicyclists.

Wheelchairs:

• Definitely not on the trail, but other areas within the park are accessible.

Modifications:

• May be shortened at many points by crossing over the main road and looping back to the Visitor Center...or even walking along the road. The hike can also be combined with a walk along the beach or other areas within the park to add additional miles.

Fort Clinch Forested Trail



The Hike



We began the hike south of the parking lot on the east side of the main road. Once we were on the trail, it was almost like Florida disappeared...except for the saw palmetto & Spanish moss. Otherwise, we would have thought we were hiking in North Georgia, Tennessee or the Carolinas. There were ups & downs to the trail atypical for Florida where flat is usually the norm.

Navigating Along Rock Pathway



Amazingly, we had found the perfect Florida trail to help us get ready for our South Carolina backpacking trip and within 20 miles of our home! My body was still accustomed to walking hills around Seattle, but my husband had lived with flat Florida terrain for 7 years. He welcomed the workout because he knew our upcoming trip was going to be challenging for someone who worked at a desk all day.



Alligator Sign



Some of the signage along the trail made it obvious we were still in Florida territory with the swampy areas and plants we saw as we hiked along. We saw a pond the color of pea soup and Spanish moss hanging like an old man's beard as well as assorted fungi and massive trees.



Spanish Moss



Swampy Pond

 

Fungi on a Log



Massive Trees

The estuary we saw along the east side of the trail is an important habitat for birds and other types of wildlife.



Wading Birds Sign



Estuary View

Surprisingly, we were never far from the main road although most of the trail gave us the impression of being in a deep forest. We got glimpses of the road in several places, and the trail actually has road crossovers to complete the loop back to the parking area as well as to allow hikers to view some other points of interest along the way.





Main Road View in Background

We left the trail long enough to enjoy views of the sand dunes and remnants of the oil house once used to safely store the oil that kept the lighthouse beacons shining.



Oil House

Sand Dunes

Fort Clinch is a park we will return to again. We especially want to spend more time exploring the beach and the fort. It is also high on our list of spots to recommend for family members who will be visiting the area in their RV.



Time to Eat!



Happy Hiking!