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Fort Clinch
37 reviews
3.89 of 5
The trail is very well managed by the park (note: be careful of hikers, they are allowed to simultaneously hike the trail in the opposite direction.) we havent had any collisions yet though, and all the hikers I have come across have been courteous about moving out of the way for you. It's what I call a sharpen your skills track because you can do everything in one ride. It starts off kind of fast with just a few small hills and quick turns, then starts to get a little better, you start to hit some pretty steep ascents, followed by some descents. After you reach 1/4 of the way it starts into a decent technical section where you have to hop and navigate some roots along the way. after that you are about halfway done, the trail crosses the road and you start the second half back to the fort. The second half combines all three and thats what I love the most about the trail. You are running at speed while jumping logs, ascending and descending hills, navigationg roots and ditches, its a blast. Average completion time of the trail is about 42 minutes. If you are good you could do it in about 33 to 35 minutes.
When you enter the Fort Clinch State park follow the road all the way to the end, then you will be at the civil war fort, the trail head starts there. You can't miss it.
Summary: Hey, I am 16 years old. I do mountain biking on my spare time and enjoy it greatly. This trail is not for begginers. There are many turns and dips that will catch you off-gaurd. This trail took me about an hour to complete. I busted a reflector and my right petal, and my right thumb. You do have to watch out for hikers though. All the ones I came across were more than polite enough to move out of my way. One tip for this trail: just cause you can go fast on some spots doesn't mean you should. Overall, I LOVED IT.
Recommended Route: From the Ranger station and back.
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Summary: This is a rolling hill single track shared with the hikers. The park rangers switch the direction of flow for the bikers. It's dangerous to go against the grain! There are too many blind corners. I fly down these curvy little hills. I am probably cruisin' for a bruisin'. Hopefully it will be me and the track and not a collision course with someone playing chicken. All in all it is 3 miles in and 3 miles back. The trail runs paralell on both sides of the main drag. You gotta do two laps or you will be leaving with a bad taste in your mouth.
Recommended Route: Park by the beach ride your bike in to only pay a buck instaed of 3.25 and you will look like a cool local.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Not Really.
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Summary: Fun little trail for all skill levels. You can make it challenging by trying it fast. I did one lap with the wife and then a lap by myself. Definitely got the heart rate up on the second lap. However, if you're looking for something technically challenging this is not the trail for you.
Also, the trail was well maintained and not as sandy as you would think being on the beach. Hardly any sand at all actually. the mulched over any areas that had sand as far as I could tell.
The trail was well marked for the most part but here's one little tip: When you're on the east side of the trail it pops out on the road at a couple points and it's not obvious where to go. Don't cross to the other side unless you see the crosswalk markings on the road. Just continue on the road for a little bit and you'll see the trail start again. I assume this is because of the dune area you have to go around that can't be ridden on (you'll see it on the drive in).
It's a good break from riding Hannah all the time. This is a great trail for introducing anyone to Mtn. Biking/Trail Riding. It's very scenic, fun for the faster riders, yet do-able for the newbies and has great lunch spots in the area.
The trail is about 5 miles. Parking down by the fort (and the restrooms), you currently go clockwise until you almost get back to the park entrance. The park just switch the direction recently from counter-clockwise back to clockwise. They seem to do it periodicaly. Myself and my girlfriend both prefer counter-clockwise, because we like to end the ride with the rolling hills.
The trail is basically comprised into two sections. The section that runs along the east side of the main park road which is the marsh bank. It is more level with a few hills and unpredictable turns if you don't know the trail. Toward the back it has a couple of root patches and mushy spots close to the bank.
The section that runs along the West side of the main park road has the numerous rolling hills. It's a mature hammock on some old dunes and very scenic. This side of the road the trail has a much faster momentum. The faster you ride, the easier it flows. If your used to riding flat trails and ride slower, then you may have to use more leg to pedal up the hills. If you don't brake as much and use the speed coming down the hills, you'll hardly burn any energy and cardio poping up on the other hills.
The trail always seems hard packed and is well maintained. There is hardly any direct sunlight or wind coming through the trees, while riding.
Recommended Route: Park Fee: $5.00 per vehicle
Always ask the gate keeper which way the trail direction is because some riders ride fast and going the wrong way could be messy. They have a map of the park, and the dotted line next to the main park road, is the trail. The trail is a loop with no intersecting or branch trails to confuse you.
Park down by the Fort and the restrooms. The course is currently running clockwise. This means the West section with the rolling hills is first. When you pop out of the woods and do not see painted crossing alley on the road, ride down the road while passing the tall white dunes (on your left) and the trail picks up again and crosses the road further down, closer to the gate.
When you do cross over to the east side, slow down a bit if you don't know the trail, because the root patches, tight turns and mushy spots come up quick. Then the trail gets more elevated half way down the East Section. There is one sandy bank on a large dip that usually pulls the newbies down. You'll know it when you get up and brush the sand off. It's really the only sandy spot that I ever remeber on the whole trail.
Summary: As of year-end 2006 the trails are riding great. Recent rainfall, along with some trail maintenance by local volunteers have made this trail a solid ride. Sandy areas have been reduced to a minimum and there are a number of good momentum sections throughout the trail. First half of the trail (starting from the fort entrance) is great for sharpening technical skills, second half is faster with more rhythm sections. The whole loop provides a great aerobic workout and will keep you paying attention, especially at any speeds, with its overall difficulty.
Recommended Route: Trail is riding counter-clockwise. I prefer to start from the fort entrance.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Hanna Park
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