About the AIT

The Amelia Island Trail travels over 7 miles from Peters Point County Park to the south end of the A1A/McArthur-Fishler Bridge (all located on the southern half of Amelia Island, Florida), where it connects to Big Talbot Island. The trail opened on May 11, 2013 and is for non-motorized use. No golf carts are allowed. E-bikes are allowed. The AIT takes advantage of the tree canopy alongside A1A such that much of the trail is shaded and shielded from the wind. The AIT is popular with families and young cyclists who are not comfortable riding in bicycle lanes alongside highway traffic. The trail is maintained by local government and supported by the Friends of The Amelia Island Trail.

Trail access parking is available at various nearby parks (Peters Point Beachfront Park, South End Beach Access, Amelia Island State Park, and Big Talbot State Park). There are also many stores and restaurants nearby, making the AIT an alternative for transportation for shopping and eating. The North Trailhead is at Peters Point Beachfront Park, a free Nassau County park located at 1974 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The South Trailhead is at Amelia Island State Park, an entrance-fee park located at the southern tip of Amelia Island.

The AIT connects across the Nassau Sound with the Timucuan Trail (www.floridastateparks.org}, which is being completed in phases on the Talbot Islands south to the Mayport ferry crossing. Eventually, when the Timucuan and upcoming AI Parkway Trails are completed (see Trail Plans), bicyclists, pedestrians, and runners will have available almost 24 miles of continuous multi-use (Timucuan, AIT, AI Parkway, ARTS) trails for their use. These trails are also part of the East Coast Greenway (www.greenway.org) which, when completed, will connect Calais, Maine with Key West, Florida.

About the ARTS Trail

The Amelia River To Sea Trail travels about 3 miles between Crane Island Park (along the Amelia River) and the east end of Simmons Road at beach access 30 (along the Atlantic Ocean) at South Fletcher Avenue. This trail accesses the athletic park and various neighborhoods along the trail. The trail opened on September 23, 2019 and is for non-motorized use. The ARTS Trail is popular with families and young cyclists who are not comfortable riding in bicycle lanes alongside highway traffic. The trail is maintained by local government and supported by the Friends of The Amelia Island Trail.

Trail access parking is available at the Fernandina Beach Athletic Complex at the sound end of Bailey Road, and at Beach Access 30 at the east end of Simmons Road.

Both the AIT and ARTS Trail are maintained by Nassau County. See Contact Us to report trail hazards.

The rules for the use of AIT/ARTS Trails were approved by the Nassau County Planning and Zoning Board and Nassau County Board of County Commissioners. As revised by an ordinance adopted in 2021, Class 1, 2, and 3 E-Bikes are welcome on our trail. The posted speed limit for all bicycles is a maximum of 10 MPH (see: Nassau County Orginance for E-bikes). These trail rules, as well as speed limit signs, have been posted at both Trail Heads and at various locations along the trails.
 
Amelia Island Trail/Amelia River To Sea Trail Rules
  1. No motorized vehicles. Exceptions: Electric ADA mobility device
    up to 10 mph, or vehicle used for official trail business.
  2. No horses.
  3. All traffic stay right except to pass. Step off trail when stopped.
  4. When passing provide audible warning (ring bell or say: "Passing on your left.")
  5. Helmets recommended. Bicyclists under age 16 must wear helmets.
  6. Bicyclists and skaters yield to pedestrians. No racing or pace lines.
  7. Obey all posted signs for stop, yield, speed limits, etc.
  8. No loitering, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, drugs.
  9. Respect private property. Stay on trail right-of-way. Be courteous to all.
  10. Pets must be on leash less than 6 feet long and under control. Clean up pet waste.
  11. Be alert. Watch for crossing vehicle traffic, trail hazards and other users.
  12. Organized events over 20 people must have prior approval by Nassau County.

Trail Rules Sign

The Friends of The Amelia Island Trail, Inc. is an IRS-approved 501 (c) (3) charitable corporation formed with the purpose of developing, improving, and maintaining the AIT. Donations are fully tax-deductible. See also bicycling and pedestrian promotion accomplishments.

Friends of The AIT and AIT controlling documents
Bylaws
Articles of Incorporation
IRS letter granting tax exempt status
meeting minutes and documents

 

 

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