New Year's Day Bike Jekyll Island

New Year's Day Hike is a great way to start off each year together.  We decided this year that we could get a little bit further with a bike ride on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

    Georgia is home to the Golden Isles, and many of the islands cannot be accessed by car.  Jekyll Island is one of the islands you can drive to; however it is also a state park.  You will have to pay to get onto the island.  The fee ranges from $6 and up depending on the vehicle and type of pass.  

    There are many things to highlight about the island.  Today I am going highlight a very little known trail leading to the old amphitheater.  It is a great kick off for those who love to explore outdoors.

     The trail is hard to find.  The first thing you must do is find the fire station.  The trail to the old amphitheater is directly to the left of the fire station.  An alternative entrance is at the back of the church to the left of the fire station.

     It does not look like an official trail, and it can go unnoticed quite easily.  

     The first turn you will make will be to the left.  After that you will cross a service road to the stables and stay right.

The view looks like a mound of dirt and trees once you first approach it.  The other side of this mound is a different view.  It is an abandoned piece of history.  

     The Jekyll Island amphitheater was built a few decades ago, and featured plays from Valdosta State University during the summer months.  

     Now that the plays no longer come to the island, the amphitheater remains abandoned, except for the wild animals that inhabit the pond behind the amphitheater.  There is also a trail to visit the pond and take pictures of the many birds living there.

     This article kicks off our next series on the Golden Isles of Georgia.  There are many great attractions in the Golden Isles that will not break your vacation budget.  Jekyll Island is our first stop because of its easy access, history, beauty, and environmental conservation efforts.