Jekyll Island is a haven for the weary, a home away from home on the beach for people on a budget from Florida to Canada and points west. The island has attractions ranging from the wet and wild Summer Waves Water Park to the beauty and serenity of Driftwood Beach and the historic majesty of Millionaire’s Village.

And all points are connected and easily accessible by the bike path system that traverse Jekyll Island like arteries in a circulation system. Carrying the lifeblood of this massive barrier island: you, your friends, family, and fellow adventurers.

There are several types of bike trails that you can explore.

1) The paved trails –

Most of the bike trails are paved and wind throughout the island, driving through and penetrating most areas of interest.

You can bike with your kids for miles along a beach trail overlooking the Atlantic. Stop at Blackbeard’s Restaurant for a snack and cold drink.

Explore the South Loop and be sure to explore the Glory Boardwalk and the beach where the civil war movie “Glory” was filmed. This section will also take you beyond the aforementioned Summer Waves water park.

Search for hidden spots, shops and restaurants, as well as see the historic cabins of the millionaires of the past on the maze of trails within the Historic District. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is located here, as is the temporary Jekyll Island Convention Center (serving the needs of congressmen while its new, state-of-the-art Convention Center, due for completion in 2012, is under construction).

The Golf Course Loop takes you past the Oleander, Pine Lakes, and Indian Mound golf courses, as well as the Jekyll Island Tennis Center.

Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, visit the Horton House ruins, and visit Driftwood Beach from the North Loop Trail.

2) Exit trails –

These trails are separated from the paved circuits, opening up additional opportunities for fun and discovery.

The Mid-Island Forest Trail cuts across the countryside from Ben Fortson Parkway, through the maritime forest, past secluded environments of marshes and ponds (where you can see an alligator or a real fisherman), before ending in the historic district. Rest at Café Solterra and renew your energy with a great cookie.

Another forest trail runs from the back of the Horton House ruins and ends at Old Plantation Road. It’s a little-known trail where you navigate a sandy trail through the forest that is habitat for deer, raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits, maybe even Sasquatch.

Shark’s Tooth Beach Trail is accessible at the trailhead just to the left of Summer Waves. The trail is about a mile long and winds through wide open spaces surrounded by marshes and wooded hammocks to end on the river side of the island, where, at low tide, you can look for shark teeth.

3) Create your own bike tours –

You don’t need to stay on established trails. The streets of Jekyll Island are flat and inviting to drive with ease. There are also a few more driveways, sandy shortcuts from Riverview Drive to Beachview Drive, along the South Loop.

Or, if you want, take a bike ride on the beach. You will need your own bike for this as rentals are not allowed on the beach. Make sure to wash your bike with fresh water after your ride.

Bring Your Dog: Jekyll Island allows dogs on the beach if they are leashed and under the responsible control of the owners. This also means picking up your dog’s waste.

You can rent all kinds of bicycles, from cruisers to children’s rides and four-seater surreys, as well as accessories. Try the hotels in the area, the Bike Barn adjacent to the Jekyll Island Mini Golf Course, or Wheel Fun Rentals, located at the Days Inn and Suites.

It’s fun exploring Jekyll Island as a family. Whether cruising along a sandy beach, lazily winding through ancient living oaks, or riding through a salty marsh paradise, Jekyll Island is the perfect place for that perfect family vacation, brought to you by bike!

(c) 2010, Rick Freeland