Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach Provides History and Recreation

Named for General Duncan Lamont Clinch, historic Fort Clinch is located in Fernandina Beach in northeastern Florida. Built in the mid 19th century, the fort was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American Wars and became a part of the Florida State Park System in 1935. During that time, many of the fort's buildings were repaired by Roosevelt's famed Civilian Conservation Corps, which often visited state and national monuments to perform preservation work.

One of the oldest parks in the Florida State Park System, Fort Clinch State Park is 1,100 acres in size and includes a variety of different plant communities, including sand dunes, overwash plains, maritime hammock and estuarine tidal marsh, making it one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the system. This diversity also makes the park an ideal location for bird watching and wildlife viewing.

This state park is also designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Both paved and unpaved trails are available for hikers and are a great way to explore the park. The 6.5-mile unpaved trail can also be enjoyed by off-road cyclists who are looking for a little bit of a challenge provided by steep hills and overgrown forests. The paved park road is suitable for those on touring bikes. Bicycles may also ride on the hard-packed sand in the beach areas. In addition, the Willow Pond Hiking Trail encircles a series of freshwater ponds with two choices of loops available. Hikers should expect to see a wealth of wildlife along these loops, including deer and alligators.

The beaches at Fort Clinch State Park are ideal for both swimming and shell collecting. The sand is strewn with a variety of shells and the area is especially popular with those hunting for shark's teeth. No lifeguards are provided at the beaches.

Fishing at Florida's Fort Clinch State Park can be enjoyed on the half-mile-long fishing pier that separates the ocean from the Cumberland Sound. This handicapped accessible pier is a great place to catch game fish. Visitors can also go surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or fish along the Amelia River or the Sound.

Fort Clinch State Park is home to two campgrounds. The Amelia River Campground offers 41 sites with 20- and 30-amp hookups, potable water, in-ground fire rings, and picnic tables as well as two bathrooms with hot showers. One bathroom also houses laundry facilities. The Atlantic Beach Campground has 21 sites with similar amenities. A dump station is also available. Fees are reasonable and sites disappear quickly in the busy seasons.

The park also has a well-shaded picnic area with grills and picnic tables and a playground area for small children.

Fort Clinch State Park has an informative visitors' center and costumed re-enactors are often on hand to entertain and educate guests, offer guided tours of the fort, and participate in special events pertaining to the rich history of the site.