A part of the array of coastal parks between Jacksonville’s Northside and Fernandina Seashore, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park sits in two counties.
The East Coast Greenway was routed throughout it, and its signage nonetheless implies that. However the span now has lacking items throughout the expanse.
Signal on the north finish of the spanOn its north aspect, parking at Amelia Island State Park is a should to stroll beneath the present freeway bridge to succeed in the previous one.
On its south aspect, entry to the park is by way of Sawpit Creek Recreation Space in Huge Talbot Island State Park.
Signal at south finish of the spanAssets
Overview
Location: Nassau SoundLength: 1 mile in two spherical tripsTrailhead: 30.522094, -81.444751 (north) 30.510315, -81.458674 (south)Deal with: 9550 First Coast Hwy, Fernandina BeachFees: $3 per vehicleRestroom: On the north endLand supervisor: Florida State ParksPhone: 904-251-2320
Open 8 AM to sundown. Pets are prohibited. Swimming just isn’t secure as a result of sturdy currents inside Nassau Sound. There isn’t any shade.
Instructions
In regards to the Park
Preserved from demolition in 1998 as a result of energetic efforts of Florida Consultant George Crady, this bridge throughout Nassau Sound dates to 1949.
Whereas the bridge was a mile lengthy, sections of it have collapsed in the midst of the sound and haven’t been repaired. It isn’t potential to cross it.
Sections to the island within the center have collapsedAt its north finish, a ramp leads up and beneath the energetic freeway bridge from an entry level adjoining the seaside ramp for autos at Amelia Island State Park.
Rising from beneath the A1A bridge, proceed as much as the bathhouse and bait store alongside Previous A1A.
Underpass between state parksBehind this construction, a path results in a stunning white sand seaside alongside Nassau Sound. It’s a pleasant spot for sunbathing.
Anglers typically forged from this shore, however most head out onto the bridge, organising garden chairs, umbrellas, and pop-up tents for shade.
Seashore behind the bait shackDraining an unlimited estuary between Jacksonville’s Northshore, Yulee, and Fernandina Seashore, Nassau Sound teems with saltwater species. Redfish and tarpon cross beneath the span each fall.
Accessed from Sawpit Creek Recreation Space, the quieter south finish is the place fishing is greatest. Grass flats present hiding locations for smaller fish.
Shoreline entry on the south finishMountain climbing
The park discourages cyclists from using out onto the bridge, however you might be welcome to stroll it. A round-trip to the top of the north span is 0.6 miles.
Each time it’s potential to step over to the aspect as an alternative of strolling down the center, benefit from the expansive view up the Nassau River.
Of us fishing can’t see behind themselves, so it’s as much as you to keep away from anybody casting.
Guests having fun with the north finish of the bridgeThe south span is a superior vacation spot for birders. We’ve noticed each white pelicans and roseate spoonbills hovering throughout this panorama.
From the parking space at Sawpit Creek Recreation Space, observe Previous A1A into the intensive marshes the place Sawpit Creek empties into Nassau Sound.
Marshes to the west of Previous A1AThe place the bridge is fenced off so you’ll be able to stroll no additional, worn pathways flank it right down to water stage.
Anglers use these to succeed in a slim line of seaside within the salt marsh. They supply one other angle to scan for birds. Return to the parking space after 0.4 miles.
Shoreline entry on the south finishCross via the parking zone, edging the pines, for a unique take a look at the estuary from the trail adjoining the boat ramp, including one other 0.2 miles.
Throughout A1A from the doorway to Sawpit Marsh Recreation Space, birders will discover a lengthy boardwalk alongside Nassau Sound priceless. A crosswalk results in stairs as much as the boardwalk.
The boardwalk gives a terrific birding spotAlong with paralleling a cove alongside the south, the boardwalk continues south right into a coastal hammock the place painted buntings seem every spring whereas migrating.
A round-trip alongside the boardwalk provides one other mile to a stroll on the south finish of this state park. Add extra miles by following the Timucuan Path farther south.
Timucuan Path Connecting a sequence of state parks north of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, the Timucuan Path is a delightfully scenic phase of the East Coast Greenway.Path Map
Discover Extra!
Be taught extra about Huge Talbot and Amelia Island State Parks
Huge Talbot Island State Park Wind and water perpetually reshape the panorama alongside this rugged Atlantic shoreline with tidal swimming pools, black rock seashores, and a boneyard of sand-scoured bushes.
Amelia Island State Park The thud of horse’s hooves on sand makes for a novel expertise at Amelia Island State Park, the one Florida State Park the place you’ll be able to trip horses on the seasideSlideshow
See our images from George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Close by Adventures
Huge Talbot Black Rock Path An uncommon and picturesque geologic anomaly, Blackrock Seashore at Huge Talbot Island is roofed with formations that appear to be black lava rocks however are fabricated from sand.
American Seashore Residence to the most important dune system on the Atlantic Coast in Florida, American Seashore has a wealthy historical past as a trip vacation spot that served the African-American group through the days of segregation within the South.Path Map (PDF) Official Web site
Articles collectively researched, written, and photographed by Sandra Good friend & John Keatley, Florida authors and publishers of FloridaHikes.com.
