Rails to Trails Bike Tour

In celebration of the 11th Annual Gullah Geechee Festival, the North Florida Bicycle Club hosts the Rails to Trails Bike Tour at Armstrong Park in Elkton, on December 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The bike tour follows parts of the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail, a 19-mile asphalt path that winds through the communities of Elkton, Armstrong, Hastings, and East Palatka. Originally part of a Rails-to-Trails project, the trail runs parallel to State Road 207 and offers scenic views of mixed woodlands and rural landscapes.

The Rails to Trails Bike Tour is open to both cyclists and walkers, with guides available for each group. Participants will enjoy a scenic journey through historical sites and landmarks, with the option to complete as much of the tour as they'd like. Along the way, they will encounter several significant locations that highlight the area's rich history.

After the tour, participants are welcomed back by live music, energetic performances, and talented artists. Along with the festivities, guests will uncover Gullah Geechee culture, savor Lowcountry cuisine, browse unique crafts, and enjoy a variety of carefully-curated exhibits.

The funds raised from the Rails to Trails Bike Tour and Gullah Geechee Festival directly support programs for children and families in these communities. The goal is to help residents overcome challenges such as homelessness and poverty by providing access to essential resources like food banks, medical assistance, after-school programs, and more.

Admission: Free.

When: The Rails to Trails Bike Tour begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at noon. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the Gullah Geechee Festival after the ride.

Where: Armstrong Park, which is located at 4950 Harvey Avenue in Elkton, Florida 32033.

About the Gullah Geechee Festival: The festival kicks off with special events on Friday, December 6, 2024 with main event activities happening from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024. 

Find out more about the Gullah Geechee Festival.

About SEA: SEA (Spuds, Elkton, and Armstrong) was established to support the rural communities west of St. Augustine, where descendants of West Africans, known as the Gullah Geechee, settled in the late 17th century. These communities, along with others in coastal areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, form part of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Local organizations are working to preserve and share the rich history of the Gullah Geechee culture. The annual SEA Rails to Trails Festival is the organization’s primary fundraising event. It showcases historical booths with Gullah Geechee artifacts, displays, DVDs, traditional Gullah home-cooked meals, and signage that highlights the area's rich cultural history.