Jacksonville, FL, is home to some beautiful natural environments that host a number of hiking trails
allowing locals and visitors to explore the area. There are trails available that will suit all skill levels and a wide variety of terrains to choose from. Most of the trails offer hikers the opportunity to take in the wildlife and plant species unique to the area.
Top 5 Hiking Trails and Paths Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Castaway Island Reserve
Castaway Island is an undeveloped wetland preserve. Several raised trails offering fabulous views run through the wetlands. The trails take in the San Pablo River and the coastal habitats that surround it. Along the trails, hikers can take in the beautiful wildflowers that are unique to the area. There is also access to the coast via a wooden bridge along one trail with the beach and its spectacular views, the perfect place to take a breather.
2. Tillie K Fowler Regional Park
The two-mile Island Trail takes hikers along the Ortega River, taking in the floodplains and upland forest habitats, and is one of the more scenic trails within the park. The 500-acre park has several other trails of varying degrees of difficulty. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the nature of the area before heading out on the trails, with the park having a nature education center and wildlife watchtower available for hikers.
3. Talbot Islands State Park
For hikers looking to take in some local wildlife while hiking, Talbot Islands State Park is the place to go. It is not uncommon to spot bald eagles fishing in the winter and spring from the park’s trails. There are a number of trails within the park, including Big Talbot Bluffs Beach Walk and its beautiful coastal views and the Black Rock Trail, which takes in sand formations that have an appearance of black rock lava.
4. Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is another area packed with trails that offer the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural environment. The man-made 0.3 mile Lake Loop is a great place to start with kids. The Upper Ravine Trail is especially popular over the winter months due to the spectacular views it offers, while the Live Oak Trail features 100-year-old oaks. For those looking for a challenge, the Rosemary Ridge trail will more than fit the bill.
5. University of North Florida Eco Trails
The 382-acre Sawmill Slough Preserve is on the University of North Florida campus and has five trails available to the public. The length of the trails varies between 0.31 and 2.85 miles in length, with most offering great views of Lake Oneida. Each of the trails offers its own unique features, with one playing host to a range of small mammals and another having blueberries to sample along the route. Of particular note is the Broadwalk Trail which is wheelchair accessible.
The trails in and around Jacksonville have something for everyone, offering a range of different terrains and landscapes for hikers.
If you are looking to arrive at the trails in style, call in and see the team at Tom Bush Mazda.
Connect with us
