5+ Best Trails for Hiking in Jacksonville FL | UNATION

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Get outside in the First Coast

Trade the traffic for towering trees and discover a different side of the city with hiking in Jacksonville. Beyond the beaches and bustling neighborhoods, Jacksonville is home to scenic trails that wind through coastal forests, peaceful marshes, and lush nature preserves teeming with wildlife. Whether you're looking for a quick morning walk, a family-friendly adventure, or a quiet escape into nature, there's a trail waiting to be explored. We've gathered some of the area's best hiking spots so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the great outdoors. Lace up your hiking boots and see why hiking in Jacksonville is one of the city's best-kept outdoor secrets.

Theodore Roosevelt Area

Experience different Florida ecosystems as you hike through the Theodore Roosevelt Area. From tall oak trees swathed in Spanish moss to the beautiful Florida marshlands, you are really able to immerse yourself in Florida’s natural beauty. This area was donated to the Nature Conservancy by Willie Brown, a Florida native who spent his entire life living off the land. You can still find the foundation of his cabin and his family cemetery along the hiking trails. Our recommendation: If you don’t have time to do the whole hike, at least make it to the bird observation tower. You get a wonderful view of Round Marsh and will see plenty of wildlife!

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail

Arguably one of the most versatile trails on the First Coast, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is a local favorite for hiking. In 1992, this abandoned railroad corridor was purchased by the City from CSX Transportation Inc through the Florida Greenways and Trails Program. The trail is now part of the “Rails to Trails” program, which rehabilitates abandoned railroad lines into “linear parks” for mixed use. At 100 feet wide and 14.5 miles long, the trail connects Imeson Road in Jacksonville to the town of Baldwin. Sporting a paved 12-foot wide path, the track is used by hikers, bikers, rollerbladers, and others who want to enjoy the rural landscape and abundant wildlife. Our Recommendation: If you want to hike off the beaten path, there are 8.5 miles of spur trails onto the Rail Trail’s buffer properties.

Bell Springs Trailhead

Bell Springs Trailhead is located just outside of Jacksonville in White Springs, Florida. This 4.6-mile round-trip hike is teaming with thrilling vistas and wildlife. The best part of hiking Bell Springs Trailhead is the thrill of witnessing Florida’s only Class III whitewater up the trail at Big Shoals. The hike is worth the effort as it takes you through spectacular geological features along one of the most scenic portions of the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River. The round-trip trek showcases not just the shoals but also the freshwater spring run at Bell Springs, a waterfall at Robinson Branch, and other significant features along the riverbanks. Our recommendation: Mild elevation changes make a nice change; bring bug spray.

Bulls Bay Preserve

Nestled in 1,222 acres acquired by the City of Jacksonville as part of a conservation easement for mitigation, Bulls Bay Preserve buffers the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail. Located from Imeson Road to Bulls Bay Hwy, this preserve consists of mostly wetlands with tributaries to the Ortega and Trout rivers. Hiking Bulls Bay Preserve is an easy 2 miles of trails at the Old Plank Road trailhead. You can also stroll down the northern swamp path and pass by giant live oak trees, beautiful lily ponds, and abundant nature. The variety of slight elevation changes makes this trail a fun North Florida hike, and one of our favorite hiking trails in Jacksonville! Our recommendation: Snap a selfie at the waterfall!

Tillie K. Fowler Trail

Hiking Tillie K. Fowler Trail will take you back in time. Leased from the Navy in 1979, then-Councilwoman Tillie Fowler spearheaded the development of the land for public use. At the trailhead, you embark on remnants of a 16-foot wide brick road that once linked Ortega to Jacksonville. The road pre-dates 1917 but was used for training American soldiers during WWI. This brick road is also found in other locations around the park, adding to the intrigue of your hike. Since its opening, the park has improved and expanded the hiking trails, including off-road bike trails and a dog park. Our recommendation: Hike to the Nature Tower for an excellent area view!

Jacksonville Arboretum

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has plenty of different trails to choose from! Enjoy a 0.3 mile completely paved leisurely stroll around Lake Ray to get some fresh air, or choose more strenuous hikes like the Sand Trail, which takes you through unique lichen regions and rosemary scrubs. You can also explore the Upper and Lower ravine trails to find tiny pools and beautiful creeks flowing around the path! Don’t miss out on all the other beautiful trails in this area, too! There are also amazing seasonal events, like Dazzling Nights, that you don’t want to miss! Our recommendation: There is a $3 admission fee, but you can become a Jacksonville Arboretum member for unlimited visits!

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

With 1.5 miles of sandy beach, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a go-to for beach walks and trail hikes. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is also where people go for camping, kayaking, mountain biking, picnics, and fishing in the 60-acre lake. The park's hiking trails take you through low-lying areas, scrub oaks, palm trees, and tropical vegetation. If you like to bird-watch, plenty of coastal birds also enjoy the park. If you’re into local wildlife, this is one of the best hiking trails in Jacksonville for you! Keep an eye out for alligators and other critters who live in the area. Our recommendation: Entry fees vary, so check in advance before you visit.

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Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park

Just south of Gainesville, there is so much to explore and discover at Payne’s Prairie Preserve! This state park is biologically, geologically, and historically unique, making it one of the best places to hike if you’re interested in a day trip! This vast savannah is home to herds of wild horses, over 300 species of birds, alligators, deer, and other iconic Florida wildlife. The most notable animal, however, is the wild-roaming bison! Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience the spectacular sight of grazing bison, making this location worth the hour (and some change) drive! Our recommendation: Access to the park is $6 per vehicle

Dames Cave in Withlacoochee

Explore some of the oldest geological caves in Florida with this short hike to Dames Cave! Finding this spot is a little tricky – be warned because the trails are not marked – but chances are other cars will be parked off to the side on Highway 491. Be prepared to get a little muddy, as our favorite method to get down into the caves requires a little scooting. But the unique views are definitely worth the dirt! Our recommendation: This trail is off the beaten path, so know where you’re going before heading out!

Ravine Garden State Park

Explore incredible ravines, up to 120 feet deep, at this beautiful state park! You don’t see steep banks (45-degree angles!) like this in Florida every day, and this location is just a short road trip away! With beautiful bridges suspending you over the spring-fed ravine floors and gorgeous gardens circa 1933 outside the trails, this is one of the best places to hike in Palatka! Don’t take our word for it – get exploring! Our recommendation: Access to the park is $5 per vehicle, so have cash ready!

Highlands Hammock State Park

Hike through a natural Florida hammock, meaning a stand of trees that create their own ecological island. This beautiful yet delicate ecosystem is a sanctuary for black bears, panthers, and other Florida wildlife. Explore old Florida through over nine excellent hiking trails, including a unique elevated boardwalk that wanders through an enchanting cypress swamp. Our recommendation: Access to the park is $6 per vehicle, so have cash ready!

Washington Oaks Gardens

Located between the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean, Washington Oaks offers a diverse and beautiful location for exploring! Just outside of St. Augustine, Washington Oaks is definitely worth the drive. Stroll through beautiful gardens of vibrant azalea bushes, gorgeous landscapes, ancient live oaks, and eye-catching water features. On the beach side, venture through a unique shoreline of coquina rock formations, creating the perfect backdrop for beachcombing, tidal pool exploring, and more! Our recommendation: Access to the park is $5 per vehicle, so have cash ready!

Falling Creek Falls

Lake City is home to another rare Florida waterfall – Falling Creek Falls! Venture through familiar Northeast Florida forests on an easy boardwalk path and discover this hidden gem! The hour-long drive is worth it by itself, but this also would make a perfect pit stop on the way to the panhandle to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Don’t miss out on this beautiful spot! Our recommendation: The best time to visit is after a heavy rainfall, so the falls are really overflowing!

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Curated by

Becca McCandless

Duval Native | Sunshine State ☀️ | Aspiring Plant Mom 🌱