It’s been mentioned that taking part in golf is an extended stroll spoiled. So, this spring, depart the golf equipment at residence and let your toes do the strolling whereas having fun with a few of the area’s greatest spots to take a hike.
Even essentially the most picturesque landscapes in and round Jacksonville don’t function dramatic peaks or snow-covered mountains. No, our pure surroundings is extra refined, it unfolds with swaying marsh grasses, twisted oak tree limbs, spindly palm timber and white sandy shores. These sights aren’t any much less lovely than mountainous vistas and to actually admire our pure wonders one must be keen to discover what’s down a couple of paths much less traveled. Right here, we just do that. Be a part of us on a journey to a handful of First Coast and Southeast Georgia locations that enable guests to expertise nature at its greatest. The warmth of summer season isn’t fairly right here but. Now’s the time take pleasure in Mom Nature’s handiwork—all only a quick distance out of your entrance door.
Northeast Florida is among the many quickest rising areas within the state. So, to have one thing just like the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Nationwide Estuarine Analysis Reserve positioned here’s a true pure treasure. The Reserve stretches throughout an astonishing 75,000 acres, from Ponte Vedra south into Flagler County. How essential is it to the area’s wildlife? A species listing just lately compiled indicated the presence of not less than 44 mammal, 358 chicken, 41 reptile, 21 amphibian, 303 fish and 580 plant species.
The Guana River Wildlife Administration Space, positioned between Ponte Vedra Seashore and St. Augustine alongside Hwy. A1A, is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Right here, guests can take pleasure in miles of open Atlantic Ocean beachfront in addition to a laundry listing of leisure alternatives. Searching, fishing, biking, climbing, horseback using, kayaking, birding… this stretch of barrier island gives all of it. The park is so giant it’ll take a number of visits to discover it from high to backside.
Some 18 miles of climbing and biking trails wind via the park, together with the five-mile Hammock Loop and the shorter Dwell Oak Loop. An commentary tower overlooking the marshes and Tolomato River is a well-liked vacation spot for hikers alongside the two-mile Savannah Loop. One other tower is positioned close to the northern fringe of the park. Picnic spots and relaxation areas are peppered across the reserve and restrooms can be found close to the South Entrance. This entry level is greatest for hikers, as a number of trails shadow the two,000-acre Lake Ponte Vedra. The wildlife right here ranges from roseate spoonbills and peregrine falcons to white-tail deer and alligators. The lake is residence to redfish, sea trout and black drum, in addition to crab—all of which will be caught with a fishing license.
Hidden away alongside the Intracoastal Waterway because it flows previous Atlantic Seashore is Dutton Island Protect, a pristine salt marsh ecosystem that’s favored for its distinctive wildlife viewing alternatives. Really, two parks in a single, guests can stroll three miles of trails via pine flatwoods and stay oak hammocks. Dutton Island I consists of an commentary viewing deck and fishing pier on the north finish and a kayak and canoe launch web site on the south finish. There’s a marked kayak path among the many salt marsh to information paddlers. Facilities embrace coated picnic tables, elevated boardwalks and restrooms. Primitive tent-only camps websites can be found with a reserved allow. Campers do have entry to loos and outside showers. There are residential neighborhoods solely a stone’s throw away however after getting into the park, open every day dawn to sundown, they appear miles away. Admission and parking are free. Pets are allowed.
Jennings State Forest covers greater than 25,000 acres and straddles northwestern Clay and southern Duval counties. The sheer measurement of the protect means it’s superb for very lengthy walks within the woods. Additionally, the panorama options quite a lot of terrain. Flat pine forests give technique to rolling hills dotted with spindly oaks, which gave technique to swamps and meandering creeks. The modifications in terrain make the forest appropriate habitat for all types of animals, together with fox squirrels, bobcat, deer, turkey and alligators.
Trails right here can stretch greater than 15 miles. There are a number of public entrance factors, so resolve upon a place to begin earlier than heading into the woods or you could end up hours out of your climbing vacation spot of selection. For instance, the Evans Lengthy Loop is simply that—a really lengthy loop that snakes via the property for practically 17 miles. The Pioneer Path is an efficient one for shorter walks, although hikers ought to anticipate some pretty dramatic elevation modifications, steep slopes and slim paths. A lot of it follows the trail of a lazy creek, full with a couple of tiny waterfalls. This can be a good one on sizzling days, as there’s ample shade supplied by the tree cover. Simpler on the legs is the Dunn’s Farm Path, which is a flat reduce via tower pine timber.
The climbing trails are open every day throughout daytime. Plus, the property will be loved for horseback using, picnics, fishing, swimming and canoeing. And there are primitive campsites that may be reserved for in a single day stays.
Fort George Island is one among Northeast Florida’s true pure and historic gems. Located between Jacksonville and Amelia Island, the island is residence to the Kingsley Plantation historic web site and the Ribault Membership, a ravishing occasion house that’s widespread for weddings and receptions. There’s a marked climbing path that loops round an excellent portion of the jap a part of the island. Strolling alongside the island’s bumpy and dusty two roads make for nice hikes as properly; nonetheless, be aware of passing vehicles and be ready to hug near a tree as a result of the unpaved street could be very slim in spots. Off-road biking is a faster manner to absorb the breadth of the property. As you stroll or trip think about this—some 200 years in the past, the island was largely farm, devoid of all of the palms and oaks that develop in abundance at present.
The Kingsley Plantation grounds, which is managed by the Nationwide Park Service and embrace the unique planter’s home in-built 1798 (making it the oldest standing plantation home in Florida), in addition to the ruins of a number of slave cabins, is among the most vital historic websites within the area. The location title comes from Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley, who lived right here from 1814 to 1837. Any exploration of the island ought to start right here. Stroll via the home, the barn, kitchen home, interpretive backyard and the stays of 25 tabby slave quarters. A broad garden overlooking the Fort George River and dotted with palms makes for a nice picnic spot. Watch the place you drop your blanket as a result of there are ants aplenty. It’s possible you’ll even see a wandering gopher tortoise.
The practically three-mile loop path winds via what was once a golf course, first performed within the Twenties. Behind the Ribault Membership is a public entry level to the river. It’s a quiet spot to place in a kayak, solid a line or wade into the salty water. You’ll want to cease by St. George Episcopal Church earlier than leaving the island. In-built 1882, the church is an excellent instance of Carpenter Gothic structure. The stained-glass home windows are 140 years previous.
Comply with the Jimmy Buffet Memorial Freeway (often known as Hwy. A1A) to the northern tip of Large Talbot Island State Park and pull off on the Bluff Scenic Shoreline Picnic Space. The seashore entry level right here has been washed away however for these in search of Large Talbot’s signature Boneyard Seashore, that is the closest place to park. Comply with the marked path to achieve the seashore, a stroll of lower than ten minutes. Get the digital camera prepared. This stretch of shoreline is awash within the tangled and sun-bleached skeletons of timber that succumbed to surf and sand. There isn’t a scarcity of picture-perfect angles for a household photograph. Youngsters take to the fallen timber like monkeys within the jungle. Pack a picnic to benefit from the views of Nassau Sound and Amelia Island throughout the water. Swimming is just not really useful right here as a result of robust currents
In all, the park comprises greater than 5 miles of seashore, three miles of paved bike paths and a handful of climbing trails—all of that are comparatively flat and accessible to most everybody. On the west aspect of Hwy. A1A are the Previous Kings Freeway Path and Jones Minimize Path, picturesque walks via the island thick maritime hammock and scrubby panorama. On the ocean aspect of the park is Black Rock Path, a winding path via dense noticed palmetto that results in a First Coast geologic anomaly, a shoreline peppered with tide swimming pools and darkish “rocks” poking via the sand. Extra weather-battered timber line the seashore right here, too. It’s a couple of half-mile to the shore—so, not a lot of a hike, per se, however properly definitely worth the stroll to soak within the view.
Parking generally is a problem at Talbot’s public entry factors, particularly on weekends. There are lower than 20 areas on the Blackrock Seashore entry. Extra areas are positioned a couple of mile north. Time your go to to coincide with low tide to benefit from the seashore at its widest. The paved Timucuan Path runs greater than three miles north-to-south and connects the varied entry factors to the park. Joggers, bikers, in-line skaters, strollers—it’s a straightforward route for many something with wheels and/or legs.
On February 20, 1864, greater than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery Union and Accomplice troops fought a five-hour battle within the pine forests close to Olustee, Florida, about 40 miles due west of Jacksonville. The battle ended with greater than 2,800 casualties and the retreat of Union forces to Jacksonville till the battle’s finish 14 months later. Among the many combatants was the 54th Massachusetts, one of many first black items shaped in the course of the Civil Conflict, made well-known by the 1989 movie Glory. Though the film doesn’t embrace occasions on the Battle of Olustee, parts of the film had been filmed on the park.
All through a lot of the day, troopers exchanged fireplace, repeatedly gaining and dropping floor to the enemy. Accomplice forces had been near breaking via the Union strains after they ran low on ammunition. When extra arrived, the assault continued. Weary from the struggle, Union troops withdrew from the battlefield and marched again east to Jacksonville. The victory stored the Confederates accountable for Florida’s inside for the remainder of the battle
An enormous reenactment of the battle is staged annually in February. The Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park (the primary of its variety in Florida, devoted in 1921 throughout a ceremony that was attended by veterans of the battle) is open every day and includes a shady picnic space, a small museum and a memorial to commemorate the occasion. The interpretive middle/museum offers a fast overview of the park and its historical past. Outdoors, a one-mile path with interpretive indicators follows the battle strains. A protracted stroll it’s not. And the surroundings is little greater than flat land and pine timber. However the path traces the happenings throughout a major day within the state’s historical past. Parks hours are 9 AM to five PM every day. Admission is free.
There are greater than 50 miles of climbing trails and unpaved street lacing Cumberland Island, a Georgia barrier island positioned a stone’s throw throughout the Florida state line. In contrast to many of the Southeast coast, the Cumberland Island Nationwide Seashore is almost freed from properties and different lodgings. Solely a handful of personal residences stay on a stretch of sand that when was a secluded retreat for a privileged few. At this time, 17 miles of seashore cozy up in opposition to the Atlantic Ocean, and not using a single residence or lodge in sight.
The island can solely be reached by non-public boat or Park Service ferry and vehicles will not be allowed for guests. So, until you propose to camp in a single day or keep on the uber-exclusive Greyfield Inn, your exploration can be restricted to the southern tip of Cumberland. However that’s okay. There’s loads to see, even when you can’t attain however a couple of miles of the island. Most one-day guests take the Southend Loop, a four-and-a-half mile stroll via the forest, previous the marsh and out to the unspoiled seashore flush with shells and songbirds. The path runs proper previous the crumbling ruins of Dungeness, a once-grand mansion owned by the Carnegie household that caught fireplace in 1959, leaving solely stone partitions and brick chimneys standing. The grounds surrounding the previous residence are frequented by Cumberland’s signature wild horses. The Southend Loop is a cushty three- or four-hour hike for first-time guests that gives a style of the island’s variety.
The River Path is about one-mile in size and runs immediately north and south, connecting the Sea Camp and Dungeness docks. Use this path to keep away from bikes and automobiles alongside the principle street. Each ends of path parallel the Intracoastal Waterway and provide postcard views of the river and marshlands. The center portion of the path is a superb spot for birding, with a mixture of forest and river habitats. Preserve a watch out for bald eagles and warblers. The woodsy path can be utilized by the island’s wildlife, so seeing deer, turkeys and horses is widespread.
Lots of the island’s trails reduce via mature maritime forests, shaded beneath stay oak canopies and between dense stands of palmettos. Different sandy paths result in inside wetlands, marsh ecosystems and the island’s seashores. A bonus to staying on the south finish of Cumberland is the park service’s restrooms and consuming fountains. For the extra adventurous looking for an actual backcountry expertise, a stroll alongside the Parallel Path or one of many many different Wilderness trails could also be so as. The Nightingale Path is a tamer, 30-minute hike into the forest.
The Cumberland ferry schedule modifications with the seasons, so verify earlier than heading north to Saint Marys, Georgia. Additionally, house on the boat is restricted and every day sell-outs are widespread. Make reservations on-line properly earlier than your deliberate climbing date. And be sure to arrive on the ferry touchdown about an hour previous to its morning departure time, packed and able to go along with water, solar display, bug spray and meals.
You don’t must drive miles and miles outdoors of the town to take a hike. Nope, there are greater than three miles of path inside Tillie Fowler Regional Park, a nature protect that hugs Roosevelt Boulevard the place it passes the entrances and runways of NAS Jax. The roar of US Navy P-8 planes and Seahawk helicopters can take the serenity out of the setting however just for temporary moments. The park is full with two climbing paths, a 2.5-mile off-road bike path, two enclosed canine areas, picnic tables, a comparatively new playground and a nature middle.
The Island Path is a loop that stretches greater than two miles into the pine woods, circling again the place the marsh brushes in opposition to the Ortega River. The shorter Tower Path winds a bit over one mile, roundtrip. Each start close to a parking zone and the park’s small nature middle, a worthy cease for these climbing with children. The Tower Path ends at what you would possibly anticipate, a 30-foot commentary tower. The terrain right here is usually flat and due to its proximity to the river can change into fairly moist in some areas, particularly following a heavy rain. Remnants of an previous brick street constructed within the early Nineties and that when linked Ortega to Jacksonville cross the paths in a number of spots.
There’s a public kayak launch positioned downstream on the Ortega River. The launch web site is contained in the boundary of Tillie Fowler Park however has a separate parking space close to the Timuquana Highway bridge. The character middle is open within the afternoon Friday via Sunday.
Just some miles west of Downtown, close to the place I-295 crosses 1-10, lies Bulls Bay Protect. This 1,200-acre property is a part of a conservation easement that consists largely of wetlands with tributaries to the Trout and Ortega rivers originating within the swamps that buffer the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Path. The general public park features a one-mile loop path dotted with big oak timber and ferns. There’s additionally a path devoted for mountain bikes. Whereas the general distance is brief, the climbing loop does have loads of dips and rises. There’s a reasonably lily pond and a picnic space. All of the path loops are linked so it’s darn close to unimaginable to get misplaced. The star attraction here’s a small waterfall—and we use that phrase liberally. A small creek spills over a drop of some toes. Niagara it’s not. However the web site is one thing of a pure anomaly in Northeast Florida and one of many few locations the place one can hear the trickling of water in nature. Parking and admission is free. Restroom on web site is a pleasant perk, notably if visiting with children. Canines particularly love this park.
Heading north again to Georgia, takes us to Jekyll Island. About 120 years in the past, this small barrier island was arguably essentially the most unique resort within the nation. It’s mentioned that the members of the Jekyll Island Membership represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth when its clubhouse opened within the late Eighteen Eighties. When you weren’t a membership member, particularly invited by one, or employed by one, stepping foot on the island was not permitted. That rule stayed in impact till 1942. The names of Rockefellers, Vaderbilts, Goulds, Morgans and Goodyears adorn the register when the clubhouse debuted in 1888, Some constructed winter residences on the island, a couple of of which nonetheless stand and make up the island’s Nationwide Historic Landmark District.
Bought by the state of Georgia in 1947, Jekyll continues its legacy as a magnet to vacationers—and one needn’t be a millionaire to take pleasure in its 9 miles of seashores, eating places, golf programs, summer season waterpark and extra. Sixty-five p.c of the island has been preserved in its pure state, making it a terrific place to discover on foot or through bicycle. Miles of paved strolling and biking paths circle the island, from St. Andrews Seashore Park on the southern tip to the Clam Creek Fishing Pier on the northern shoreline.
Not removed from the fishing pier is Jekyll’s very personal Driftwood Seashore, just like these in Jax. The seashore and its signature driftwood shaped on account of years of abrasion. What was as soon as a maritime forest is now a sandy shore lined with weathered tree trunks and branches. The seashore is right for afternoon picnics or late-night stargazing.
Jekyll is just not a vacation spot for these trying to “tough it” within the wild. No, the island has too many upscale lodge rooms and eating places for that. However for exploring a ravishing seaside setting, touring some grand previous properties, sipping a margarita overlooking the ocean after an extended stroll—few locations within the Southeast can beat it. Parking in any respect the island’s seashores is free; nonetheless, there’s an $8 per day price to entry the island.