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Cyclists on Black Creek Trail in Fleming Island, photo courtesy of Clay County
Jacksonville Arboretum, photo by Catherine Wysoczanski
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DUVAL-NORTH Amelia Island State Park
Amelia Island State Park is a nature lover’s dream with beautiful beaches, maritime forests and salt marshes. A beachside park is a perfect place for horseback riding, and the white sandy beach is a popular place to search for seashells and shark’s teeth.
Big Talbot Island State Park
Those looking for the ideal hike will love Big Talbot Island State Park where visitors can hike several different trails leading to the shoreline, marsh or maritime forest. Kayaks are available for rent with guided tours and the area is also a fisherman’s paradise. Boneyard Beach is famous for skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew on the shoreline. The Timucuan Trail runs parallel to A1A with a 3.9-mile paved path perfect for biking, walking or running. The park is a migratory home to many shorebirds like the Least Tern and Little Blue Heron, two species currently on the threatened species list in Florida.
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Occupied for more than 5,000 years, the park was named after a 1736 fort originally built on the grounds to defend the area when it was a colony. In the 1920s, the Ribault Club was built originally as a resort. It is now used as a visitor center for the park, a meeting space, and for special events. Visitors can boat, fish, kayak and hike the island, exploring this cultural gem.
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
This pedestrian-only mile-long bridge in Jacksonville is a fisherman’s dream. Depending on the season, anglers can find a variety of species in the water including tarpon, redfish, whiting and jack.
Little Talbot Island State Park
As one of the last remaining barrier islands on the First Coast, Little Talbot Island State Park has beautiful sprawling white beaches, salt marshes and coastal ecosystems. Both migratory and native wildlife can be found in the park including many birds, otters, raccoons, opossums, bobcats and more. Visitors can rent kayaks, visit campsites and even enjoy guided paddle tours.
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park is an important ecosystem for many different species of wildlife dependent on the longleaf pine flatwoods in the park that protect the water quality, allowing aquatic plants and animals to prosper. Several threatened species can be found in the park including the American alligator. With more than 15 miles of trails, hikers and equestrians can enjoy the trails and salt marsh.
The First Coast has more than 80,000 acres of parks with a national wildlife refuge, a national forest, and nine state parks! “
Hanna Park, photo courtesy of COJ Photo by Brittney Pitts
The largest urban park system with more than 400 parks is here on the First Coast! “
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is full of history, leading back to the original people of the area, the Timucua. The preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation, two national historic sites. With more than 46,000 acres, the preserve encompasses the St. Johns River as well as multiple tributaries drawing a variety of plant and animal life to this ecological treasure. Full of coastal dunes, wetlands, salt marshes and hardwood hammocks, the environment is varied with hiking trails of different experience levels as well as monuments and structures outlining the history of the area.
NASSAU COUNTY Cary State Forest
Located in Northeast Florida, Cary State Forest was established in 1937 as the state’s second forest. Eleven ecosystems make up the forest with flatwoods, marshes, sandhills, swamps and cypress encompassing the area. Keep your binoculars handy to see if you are able to find some endangered and threatened wildlife like the Sherman’s fox squirrel, gopher tortoise and wood stork. Camping, horseback riding, hunting and hiking are available for visitors.
Four Creeks State Forest
Named after the four water systems located within more than 10,000 acres, this state forest has Boggy Creek, Plummer Creek, Thomas Creek and Alligator (Mills) Creek. With all of the water, fishing and kayaking are popular activities. Visitors can also hike the trails and bike throughout the area.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY Anastasia State Park
Those looking for the perfect getaway in St. Johns County can take a quick trip to Anastasia State Park, with more than 1,600 acres of tidal marshes, sand dunes, hammocks and beaches. The area offers campsites, biking, fishing and more. Various hiking areas can be found in the park like the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail and Cape Francis Beach Walk. Also located in the park is the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, where many shore and wading birds can be spotted.
Faver-Dykes State Park
Situated on the edge of St. Augustine, Faver-Dykes State Park is the perfect place to camp, fish, kayak and canoe on the tranquil Pellicer Creek. With more than 100 species of native and migratory birds found in the forest, tidal marshes and creeks, and native wildlife like deer, raccoons, opossums, otters and hawks, the park is the perfect place for nature lovers.
More than 76,700 acres of natural land can be found in this estuary. As one of 29 in the nation, the estuary is a connection for freshwater and saltwater to mix together creating a diverse habitat for many species. More than nine miles of nature trails, fishing and kayaking are available for guests.
Matanzas State Forest
Protected by the Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, this area is home to the last remaining undisturbed salt marshes within the reserve. The forest includes a 20-acre connection linked to Moses Creek Conservation Area and covers 4,699 acres. This conservation corridor crosses into Moses Creek, FaverDykes State Park and Pellicer Creek. Visitors can spend the day hiking through the forest uplands and enjoy the beauty of the wetlands including an expansive cypress swamp.
Photo courtesy of Clay County
Jogging Paths & Yoga Spots
While the previous parks and preserves are great places for joggers and yoga enthusiasts, there are also many spots to visit throughout the First Coast for a peaceful run or relaxing yoga session.
JOGGING PATHS BAKER COUNTY
Osceola Trails - 23 miles
CLAY COUNTY
Black Creek Trail - 16 miles roundtrip
River Road Resolution Run 5K Course
- 3.1 miles St. Johns River Loop - 6-7 miles
The Doctor’s Lake Drive & Moody Road Loop
- 9 miles
The Plainsfield Loop - 4.5 miles
DUVAL COUNTY
Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail - 14.5 miles
Main Street Bridge & Acosta Bridge Loop
- 1.7 miles
Perfect 10 Loop - 10 miles
Photos by Stephanie Marty
Robert W. Loftin Nature Trails
• Big Cyprus Trail - .47 miles • Blueberry Trail - 1.44 miles • Goldenrod Trail - 2.85 miles • Gopher Tortoise Ridge - .78 miles • Red Maple Boardwalk - .31 miles
NASSAU COUNTY
Amelia Island Trail - 5.7 miles
Egan’s Creek Greenway Trail - 3.5 miles
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
Greenway Trails
• Egret Trail - 1 mile • Heron Trail - 5.5 miles • Osprey Trail - 6.4 miles • Pelican Trail - 2.15 miles • Treaty Park - 1 mile • Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area - 2.2 miles
OUTDOOR YOGA CLAY COUNTY
Spring Park Pavilion
Green Cove Springs
DUVAL COUNTY
Riverside Arts Market
Jacksonville
Sunday Yoga in the Park
Hemming Park - Jacksonville
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
Beach YOGA
Ocean Hammock Park - St. Augustine
