Jacksonville Parks – Hiking, Biking & Kayaking Close to UNF
Plan Your Next Hike or Ride
Hit the trails with ease using our curated guides designed for UNF students. Whether you’re training for a 5K, planning a quick coastal escape, or need a stress break between classes, we’ve got you covered.
Explore routes by distance, surface, and activity type throughout all 400+ Jacksonville parks.
Jacksonville’s Best Trail & Greenway Map
UNF sits beside shaded nature loops, city greenways, and coastal parks, including the UNF Nature Trails, Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, Timucuan Preserve, and Hanna Park. Easy-access trailheads mean students with and without cars can reach Jacksonville hiking trails for hiking, biking, kayaking access, and trail running within 10–30 minutes of campus.
Use interactive maps and local trail alerts to check conditions, closures, and parking before you go.
Explore Jacksonville’s Beautiful Parks
From sunrise loops around Lake Oneida to golden-hour walks at the Arboretum, nature is right here. These resources make it easy to pick your path and get moving—no car required.
Top Spots for Biking & Kayaking
Jacksonville’s trail systems offer something for every pace—shaded footpaths, paved rail-trails, and calm waterways. Start close to campus on the UNF Nature Trails, then branch out to the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, Hanna Park singletrack and lakes, or Timucuan Preserve launches for easy paddling.
Not sure where to go?
Jacksonville offers quick, flexible access to North Florida’s best outdoor recreation without leaving town.
Fit in a hike between classes or plan a beach-and-trail weekend.
There are Jacksonville parks & hiking trails for every level and every schedule.
Fresh air. Rivers. Ocean views.
Minutes from campus.
Questions About Trails Near UNF
Plan Your Weekend Hike or Ride
Need to recharge before exams or take a break from campus?
Head out on a quick morning loop or link trails with a beach sunset.
Jacksonville parks are in season year-round.
Best Trails in Jacksonville
Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
The Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail is a paved, shaded 14.5-mile multi-use path perfect for walking, running, and biking. Trailheads offer parking and limited restrooms, making it convenient for day trips. Visitors often spot deer, birds, and other local wildlife while enjoying the peaceful, tree-lined route. Its flat terrain and consistent shade make it a top choice for both casual hikers and endurance athletes.
Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve
This preserve features easy loop trails with scenic water views. The Yellow & White Loop and White Loop offer shaded, dog-friendly paths ideal for a relaxed outing.
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve Trails
The Spanish Pond Trail and Willie Browne Trail are among the preserve’s most popular hikes, offering a blend of nature and history. Highlights include marsh overlooks, diverse ecosystems, and informational signs detailing the area’s cultural past.
Jacksonville Nature Trails for All Skill Levels
Easy & Family-Friendly Trails
- Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens Full Trail System: this trail system offers shaded paths and diverse plant life, making it ideal for a relaxed outdoor experience
- Losco Regional Park’s Red, White, and Blue Loop: this loop provides a fun, short walk for all ages
- Hanna Park South Trail: this trail combines beach proximity with wooded scenery, perfect for families
Moderate & Scenic Routes
- Gopher Tortoise Ridge and Big Cypress Loop: this loop offers gentle elevation changes and wildlife viewing
- Live Oak, Lake Loop & Rosemary Ridge Trails: these trails showcase lakefront vistas and forested paths
- Fort George Island Cultural State Park: this park offers maritime forest trails that all hikers will enjoy, alongside rich cultural history
Wildlife & Natural Features
Common Wildlife Sightings
Hikers may encounter gopher tortoises, wading birds like herons, and seasonal flocks of migratory species. During spring and summer, trails often burst with wildflowers, adding vibrant color to the landscape.
Unique Ecosystems
Jacksonville’s trails showcase diverse environments, from coastal marshes and pine flatwoods to shaded hardwood hammocks. Many of these areas are protected habitats within Jacksonville/Duval County, preserving vital ecosystems for both wildlife and future generations.
Hiking Near UNF
Students at UNF have direct access to the Sawmill Slough Preserve, a scenic trail system right on campus. They can use ExploreUNF.com to plan outdoor adventures and explore nearby nature spots.
From the UNF dorms website, you’ll see that weekend outings to places like Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve or Hanna Park are just a short drive away.
FAQ
What are the best trails in Jacksonville for beginners?
Try the Jacksonville Arboretum or Losco Regional Park.
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails in Jacksonville?
Yes, many parks welcome leashed pets, including Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve, Jacksonville Arboretum, and the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail.
Which Jacksonville trails are paved?
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is fully paved.
Is the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail good for biking?
Absolutely, its smooth, paved surface and mostly shaded route make it ideal for cyclists of all skill levels.
Where can I see wildlife while hiking in Jacksonville?
Timucuan Preserve offers great sightings. Trails like Gopher Tortoise Ridge, Big Cypress Loop, and the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail also provide excellent opportunities to see local wildlife.
Are there hiking trails near UNF?
Yes, Sawmill Slough Preserve is on campus.
What is the best time of year to hike in Jacksonville?
Fall and spring offer ideal weather for hiking in Jacksonville.