3 Favorite Hiking Trails and Walking Paths Near Jacksonville, FL

The city of Jacksonville, FL is the most populous urban area in the state of Florida and the seat of Duval County. Home to more than one and a half million inhabitants, it receives thousands of tourists from all around the world each year. However, Jacksonville is not only a great destination by itself but also an excellent base to explore nearby state parks and nature reserves with scenic views, hiking trails, and recreational facilities.

3 Favorite Hiking Trails and Walking Paths Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Ocala National Forest

With tens of miles of hiking and mountain biking paths, including part of the mythical Florida Trail, the Ocala National Forest is a great spot for beginner and expert hikers coming from all over the country. This nature reserve is located less than a hundred miles south of Jacksonville, making it possible to reach it in about an hour and 45 minutes by car. Apart from hiking, other activities in the area include boating, scuba diving, swimming, canoeing, and fishing.

The Ocala National Forest was established in 1908 and covers an area of more than 430,000 acres, so you can rest assured that you will hardly get bored or run out of places to explore while in the area. Apart from the Florida Trail, the forest is also crisscrossed by the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail, the Salt Springs Observation Trail, the St. Francis Trail, and the Yearling Trail. This place also features several well-equipped campsites.

2. Jennings State Forest

Located less than 30 miles west of downtown Jacksonville, the Jennings State Forest is a perfect spot for a hiking day trip or a weekend escape from Florida’s largest city. This nature escape boasts an area of more than 25,000 acres and is managed by the Florida Forest Service. Some of the most popular activities among visitors include canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking, as well as camping at the Dunn’s Creek and North Fork Black Creek campgrounds.

For hikers, the best place to start exploring the Jennings State Forest is the North Fork Black Creek Trail, a loop path with a total length of five miles that goes through different sandhills, slope forests, and streams. While hiking along any of the courses, you will see not only wildflowers and trees but also alligators, wading birds, raccoons, white-tailed deer, and songbirds. Getting to this state forest takes a little over half an hour by car.

3. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

With a territory of more than 400,000 acres, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located just across the state line in southern Georgia. Established in 1937, it is one of the best spots for hiking and other outdoor sports, including mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, and boating. The main path in the area is the Swamp Island Drive, which has a length of nine miles and passes through a scenic observation tower.

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