Jennings State Forest is a great destination spot for some trail running in the Jacksonville area. It’s located in Middleburg, west of the city. There are many miles of trails that are popular for walking, hiking, and trail running. The terrain is mainly wooded, and there are actually some hills! The trails range in difficulty and footing. This trail map is an excellent resource. Some specific suggestions below. Our thanks to ************@***il.com” data-hovercard-owner-id=”79″>Karen Bock-Losee for this suggestion and photos!
Sandridge Trail. Traverses a sandhill habitat maintained by frequent fire, giving visitors rolling wiregrass views and continuous rolling terrain. The full trail is a 6.75 mile loop, though there are cross paths that allow for shorter options. Fairly flat. Starts at 2A Live Oak Lane in Middleburg.
Race on Dunn’s Farm Trail. Karen Bock-Losee
Dunn’s Farm Trail. Sandy trails through beautiful long leaf pine forest. There are some very technical sections on narrow winding gravel paths with log stairs, creek crossings. Some parts flat, others have a bit of elevation. 2.7 mile loop.
Pioneer Trail. Run nearly 12 miles on this longer trail through the forest. For experienced trail runners!
Jennings State Forest is a great destination spot for some trail running in the Jacksonville area. It’s located in Middleburg, west of the city. There are many miles of trails that are popular for walking, hiking, and trail running. The terrain is mainly wooded, and there are actually some hills! The trails range in difficulty and footing. This trail map is an excellent resource. Some specific suggestions below. Our thanks to ************@***il.com” data-hovercard-owner-id=”79″>Karen Bock-Losee for this suggestion and photos!
Sandridge Trail. Traverses a sandhill habitat maintained by frequent fire, giving visitors rolling wiregrass views and continuous rolling terrain. The full trail is a 6.75 mile loop, though there are cross paths that allow for shorter options. Fairly flat. Starts at 2A Live Oak Lane in Middleburg.
Race on Dunn’s Farm Trail. Karen Bock-Losee
Dunn’s Farm Trail. Sandy trails through beautiful long leaf pine forest. There are some very technical sections on narrow winding gravel paths with log stairs, creek crossings. Some parts flat, others have a bit of elevation. 2.7 mile loop.
Pioneer Trail. Run nearly 12 miles on this longer trail through the forest. For experienced trail runners!
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Essentials
There are different access points, depending on trailhead
The Riverwalk is the running highlight of downtown Jacksonville, with 2 miles of paths on the north bank and 1 mile on the south bank of the St. Johns River, connected by the Main St. Bridge and Acosta Bridge. Stadium loop is 2.5 mile add-on.
Another option for a downtown run, incorporating trendy San Marco Square, an upscale residential district, two bridges, and a section of the Riverwalk Path. Add on or combine with Riverwalk.
The Ortega neighborhood is bordered by the St. Johns River on the East, the Cedar River on the North, and the Ortega river on the West, practically making it an "inland island."
This diverse neighborhood reveals part of Jacksonville’s rich cultural diversity. A great run for hot days as it provides lots of shade & you can find the perfect fit gear at 1st Place Sports while you’re at it!
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail is 14.5 miles long and runs from Jacksonville’s westside to the small town of Baldwin. The trail is great for running as the surface is entirely asphalt.
The Theodore Roosevelt Preserve covers 600 acres adjacent to the Fort Caroline National Memorial. The trails offer a lot of elevation, with some of the steepest hills you will find in the area.
Hanna Park is a 450 acre park located oceanfront just north of Atlantic Beach. With cool ocean breezes along the way and a plunge in the surf after your run, this park is ideal for one of the hot days!
One of the best off-road courses in the Jacksonville Area, these are easy trails through terrain ranging from sandhill to lush floodplain swamp and marshes. Blazed loops of 3.9 and 6.1 miles.
A master planned community, between St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Great running on the 10+ miles of 'fitness trails' around the 5,000 acres of village-like neighborhoods. Or run on the lovely 3.5-mile Nature Trail of the nearby Nocatee Nature Preserve.
The Perfect 10 got its name not for it's beauty or terrain, but because it was measured several times. Although it is also one of the most scenic runs in Jacksonville!
Amelia Island and its main city of Fernandina Beach are located just 40 minutes north of Jacksonville on a beautiful barrier beach between the Amelia River and the Atlantic ocean. Great beach running, bike paths, state parks, and scenery, plus a hip downtown area.
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Essentials
There are different access points, depending on trailhead
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