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Bayard Conservation Area
4.4 ★★★★☆ 300 Google reviews · Running trail in Green Cove Springs, Florida · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Bayard Conservation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Landscape features diverse wildlife, wide trails, river fishing, hunting & primitive camping sites.
What runners say about Bayard Conservation Area
“The West side of the Saint Johns river just South of the shands bridge is absolutely gorgeous it is reminiscent of the flats down in key West.”
Trails are still very wet, especially the Red Trail as of 11/15/20. That being said, you can generally get around pretty well by taking the unnamed roads which are shown on the property maps. I was able to backpack to the river side campground this way, which was muddy on the approach but the site itself was not.
The shoreline of the preserve doesn't look like much from the Shands Bridge but it is totally beautiful experienced from a kayak or canoe! Also, there are several shallow places that allowed us to get out of our boats and stand up for nice break as well as pic-nic area with a table.
Camped overnight at the non waterside camp site. Even for summer the bugs were not bad. Campsite have a table and a fire ring. The trails are not very rugger, they are open and more like forest roads. Saw plenty of deer. Overall I had a great experience and will return.
Bigger conservation area is a very nice place not far from the big cities you can have an outdoor experience we're experienced with all the Florida wildlife. Life. If you dare walk into the river and get a little cooled off. If you see my gator call me or text text me I'm looking for him for him.
Trail conditions & character
“The West side of the Saint Johns river just South of the shands bridge is absolutely gorgeous it is reminiscent of the flats down in key West.”
“Great place to walk, run, bike, walk your dog, and see the occasional wildlife.”
Plan your run at Bayard Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesjrwmd.com
- Phone(386) 329-4404
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Green Cove Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Tanglewylde Nature Park
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