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Dutton Island Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 385 Google reviews · Running trail in Atlantic Beach, Florida · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Loop distance
1.5 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Dutton Island Preserve'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.

Boardwalk1.5 miLoopShadedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parking

Scenic park with trails, a fishing spot, a pier, and campsites.

What runners say about Dutton Island Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (385 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“It's not too long, the trail is well maintained with very few muddy areas.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“There is another paved path that actually leads out to the island if you are looking to explore on a bicycle that is also very scenic”

🌳 shaded & cool 4 mentions

“There are lots of trees and shade on this path, and you will definitely want to pack bug repellent if you are not running because you likely will get bit up.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Wonderful peaceful place to fish, walk, or enjoy nature.”

Went here while trying to add a new fishing spot to the plate. Unfortunately, I just went to the walking path part and got in a great deal of steps. Will write a review for the fishing side once I experience it. But, never to be deterred mini-me and I, "walked it out".

★★★★☆ — A. , Jun 2019

Just went for a walk here again today, brought our dog this time. It's not too long, the trail is well maintained with very few muddy areas. It's fun to spot all the different bird houses people have hung along the trail. It's also not usually as busy as some other local trails, even though it has plenty of parking.

★★★★★ — Cam , Oct 2023

Great area to get outside with family and friends. Easy parking to take a walk on the boardwalk, fish and enjoy the Florida sunshine. New camping areas look awesome, can’t wait to try one out soon.

★★★★★ — Smlanza , Feb 2022

Great place for a calm, beautiful walk. Is dog friendly, has picnic tables along the trail for a quick rest or snack. Biking trails and more! But don't forget the bug spray!! Super important! 😄

★★★★★ — Bella , Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 385 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 13 mentions

“There is another paved path that actually leads out to the island if you are looking to explore on a bicycle that is also very scenic”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 10 mentions

“Is dog friendly, has picnic tables along the trail for a quick rest or snack.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 6 mentions

“2 miles and is a great wooded walking/running path.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 6 mentions

“The map at the trailhead does not begin to show all of the unmarked loops and side trails from the main trail.”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“5 mile loop trail and walk towards the marsh overlook.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“There are no restrooms, and there are a few picnic tables at the trailhead.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

“Easy parking to take a walk on the boardwalk, fish and enjoy the Florida sunshine.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

“Beautiful scenic trails, stroller friendly on some.”

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Plan your run at Dutton Island Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitecoab.us
  • Phone(904) 247-5800
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–6 PM
Thursday 8 AM–6 PM
Friday 8 AM–6 PM
Saturday 8 AM–6 PM
Sunday 8 AM–6 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Dutton Island Preserve

793 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

Get directions

Running trails near Atlantic Beach

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Dutton Island Preserve I

4.5 ★★★★★ 62 reviews

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LoopBoardwalkScenic

Scenic preserve, noted for the fishing, camping and hiking trails.

under a mile away

Tide Views Preserve

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MixedScenic

Fishing, canoeing and hiking spot featuring a deck-lined gazebo.

1.1 miles away

Johansen Park

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ShadedScenicDog-friendly

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Howell Park

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Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

Skate park with a playground, plus hiking paths and spots where turtles can be fed.

1.5 miles away

Hanna Park Bike Trail Head

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LoopNatural surface

2.1 miles away

Jarboe Park

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Scenic

Neighborhood park with playgrounds, a lake & pavilion, plus walking trails & sports courts.

2.3 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.