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University Of North Florida Nature Trails
4.6 ★★★★★ 463 Google reviews · Running trail in Jacksonville, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 85 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from University Of North Florida Nature Trails' 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.
Walking and hiking trails with ponds and boardwalks.
What runners say about University Of North Florida Nature Trails
“Bring your camera, many beautiful opportunities to take pictures and practice your photography skills.”
“Majority of these trails are shaded by the canopy of trees so that makes it perfect for not worrying about getting burnt.”
“Trails are clearly marked and pretty easy to navigate with a three wheel walking stroller.”
This place is impressive, it has kayaks you can rent and take into the pond. A huge rope course that goes over the pond. Walking trails with workout stations, tons of picnic tables and benches, plaques with native animal facts and you might even spot some wildlife.
My family has enjoyed these trails throughout the years. We started when they were just a year old and 25 years later we are still hiking together there. There are several trails to choose from to make it fit your time and ability. It's close to the St.
This is a really nice nature trail and we loved it. There are places where you can sit and have something to eat. Big cypress trees, tortoise, chirping of bird, swaps and two large water bodies, it is really fun outdoor hiking. I was fascinated by numerous coloured flowers. Pls remember the trail closes at sunset.
This was a lovely trail and just what I needed. I recharge in nature. The lake and the view of the lake is awesome from this trail. Plenty of spins for POGO 😆 people were fishing from the bridge. There is a walkway on some sections and ground for the remainder.
Trail conditions & character
“Bring your camera, many beautiful opportunities to take pictures and practice your photography skills.”
“It does cost $5 to park, no dogs allowed, some of the trails are close to the street and there isn't really any bathrooms.”
“Majority of these trails are shaded by the canopy of trees so that makes it perfect for not worrying about getting burnt.”
“We went on a saturday so the parking was free.”
“The one we do often is the Goldenrod trail adding in the Tortoise loop.”
Plan your run at University Of North Florida Nature Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance85 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteunf.edu
- Phone(904) 620-4769
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Jacksonville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Beach and Peach Urban Bike Park
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Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
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Cradle Creek Preserve
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Tide Views Preserve
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Losco Regional Park
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