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Print Friendly MapThe S-Line Urban Greenway was Jacksonville's first dedicated urban path. Following a former CSX railroad route, the rail-trail connects the neighborhoods of New Town, Durkeeville, Springfield and Brentwood. Along the way, trail users can enjoy pollinator gardens, native plants and views of Long Branch Creek. On its northern end, the trail is anchored by the commercial hub of Gateway Town Center.
The trail is also part of the developing 30-mile Emerald Trail network, which will connect the city’s historic urban neighborhoods to downtown, schools, parks and other amenities.
The S-Line Urban Greenway is located in Jacksonville, FL. For more information, contact:
Jacksonville Recreation & Community Services Dept.
851 N. Market St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-630-3586
funexperts@coj.net
My fiancé and I decided to be adventurous on 7/25/16 by bike riding the entire trail plus some (11 miles total). This trail is one of several hidden jewels in Jacksonville. Much of the trail had tree canopies and some signage of local historical buildings. The trail (bike and road) was well marked. We plan to ride it again sometime in the near future. Thank you Jacksonville.
I rode the trail this morning, 04/15, and there were a handful of people out, walking their kids to school or just taking a leisurely walk. Plenty of scenery change on the trail.
The first time I rode on this trail,I started at the I95 overpass and headed N. to Boulevard St. The signs say "trail ends here" but it doesn't. you look to your right and you'll see a sign pointing you to where the trail picks up again. The trail ends at the parking lot next to the Jacksonville Crab Shack in Gateway. The trail starts across Kings road at Myrtle Ave N. All together it's 4.8 miles one way.
Pretend you're Lewis and Clarke and explore a "Rails to Trails" right here in Jacksonville! The S-Line Urban Greenway starts around the Beaver's Street Farmers Market. As the name suggests, it is in a "S" pattern and a great shortcut from Beaver's Street's "New Town" area to Springfield.
Besides the added benefit of exercise, it's fun exploring new parts of the city! The environment of the trail changes constantly! Parts of the path will be through a woodland area but soon enough you'll be along side an active warehouse where the windows showcase employees busily building things. You will ride through many historic neighborhoods that were booming once upon a time when the streetcars were in its prime.
To find out more about the S-Line Urban Greenway I suggest reading the article by Metro Jacksonville.
The map shows the S-Line extending ALL the way up to Norwood by the Gateway Mall but I haven't yet traveled that far north.
I would NOT recommend traveling this trail at night, especially by yourself. Some of the areas are a bit dodgy with incidents "felony violence" in the past in the "Weed to Seed Community."
Be smart, adventurous, and grab breakfast in Springfield at Uptown Market or 3 Layers Cafe after your leisurely ride that morning! You deserve it! I am excited about exploring OTHER "Rails to Trails" in the future!
I rode the S-Line today, 11/25/2009. I found it well constructed and maintained. It provides good access for nearby residents to recreational facilities. The main drawback is the absence of a trailhead with secure parking. As I biked from home, about 25 miles away in Orange Park, that wasn't a problem. The is a map posted on the trail showing the next phase of the trail to 44th street, but not indicating that it hasn't been started yet. I zig-zagged on streets beside the right-of-way where there are a couple of sections where you can go a block or two on the grassy railroad bed, but other sections are fenced off so you can't get through. When completed it will provide good access to the Gateway Mall shopping center. It looks like a few month of serious work could complete it, but there is no indication of a plan.
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