Explore the best rated trails in Orange Park, FL. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail and Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail. With more than 15 trails covering 130 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Drove from Ocala to Palatka so we could start there and cross the bridge over the river. Unfortunately the bridge was closed off on Palatka side. We drove over the bridge drove over the bridge and parked at the Post Office which is right on the trail. Trail was in good shape except for edges in the woods where tree roots are starting. Rode 29 miles out and back. Enjoyed it! It was worth the drive. Closer to St. Augustine it was in sun along road that's why we turned around. Good beer at the brewery in Palatka for the end of the ride! A good day.
Majority of the trail is next to the main road (207) so little shade and quite noisy. Along the trail there is nothing to see but run down houses and cars. We were even heckled by two men who appeared to be homeless and under the influence. Didn’t feel particularly safe or fun. Wouldn’t recommend.
It has been a number of months since we rode this trail. Today we found that at the "end" in Keystone Heights, mile 32ish, we were prepared to make our turn to return to Florahome. As we approached I saw that the construction to complete the trail to Lake Butler is going along nicely. Went across onto the "new" trail surface for just about 1.5 miles into the new pavement. Can't wait for the official opening.
Does anyone know how far this will extend the trail west from Keystone Heights?
We parked at the Jameson trailhead (parking lot fills up quickly) - rode 7.5 miles one way for a 15 mile round trip - did not see any exotic animals except for cows..... -- road crossings were quiet -- the only downside was that we were looking for the connection to camp milton and did not see anything on the trail for that --- oh well -- otherwise a pleasant warm ride on a february afternoon (coming from NJ that was a treat)
I enjoyed the long 16+ ride out and back. Trail is in great shape. And shaded. The small hills in the 1st 3 miles out from Gainsville were a bit tough. Nice that it connects to a trail that goes further into Gainsville
WARNING:Northern Bridge is closed due to damage with no signage at beginning of the trail. This means the only way to traverse the trail is to walk along the US HWY 17, a very high volume road leading to a potentially dangerous situation. Asphalt needs repairs on trail and road noise level is high.
My husband and I would ride this trail together. I rode it today for the first time alone and was a beautiful day. For a semi-tough ride the hills on this trail are great.
Great trail. Take it across the bridge to Talbot island and then take the path to the beach. Amazing
Started at north end in a large parking lot along the beach. Trail is very winding and interesting but does have a few road crossings. People seem very aware of bikers making crossings easy.
Despite being relatively short and still fragmented, this trail is still a very solid 5. We began our ride at the parking lot for the Fishing Pier / boat launch at the northernmost entrance to Big Talbot State Park. Parking is limited, but the $3 fee is nominal. Clean restrooms make this a very good staging place. This location also serves as great trailhead for the lower quality, but still worthwhile Amelia Island Trail. It is very safe to use the extra-wide, bike only lane across the A1A bridge connecting both the Ameila Island and Timucuan trails.
The Timucuan Trail is currently broken into 2 segments, but the bike crossing over the bridge connecting Big Island and Little Island State Parks is currently under active construction. Hooray!
We only did the Big Island State Park section along with the Amelia Island Trail. We just didn’t have time to re-stage our vehicle before needing to head on. That said, the 3 or 4 miles we did was stupendous. Take the Black Rock Beach spur to Driftwood Beach. Never found Black Rock, but the ¼ mile to Driftwood Beach is most definitely worth it. Mountain bike not needed, it’s very easy for a hybrid.
While pleasant enough, partially shaded, and modestly scenic, the further north you go on his trail the more urban the interface becomes. The entire trail parallels route A1A. Traffic is not a major distraction as speed limits are fairly low at around 35 mph. Lots of driveway crossings, but not a big deal, as the vast majority of drivers are courteous.
The trail is not worth it as a standalone trail, but when combined with the Timucuan Trail to the south it does becomes a worthwhile ride. We began our ride just at the south of the Nassau Sound Bridge at the parking lot for the Fishing Pier / boat launch and entrance to Big Talbot State Park. This parking lot is the northernmost trailhead for the wonderful Timucuan Trail. But it also serves as great trailhead for the Amelia Island Trail. Parking is limited, but the $3 fee is nominal. Clean restrooms make this a very good staging place. You could also consider using the Amelia Island State Park on the north side of the bridge as an alternative.
At one time the George Crady Fishing Pier Bridge provide a pleasant bike / pedestrian only alternative to the A1A bridge. However, it is now permanently closed. Fortunately, it is very safe to use the extra-wide, bike only lane across the A1A bridge connecting both the Amelia Island and Timucuan trails.
We rode as far north as Scott Road, then headed east on this quiet, scenic, and mostly traffic free road enjoying the view of these truly wonderful homes. It was a great way to connect to Amelia Island Parkway. Turning south (right) onto the sidewalk alongside Amelia Island Parkway, the Scott Road Public Beach Access is about one tenth of a mile south of Scott Road. This bonus is an alternative and little-known beach access trailhead with free parking. Your only concessions are a port-a-potty instead of a restroom and less proximity to the higher quality Timucuan Trail.
We didn’t do it, but you could easily go north on the Amelia Island Parkway sidewalk and end up at the northern Peters Point Beachfront Park Trailhead. Likely a more pleasant path than staying on A1A. We continued southwesterly on Amelia Island Parkway, and soon connected back to the main Amelia Island Trail for our return trip. The sidewalk is just sufficient to safely pass the occasional oncoming walker or bicyclist. And it affords a much woodsier feel than the rest of the trail. Gotta give this trail a conditional 4. It is not a stand-alone 5, like the adjacent Timucuan Trail, but it is a worthwhile extension to make for a full day of enjoyable outing.
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