Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve - Jacksonville (FL)

5 /5 Joshua Andrade: The 2 entrances Spanish Pond (red) and Theodore Roosevelt (blue) are 1.7 miles apart using the fastest route. The scenic trail (black) is a loop that takes you to a beautiful beachy peninsula with a raised viewing platform. I walked from the spanish pond trailhead to the Roosevelt trailhead and then almost all of the scenic trail loop and finished back at my starting point with 4.1 miles total in 1 hour 20 minites. A surprising amount of elevation for Florida, this trail really was a treat. There is a bathroom at only the Theodore Roosevelt trailhead and there is a picnic table as well. This trail system is very well marked with maps along the trail. There are also a lot of benches along the way and theyre placed very nicely in front of some gorgeous oaks. The trail is pretty wide and for the most part can walk 2x. It does get skinnier on the black scenic loop but is only for a short part. This is a very worthwhile hike.

5 /5 Hannah: Visited on an exceptionally hot day (96°F). Had a great time talking with the park rangers. They are so knowledgeable about Timucuan and other NPS sites. The museum outlined the ecology of the area, what was known about the Timucuan through historical accounts and archeological digs, and successive waves of European invaders to the northern Florida area. There was seating and clean restrooms available. There is a nice overlook with seating behind the museum of the river. Also visited the Ribault column. Has a nice overlook with seating. It is a reproduction monument, not the original. You can access it by stairs or ramp. Wanted to do some of the hikes and see the Timucuan village and Fort Caroline, but it was simply too hot for my companion.

5 /5 Brooke Mosley: I never knew such a beautiful preserve even existed, much less was in such close proximity to my home. I came alone and was greeted by a king woman in the visitor center who offered to answer any questions I had. The fort was so beautiful and I loved the reconstructions such as the huts the natives would’ve lived in. Also a big fan of the informational plaques scattered around. The trail was very gorgeous as well. The only thing is I wish there were more events to where one might be able to learn more about the land and its history.

4 /5 Lucey Scott (23 Indian DarkHorse): As curious as ever looking at our state/federal parks here in the sunshine state. I found this on the map and headed out this morning. Once again I was knot disappointed for a little history and exercise this morning. The visitor center was very helpful and friendly so was the ranger that greeted me. PLEASE visit this little gem !!!

5 /5 Cassie Nix: We stopped at the Fort Caroline site and did the nature trail. It was a nice walk, mostly flat with a few hills. It was well marked and wide. There was a lot of dense foliage, and it was interesting to look at it while walking. Our March weather was nice, but I can see this being hot and muggy during the summer because the trees are so dense.