Great hidden place for locals off the main road. Great for families. Sliding rock, jump off rock,…read moreand small pool for swimming.

Wow!! Small park. Big Fun!! If you are in the White Springs area you have to check this place out…read more About an hour and a half west and north of Jacksonville. Just a 1.5 mile trail. 3 miles in all. The scenery is amazing. Beautiful views of the historic Suwannee River all along the trail. Hike ends at the majestic Big Shoals. Your experience will depend on the water level of the river, but ours was pretty impressive. Park is pristine. Trails are well maintained and easily accessible. We went in the middle of the week and were the only people there. It's really hot in the summer,so make sure you have water available. Don't miss the bat house at the very beginning of the trail. If the bats hear your voice they will start moving around and making noise. Great old Florida experience.

Jennings State Forest is a gem in NE FL. I ventured out with a group yesterday to do the Dunn's…read moreFarm trail. I've also hiked much of the Pioneer Trail. The trails are well maintained and well marked with blazes. The trails take you through a wealth of biological diversity from pine forests to uplands that hug Black Creek and other smaller creeks. I haven't camped so can't speak to the campgrounds but the camp sites are well marked. Cost to visit is $2 pass that can be purchased online. The parking lot does not have good reception so better to purchase in advance. Parts of the trail is shaded but a lot of it is in the sun so be aware if visiting during the hotter months.

Great place to hike .keep your eyes on the trail.hiking these woods you will forget there are…read morecotton mouths and rattle snakes out there.keep your eye on the trail ahead of you.

Not to be confused with the Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll, Larry M. Carroll Memorial…read morePark is a great little versatile park which also includes a skate park, playground, and is on one end of the historic Jacksonville-Baldwin Hiking Trail where the railroad used to run. There are a 2 covered areas and 6 tables for holding parties or just picnicking on the premises. It's right by a community center, as well if you'd like to hold your party or celebration indoors. It's a bit out of the way, so don't get discouraged when your GPS or map leads you into empty roads. You'll get there, and it will be worth it! Note: This was my 200th FTR! Yay!!

11 miles of trails, some really neat scenic country (plus Little Shoals which is very worth…read moreexploring). Great chances for seeing wildlife and trails are overall well-maintained. However, a note: it is easy to get lost, easy also to get confused where to park and end up as I did on non-biking (but hiking) trails over on the other side of the highway at Little Shoals instead. Easy, for that matter, even to end up on random dirt roads to someone's hunting cabin or on the Florida Trail which also cuts through here. So watch where you are, remember how to get back where you came from. And enjoy it: though not technically challenging, it's a lot of fun and once again, the chances for wildlife sightings are probably better than in many of the more-trafficked State Parks.

Gar Pond Trail is the least known trail amongst the surrounding trails in White Springs (FL). It is…read moremainly a flat trail great for biking, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. Most of the Gar Pond biking trail are single tracks. Gar Pond is estimated to be a 4.75 mile trail respectively, but that all depends on which trails ends you ride into as it covers more acreage. There are sections of the trail that are scenic. Some of the biking trails are well marked, and some are not. So one wrong turn and you will find yourself riding and riding for miles. There is not much continuity from one trail end to another in some area. I feel that first time riders or hikers may find themselves lost in these trails. The main lure of this trail is Jacob's Crossing, a wooden bridge that crosses about, which is cool to ride on and cross. Additionally, Gar Pond Trail is a trail used for an event called IDIDARIDE, a 50 mile off-road challenge ride that occurs annually. The Gar Pond Trails is calculated to be a 6 miles for the event. Other than that, if you like light riding or hiking and are into new trail exploration, then this is a nice trail to venture to. Happy trails to you.

You have to bring water!! It is a nice little trek over to…read morethe grassy part of this natural vista, but the summer Florida sun does not abate itself. There is even a stand with pamphlets and two very nice people manning it, to answer your questions. I imagine there are more alligators to see early in the morning, but I went around 10:30a. A nice long boardwalk with one place to sit and get shade from the great ball of fire in the sky. Beautiful trees, remnants of alligator eggs, and water fowl feeding and foraging. I can imagine that the Alachua sink would be more active, after a big rain. I will def go there a day after a big storm, to see the action of the earth!

La Chua Trail is hands down one of the many great spots in Gainesville for wildlife viewing and…read morestunning scenery. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who loves a peaceful walk through nature, this trail delivers. We visited in February for one of the Rim Ramble ranger-led hikes, which started around 10 AM. Our guide, Ranger Wes, was fantastic--full of historical facts and insights about the landscape that truly enriched the experience. He painted a vivid picture of the area's past while pointing out key features of the ecosystem. The trail itself is easy to navigate and offers an incredible mix of open wetlands, boardwalks, and views of Alachua Lake. Wildlife was everywhere--majestic sandhill cranes & alligators basking in the sun. The early morning mist over the prairie gave everything a magical, almost prehistoric feel. If you're visiting between November and March, I highly recommend joining one of the ranger-led hikes (most Saturdays) to get a unique experience. Whether you go solo or with family and friends, La Chua Trail is an unforgettable slice of Florida's wild beauty. Tip: Bring binoculars, wear comfortable shoes & long pants , and bug spray. Come early for the best wildlife sightings!

The Nature Coast Trail is 33 miles of paved & mostly canopied rail trail. I've ridden on it 3 times…read more& have enjoyed the experience. Each time, I've started at the Fanning Springs Trailhead. You can go in 3 directions from that point: south to Chiefland, east to Trenton or west to Old Town. The Old Town route takes you over an old railroad trestle that spans the Suwannee River. On 2 occasions, I saw sturgeon jumping! My most recent trip included a stop at Fanning Springs State Park, which is adjacent to the trailhead. I saw 4 manatees enjoying the spring! Unfortunately, no swimming was allowed due to the height of the Suwannee River. The trail is very well maintained and makes for a great day trip.

LOVE LOVE LOVE The Nature Coast State Trail! 37 miles of…read moreFlorida's Gorgeous unspoiled Nature Coast. It connects the cute little communities of Cross City, Trenton, Fanning Springs & Chiefland. It's a historic train trestle, built along former rail lines that meet at Wilcox Junction. It's a very neat old abandoned railroad trail that runs across the Historic Suwannee River railroad bridge near Old Town. We love to visit here, hike, bike, get hot & sweaty then go jump in the 72-degree water in nearby Fanning Springs State Park. One of my fave springs to swim.. I do not think people realize how incredible this area actually is, as the trails & parks are never crowded. From Fanning "SPRINGS" to Homosassa "SPRINGS" all the way down to "SPRING HILL," the historic "Weeki Wachee SPRING" one of the top 10 largest fresh water springs in America.. This spring is so deep that the bottom has never been found. That is another review me gotta get to.. Anyhoo, most of it is protected Wildlife areas & State Parks with incredible fresh water springs excellent for swimming. The Seminole Indians though this area sacred, as their are many Indian burial grounds, "Indian mounds" throughout this area. There are also bears & gators. Last time we were there, Sir Hubbers was riding along in front of me & decided to hit the breaks & I crashed right into him. Yep, rear ended Sir Hubbers. I almost lost a finger. Then, another time, we were around the "Andrews Wildlife Management Area" when a baby gator came running across the path, Sir Hubbers totally freaked out almost ran him over. Poor little guy, little baby gator was so cute. I also read a very sad report last week some old man, like in his 80's, was on the trail walking his dog & got eat by a bear! Not even kidding, google it. I mean you make it all the way to 80 something years old & you get eat by a bear? Supposedly, they killed the bear.. Watch for the bear signage & arm yourself with pepper spray, just in case. Although, it has some dangers, it's a very lovely paved trail, you will see tons of wildlife. You will also encounter people walking their dogs. "Leashed dogs only" and a lot of cyclists. Not like us, amateurish crashing into each other & running over baby gators, like professional cyclists. You know the ones that all dress up alike in padded spandex. I'm more of a casual beach cruiser with a wicker basket in a sundress type, i'm not into matching spandex & helmets, but to each his own. No one is strange, we all just have differed taste. Anyhoo, there is no dress code, however, it's the Nature Coast so it's hot & humid. You can also get rained on at anytime, so I always wear summer linen for this reason. There are also tons of mosquitos so be prepared for that. I eat tons of garlic and/or drink tons of lemongrass tea before I go.. Be stinky for the bugs, they won't eat you OuiOui. It is all part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System & has also been designated as a national recreation trail. It's open 8am till sundown, 365 days a year & the best part, it's completely Free. Go to "Nature Coast State Trail" Florida State Parks for the map & to plan your visit. Added to moi list of "Zen places, peaceful parks." Highest Recommendations.

Had the chance to visit for a Jacksonville Chamber event, and experiencing the Arboretum at night…read morewas such a unique treat. The staff and volunteers were incredibly welcoming and did a great job hosting. The grounds are beautiful, peaceful, and such a great reminder of what a special outdoor space this is for the community. It was the perfect setting for an evening event and a great way to experience the gardens in a different light. If you haven't been yet, definitely check it out and support this local gem!

We visited on the first night of Glowing Gardens and it was magical. I have never seen the gardens…read moreduring the day, but Seeing them lit up at night decorated for Christmas is nothing short of spectacular. Christmas trees and dragon flies, giant decorations and twinkle lights galore.... Santa is holding court in the center of the gardens, right next to lit up swings and see saws for the kids to run around and play. You can make s'mores over an open fire and there are adult beverages for sale as well!!!

Sweetwater is a place to refresh your humanity, melt your stress, connect with nature and see…read moreamazing natural creatures. Today, I saw great blue heron preening, and as I passed it, it let out an alarm call over and over again. There was a red-shouldered hawk that flew out of nowhere and landed high in a tree that was full of newly grown and fledged ibis. These ibis were born in the Spring. Their parents are gone, and they are on their own. Many of them (there were about 80 of them perched in a bunch of close trees) flew away and around to safer lower spots, as the hawk perched high in the tallest tree to try to scope out a snack. It was a true wildlife moment! It did not attack, but it reminded me that anything can happen at any moment! I also saw a four-foot gator get up from sun bathing, walk about twenty feet and plop down in the grass. It was too close for my zoom lens, so I pulled out my iPhone and got the whole thing recorded. It was a great day at the park!

This place was awesome if you like to walk trails and see birds, turtles, alligators, rabbits, deer…read moreand small fish. They also have wild horses and wild bison, but we didn't see those. The wetland areas and trails were neat with nice walking bridges and paths over the water. We saw a lot of small alligators, 1 baby alligator and 1 huge alligator. The way the walkways are built the alligators were right at our feet, there is a metal mesh fence to separate you though. This place is a must for anyone that likes nature, plus it was it was free except $5 to park.

Wow! The okefenokee is amazing, I stopped by while visiting Ware county for a few meetings. I spoke…read moreto Ms. Jolie, and she was so knowledgeable about so many things. I can't wait to come back with my family and explore more. The area is kept well, staff is so kind, and the bugs are huge! But it's always amazing to be in natural beauty. I stopped by the educational rooms, and didn't do too much exploring past the welcome area, but im excited to go back. Support national parks!

Great time today, park not crowded, weather a bit cool and not to much activity or sightings of…read morereptiles with the cooler temps, well worth the time spent, almost total silence except for a few of the birds in the area. All the employees are so friendly and helpful with any and all questions, each and everyone one them went out of their way to make your time spent them memorable. I highly recommend a visit there to learn about our ecosystem and how everything works together and how we have to treasure our little blue planet