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    Spanish Pond

    4.3 (12 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Spanish Pond
    L L.

    Yeah so while I appreciate that this place was open on a Wednesday (while nearby Fort Caroline, Ribault Monument, and Kingsley Plantation were all closed), I really could've used some info about how long the hike was to various sights, like any vistas that weren't just plain forest. It's called Spanish Pond, but if you want to get a good view, you will be walking over 2.5mi one way, and I'm not sure how much farther beyond that. And despite my many many research efforts online, this information escaped me, and NO other reviewers who made it to these vistas thought to put some mileage into their reviews. Grrrr. So I figured, it must be obvious. It must be right there just beyond the parking lot. That must be why there is no info on how long the hike is! Wrong. There is a body of water just off the parking lot, but as per my photo, there's little to see. The beautiful views from other reviews remain a mystery to me as to how far it takes to hike to them. Anyway, I showed up with a toddler and dogs. Had any info online or the didactics present at the parking lot told that the pond is not the main attraction, and the far-off marsh was, I wouldn't have tried, and would've spent more time elsewhere. Frustrating. I'd say this isn't for younger children simply because it's too far a hike to anything interesting, and the woods trail is pretty redundant. Luckily, I spoke up a half mile into it and other hikers explained they'd gone a full 2.5mi seeing no pond, and nothing but more woods, and they too had no idea how much farther it would've been to the pond. They'd given up. I took their cue and followed them out. Glad I did because I was able to make it to the Jax Arboretum which was SOO much more interesting for my kid (and me)! Bottom line, they need mile markers SHOWN on the map (because their scale in kilometers is not helpful), or a write up on distances (in miles not kilometers) to points of interest, AND mile markers on the trail. It's a hike of a hike to get to the marsh, and really for older kids and adults who have the time and energy to make a half day of it.

    Map
    David F.

    Closed technically because it is Federal. But you can still park and walk. A lot fewer people here than other parks that are starting to open up and host hordes of people coming out of quarantine. The trail is a little bumpy with all the roots across the path. Don't trip! Nice boardwalks. The upland sandy ridge via Timucuan Trail is really pretty with oaks. We just went out and back to the north. You could go all the way to Mount Pleasant Road on the Willie Browne trail if you wanted to make it a long out and back to the southeast. Thank-you Willie for donating this land so we could preserve and enjoy it. Interestingly the Browne family moved to the area to get away from the yellow fever which killed their two daughters.

    Sarah D.

    Amazing hiking/walking trail which anyone can do! The view at the marsh is worth the walk. Trail is clean and easy to follow. Saw multiple families along the way with children of all ages. It's a must see/do in Jacksonville

    Nice, new boardwalk entry points.
    Meanole M.

    What a beautiful day for a hike!!! First time here and just another one of Jacksonville's treasures to enjoy with the family. We originally planned to go to the Fort Caroline Monument but it was closed for the government shutdown. Spanish Pond is right across the street. Wonderful series of trails that run along the St Johnson River and intersects with trails in the Timiquan Preserve. Nice boardwalk entry areas leading to primitive trails. Lots of elevation in this area. Had a great day just getting out and enjoying nature.

    Wildlife.

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    2 months ago

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    Ask the Community - Spanish Pond

    Review Highlights - Spanish Pond

    They knew the route and guided me through the woods to an observation tower on the marsh.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park

    Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park

    4.8(9 reviews)
    12.7 miSouthside

    Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park is a small but very cool park located at the end of a quiet…read moreside street on the southside of Jacksonville, Florida. It has a small but pleasant nature walk, a kayak launch, a children's playground, an open field, adequate parking, and more. There is a private residence on the grounds, so please be mindful of that. All in all, Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park is a wonderful park and a great place in particular for the residents of this quiet side street. We need parks like this in our communities. This is a wonderful place to come in respite. I would definitely recommend a visit here, especially if you are in the neighborhood or anywhere in the general area. I will give it five stars as an overall rating. Go check it out for yourself, I am confident that you will not be disappointed.

    I had an unusual experience here only the second time I have been I am new to the area. I brought…read moremy kids to the playground and a strange woman struck up a conversation and would not leave us alone asking me all sorts of questions and often repeating herself. She continued on by playing with my children but did not have a child with her. A boyfriend was standing and waiting outside of the vehicle just smoking cigarettes. It gave me an uneasy feeling that either she was on drugs or they were involved in trafficking. I have since not gone back. It is a nice park otherwise and it's unfortunate some people have to ruin a good thing. I would just be mindful when you come here with your kids.

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    Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park
    Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park - My two Maltese puppies, Bella on the left and Fluffy. Sisters from the same litter.

    My two Maltese puppies, Bella on the left and Fluffy. Sisters from the same litter.

    Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park

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    Spanish Pond - hiking - Updated June 2026

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