I'm always looking for interesting places to walk in Jacksonville and someone recommended the trails at UNF. I did the maple Boardwalk trail which is beautiful and right near the water. I love a good water view on my walks! They had benches, kayaks, and beautiful trees. It's definitely a place I would come back and enjoy a good book. The only downside was having to pay for parking but it wasn't expensive read more

UNF Wildlife Sanctuary - Maple Boardwalk trail - Recreation Centers Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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There was plenty of parking, which you pay for through the Flowbird app. There are plenty of trail options, and workout stations along the longest trail, the Goldenrod Trail. Some of the trail was easy to maneuver a stroller on, with minimal tree roots and light sand. However, a lot of the trail has tree roots which are hard to push a stroller over. Most of the trail is shaded, with some sunny spots. We saw a gopher tortoise and a woodpecker, which was cool. read more

The trails are well maintained but could use some signage along the way to show beginners how far along they are. I walked a trail with my 7 year old and she loved it but kept asking how far we had gone and how much longer. Also - DO NOT FORGET your bug spray. Repellent is a must. read more

This is the reason why I went to college here and is still one of the main reasons why I love the University of North Florida. The wildlife sanctuary is a perfect oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Jacksonville. It is easy to forget that you are in the middle of a major city when exploring. It is a massive area that's multiple miles large! There is ample parking outside the front of it. There is an eco-center attendant if you need help, multiple water fountains and a restroom. I believe there are four main trails in addition to the beautiful lakes within the sanctuary. In addition to hiking, there are also kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards to rent. There is also camping gear to rent! Plus, you can take this equipment off-site if you want to go on a non-UNF adventure. Overall, super convenient in my opinion! Whether it's to hike, relax or paddle board your day away, this is the place to be! read more

This place though beautiful and a wonderful trail, was extremely hard to find via Map and Waze. It took me half an hour of driving back and forth before I found its entrance: "Parking Services" Building on University of North Florida by Eco Road. I was so glad that my persistence to find the entrance paid off! Plan on returning on Sunday after church, with hubby in tow... read more

UNF Wildlife Sanctuary - This is the entrance to the Preserve...I drove around for half an hour before realizing it...look for "Parking Services" Building... - Recreation Centers Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Sometimes you just need a hike in the woods! In the middle of the hustle and bustle of Jax- crazy close to Town Center! Escape everything and breath in the fresh air of all the lush Florida woods! The Robert Loftin Nature Trail (also known as the UNF Nature Trails) systems have 3 main trails and 2 connector trails of various lengths. There are parts of the trail that are boardwalk, most are dirt paths. Along the trails are various outdoor exercise stations- if you wish to add to your workout. Trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk daily- there is a fee to use the parking lot! Make sure to see the pay meter! During the week there is usually someone manning the booth. Trails: Goldenrod 2.85 miles Blueberry Trails 1.44 miles Golper Tortoise Ridge .78 miles Big Cypress Trail .47 miles Red Maple Boardwalk .19/ .31 miles I hiked out the Goldenrod trail and hooked across the blueberry trail and came back via the red maple boardwalk and thoroughly enjoyed the solitude of the vast nature preserve. These trails are also designated as a state protected bird sanctuary! Enjoy the wildlife and get some fresh air! read more

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Awesome trails for any level! You will definitely see beautiful wildlife. I hiked the tortoise trail and saw a few tortoises on my journey, as well as herons, and I think we even spotted a gator in the water! The view is amazing, especially in the evening when the sun begins to set. I didnt expect this to be as wonderful as it is especially when I found out it was on college campus! Definitely check this place out for a lovely nature walk! read more

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This is such a great spot to hike with kids. The trails are flat, and not too long. There is tons of great wildlife to see, like turtles. There is ample shade, and parking was easy. Highly recommend if you're looking for a place to take the kids out for some nature exploration! read more

UNF Wildlife Sanctuary - Hiking Trails Map for UNF - Recreation Centers Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I was here for a 5k that my daughters sorority, kappa delta, was sponsoring. She and her sorority sisters did an awesome job planning the run around a large part of UNFs campus. The nature trails around UNF are really beautiful and I have been in that area of the campus several times. I was just a child when UNF was built,and WOW has it exploded in growth over the last 50 years. What a beautiful campus with top notch facilities. I love the area around the baseball and softball fields. Right next to those they've just built a brand new swimming and diving complex, and also added beach volleyball areas. My daughter will be graduating in December and has really enjoyed her time at UNF. We are fortunate in Jacksonville to have a great university that continues to grow. read more

I have lived on the Southside for almost two years and had no idea this was here until a couple of weeks ago. Do yourself a favor and check it out! Search UNF nature trails for more info. There are 5 clearly marked, clean, wide, beautiful trails. A couple of the trails have areas where you can exercise using equipment provided. There is so much vegetation and trees, making the trails nicely shaded. Parking is free on weekends but you must pay during the week. Dogs and bikes are NOT permitted. There are picnic tables at the entrance, also a small lake where I saw people kayaking. read more

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A unknown jem on the Southside. Right at the entrance of UNF by the Town Center. The UNF Nature Center has three very unique hiking trails. My husband and I did the Goldenrod Trail which is marked with yellow arrows along the path. This trail is 2.8 miles and takes you thru swamps and sandhills. We saw tons of birds, turtles, alligators, and butterflies. Bring bugspray!!!!!!!! Bugs were horrible by the swamp areas. At the end of the trail there is a picnic area. Definitely give this a try if you want a fun morning or afternoon exploring! read more

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Looking for a quiet place in the middle of town? Clearly marked trails that are wide and clear for people of all ages. The trails are short, so if you want some mileage you may have to circle back around for a 2nd trip. I love that fact that there is a handicap accessible boardwalk that is quite long. Perfect for little children as well, since keeping them on the path is sometimes hard. Plenty of turtles to see basking in the sun and a little island in the middle to explore. We will frequent these trails for sure! read more

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This is a really nice walk! It's beautiful and certainly does not feel like you're in the middle of a city. There are trees and water all around during this hike. One part goes so close to the water, we were actually scared of alligators! We didn't see any wildlife but we did go on a colder day so they may have been trying to keep warm. I was impressed with the beauty of the hike and the reason that I am giving it a 4 is because the markers were a bit confusing. I swear we followed the markers down the wrong path, it was very strange but we made it back to the seemingly right one in not much time. read more

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Been there over the weekend. Trail was 4 mile long and its beautiful..it was quite and peaceful. read more

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Well, I usually love this place...and I still think it's a great place to walk...but today, after many, many visits, my husband and I found out the hard way that APPARENTLY you need a parking permit to park by the trails. There were no signs that could be seen from the entrance and we've never before had to have a "permit" to park. With that said, there are lovely picnic grounds and even a zip line! We'll go back...after we appeal this ticket! read more

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Great nature trails for public enjoyment on the UNF campus. Large pathways well kept. Several trail lengths to choose from. Five dollar parking fee at the Campus Parking Operations Building via machine. Restroom and drinking water available. read more

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