JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the middle of the urban sprawl of neighborhoods, shopping centers, restaurants, businesses, and offices in St. Johns County is an oasis that is a far cry from the highways carrying an increasing number of cars and trucks into one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.
The Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve, which is part of the Timucuan Parks Foundation, is on a peninsula at the confluence of Julington and Durbin creeks.
The main entrance for hiking is at 13200 Bartram Park Blvd. in Jacksonville, and 9 miles of shoreline provide views of both creeks with trails running through natural communities where you can escape the hustle of busy suburban life.
The extensive trails are ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, going for a horseback ride, or just picnicking with the family.
The park is open to the public from dawn to dusk seven days a week with no fees for parking or park access.
If you love the water, hop on a kayak and paddle the creeks in natural settings. There are kayak launches nearby on Julington Creek at Palmetto Leaves Regional Park off Old St. Augustine Road and Hood Landing Boat Ramp, as well as on Durbin Creek off Racetrack Road next to Publix.
It’s a great place to study nature. You never know what you might come across.
The preserve is home to bald eagles, ospreys, gopher tortoises, bobcats, turkeys and deer. And in season, manatees are known to swim in both creeks.
It’s a quiet jewel set in the middle of a community with a burgeoning population.
For more information on the park, including possible closures or changes to rentals and fees, visit JaxParks.com.
While Julington-Durbin Creek is a great place to observe nature and spend time with family, there are other hidden gems in St. Johns County.
Alpine Groves Park spans 54.5 acres in Northwest St. Johns County between the St. Johns River and William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway. There are picnic tables, a playground, a fishing pier, a pavilion, and an ADA accessible trail.
Another hidden gem is the Diamond of Dreams, the all-inclusive baseball field and playground for children of all abilities. The field is carpeted and ADA wheelchair compliant.,
