About the Trails and Property
Called “the hidden jewel” in Northeast Florida, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens opened in November 2008 – covering 120 acres, offering 7 natural trails through 13 distinct ecosystems. Newly planted palm, tea, pollinator, raised bed gardens. Points of interest and cyber yoga stations can be accessed through QR codes located on posts along the trails.
Lake Loop Trail
The Lake Loop Trail is 0.3 miles long and encircles Lake Ray, a two-acre, man-made lake. The Lake Loop connects to the trailhead and is a wide, firm and stable, accessible trail. There is an approximate 25-foot drop in elevation between the trail head and the most easterly side of the Lake Loop. Tree and plant collections are located in this area.
- Trail Distance:
- 0.3 miles
- Trail Grade
- easiest
Sand Ridge Trail
This is a one-mile, winding dirt trail that crosses multiple habitats: a xeric hammock, a rosemary/oak scrub, a depression marsh and a wetland marsh, among others. There is a small, gated access trail to the Rosemary Scrub which is soft sand. No dogs are permitted on the Rosemary Scrub Trail. The deer moss is very fragile, so please avoid disturbing it. This trail connects to the Live Oak Trail via a boardwalk over a small stream.
- Trail Grade
- difficult
Aralia Trail
This trail lies south of the Upper Ravines Trail with its entrance near the Mormon Bridge. It offers a view of rippling water in Jones Creek and several large Aralia spinosa (Devil’s Walking Stick) trees. There are some grade changes and part of the trail is located on a natural seep that can be wet and muddy after rains.
- Trail Grade
- extreme-difficult
Live Oak Trail
This 0.5-mile trail is home to the National Champion Loblolly Bay and several beautiful oaks that are a hundred years old or more. Winding through rolling terrain, this trail traverses a pine flatwoods and dry prairie flatwoods habitat. In the spring, native blueberries and native Florida azaleas may be in bloom in this area. The world champion loblolly bay is also located in the woods about 15 yards from the east side of this trail. This trail connects to the Lake Loop and Rosemary Ridge trails.
- Trail Distance:
- 0.5 miles
- Trail Grade
- moderate
Lower Ravine Trail
This short 800-foot trail meanders along the outside edge of a small man-made island at the bottom of the ravine. Most of the trees in this area were planted after the island was created. Exposed tree roots are prevalent on this narrow trail. This trail was built by volunteers from the Student Conservation Association and connects to the Jones Creek Trail.
- Trail Distance:
- 0.15 miles
- Trail Grade
- moderate
Upper Ravine Trail
This is a 0.3-mile dirt hiking trail that connects to the Jones Creek Trail on the east end and to the trail head on the west end. A ravine extends east and west along the south side of the Lake Loop. The Upper Ravine Trail is located on the south side of the ravine and offers views of the ravine, particularly in winter. The trail drops down several feet to connect with the Jones Creek Trail on its east end.
- Trail Distance:
- 0.3 miles
- Trail Grade
- moderate
Jones Creek Trail
This 0.3-mile dirt trail rises and falls nearly 25 feet along its course. The trail is not suitable for strollers. The Jones Creek trail meanders through a “baygall” or bay head and then up and along a sand bluff. Watch your footing and be aware of many grade changes and exposed tree roots on this narrow trail through jurisdictional wetlands. The water in Jones Creek is mostly fresh water, but becomes more brackish as it turns north. There is a large cypress tree on this trail near its junction with the Lake Loop. At higher elevations, you will find an upland hardwood forest populated with oaks and hickories.
- Trail Distance:
- 0.3 miles
- Trail Grade
- difficult
Printable Map and Visitor’s Guide
Download your own copy of “Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Trail Map and Visitor’s Guide” by clicking here (pdf).
Rules/Conditions of Use
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is privately-managed by a 501c3 non-profit organization – it is not a city park. Visitors who don’t comply with the rules will be asked to leave. For a complete set of rules, visit www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/visit-the-arboretum/
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy your visit.
For accommodation requests please contact info@jacksonvillearboretum.org.
Please allow three business days for appropriate processing.
In case of emergencies, call 911.
For all other security concerns, call 904-630-0500.