The 14.5-mile Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, the riverwalks, 20-plus miles of bike trails at Hanna Park and the Emerald Trail, with trailheads and rules.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: the City of Jacksonville’s Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, Southbank Riverwalk, Hanna Park bike trails and specialty parks pages, the city’s bikeways and trails network and Groundwork Jacksonville.
Jacksonville’s longest paved trail runs 14.5 miles west to Baldwin on an old rail line. Downtown, riverwalks line both banks of the St. Johns River, and at the beach Hanna Park has more than 20 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails. Here is each one with its length, trailheads and rules.
At a glance
Trail Length Surface Hours Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail About 14.5 miles, plus 8.5 miles of spurs 12-foot paved; equestrian path alongside Sunrise to sundown Southbank Riverwalk 1.25 miles Boardwalk 24 hours Hanna Park bike trails 20-plus miles Off-road Park hours; $5 a car Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park Trails on 500 acres Natural Park hours
Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
The city bought the abandoned CSX corridor in December 1992 through the Florida Greenways and Trails Program. Today the 100-foot right of way runs about 14.5 miles from Imeson Road to the town of Baldwin, with a 12-foot paved trail for walkers, cyclists and skaters and an equestrian trail beside it. The route is flat and runs through rural land with plenty of trees and wildlife, the city says. About 8.5 miles of unpaved spur trails on the buffer properties are open for day hiking and horseback riding. City trail page.
| Trailhead | Address |
|---|---|
| Imeson Road | 1800 Imeson Road |
| Camp Milton Historic Preserve (midpoint) | 1225 Halsema Road |
| Otis Road | 1380 Otis Road |
| Baldwin depot | 850 Center St. N., Baldwin |
| Brandy Branch Road | 89 Brandy Branch Road |
Open sunrise to sundown, with parking, restrooms and drinking fountains.
Riverwalks downtown
- Southbank Riverwalk, 1001 Museum Circle: a 1.25-mile boardwalk facing downtown, open 24 hours, past Friendship Fountain (St. Johns River Park, 1015 Museum Circle). It has an adaptive kayak launch that the city recommends only for experienced paddlers because of strong currents.
- Northbank Riverwalk: runs along the downtown side of the river past Riverfront Plaza, 2 W. Independent Drive, and the city’s Artist Square and Corkscrew Park sections.
Hanna Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Drive, has more than 20 miles of bicycle trails “with opportunities for all skill levels.” Helmets are required throughout the park, and riders ride at their own risk.
- Novice: Long Trail, Back 40
- Experienced: Grunt, Misery, Tornado Alley
Park entry is $5 a car (up to six people) or $3 per walker or cyclist. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in standard time, which returns Sunday, Nov. 1. 904-255-6767.
Nature trails
- Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, 7000 Roosevelt Blvd.; 904-255-6877: 500 acres of trails for hiking and biking, a nature center and a 35-foot observation tower.
- Cuba Hunter Skate Park, 3620 Bedford Road, and Lew Brantley Park, 8435 118th St., each have a nature trail; Lew Brantley’s has fitness stations.
- Preserves: JaxParks’ preservation parks include the 525-acre Betz-Tiger Point Preserve and Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve.
The Emerald Trail
Groundwork Jacksonville and the city are building the Emerald Trail, which will encompass more than 30 miles of trails, greenways and parks around the urban core and link at least 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek and the St. Johns River, according to Groundwork Jacksonville. Its map shows about half of the trail in design, under construction or complete. Check Groundwork’s page for the segments open now.
Bike lanes and paths
For on-street bike lanes and shared-use paths across the city, see the city’s bikeways and trails network.
What this means for you
- For a long, flat ride, start at Imeson Road or Camp Milton on the rail trail.
- For a short walk with a view, the Southbank Riverwalk is open around the clock.
- Bring a helmet to Hanna Park; it is required.
- Dogs are welcome on a leash in city parks; see dog-friendly Jacksonville.
Related: parks and trails, free things to do and getting around Jacksonville.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail?
About 14.5 miles from Imeson Road in Jacksonville to the town of Baldwin, with a 12-foot paved trail, a parallel equestrian trail and about 8.5 miles of unpaved spur trails. It is open sunrise to sundown.
Where do you park for the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail?
Trailheads are at 1800 Imeson Road, Camp Milton Historic Preserve at 1225 Halsema Road, 1380 Otis Road, the Baldwin depot at 850 Center St. N. and 89 Brandy Branch Road.
How long is the Southbank Riverwalk?
The Southbank Riverwalk at 1001 Museum Circle is a 1.25-mile boardwalk facing downtown, open 24 hours, according to the city.
Where can I mountain bike in Jacksonville?
Hanna Park has more than 20 miles of bike trails for all skill levels. Helmets are required; Long Trail and Back 40 suit novices, and Grunt, Misery and Tornado Alley are for experienced riders.
What is the Emerald Trail?
A planned network of more than 30 miles of trails, greenways and parks around Jacksonville’s urban core, linking at least 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek and the St. Johns River.
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