Off-Road Trails in Clay County, Florida

Clay County is located in northeastern Florida. A variety of off-road trails exist for hikers and bike riders to enjoy. Opportunities for outdoor exploring abound in this area, which includes the St John's River, nature preserves and state parks. So put on your hiking shoes and get started exploring Clay County, Florida.

  1. Jennings State Forest

    • Jennings State Forest, located in northern Clay County, is about 10 miles southwest of Jacksonville.

      The State Forest contains two hiking trails. A 5-mile loop trail called the North Fork Black Creek Trail travels through a variety of ecosystems. The Fire and Nature Trail is a 1.7-mile trail that offers information about how fire and water effect the various communities within the forest.

      Jennings State Forest

      1337 Longhorn Road

      Middleburg, FL 32068

      904-291-5530

      fl-dof.com

    Black Creek Park and Trail

    • Black Creek Trail parallels U.S. 17 going south from Orange Park to Black Creek Park, located just north of Green Cove Springs. This is an 8-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail winding through the marshland of the St John's River. When using the trail, you are advised to use caution at the intersections along the trail.

      Black Creek Park and Trail

      7890 Highway 17

      Jacksonville, FL 32244

      904-284-6378

      claycountygov.com

    Gold Head Branch State Park

    • Gold Head Branch State Park is one of Florida's first state parks. It is located on rolling sandhills on the central ridge of Florida. Four marked hiking trails are open in the park, ranging from 10-minute to 2-hour hikes. The Ravine Ridge Trail goes along the upper ridge of the ravine. The longest hike, the Florida Trail, is a 3-mile hike that begins at the entrance gate and goes through the park's high country. Another trail goes through the loblolly pines. The park also has a 7-mile equestrian trail, which goes along the sandhills and scrubs. On any of the trails you are likely to see Sherman fox squirrels, southeastern kestrels, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, deer, fox and a variety of water birds.

      Gold Head Branch State Park

      6239 State Route 21

      Keystone Heights, FL 32656

      352-473-4701

      floridastateparks.org