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Julington-Durbin Preserve

4.6

·776 reviews·Jacksonville, United States

A natural oasis with miles of trails through wetlands and lush woods, perfect for hiking, biking, and escaping the city.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fewer bugs, cooler temps

CrowdLow

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Julington-Durbin Preserve

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fewer bugs, cooler temps

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A natural oasis with miles of trails through wetlands and lush woods, perfect for hiking, biking, and escaping the city.

4.6

(776 reviews)

"Excellent place for a good walk or run or ride away from it all. "

TIP

🥾 Watch for Wet Spots

Trails can be squishy near creeks, especially after rain. Stick to sandy uplands for drier walks.

☀️ Beat the Summer Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid intense heat and bugs.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 776 reviews

Type

Park

Address

13130 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, USA

Website

coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/julington-durbin-creek-preserve.aspx

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Julington Creek

Various access points

Glide down the serene waters, spotting turtles and enjoying mossy oaks. A peaceful escape.

Miles of Nature Trails

Throughout the preserve

Explore diverse wildlife and lush woods on wide, well-marked paths perfect for hiking, biking, and running.

Floodplain Wetlands

Throughout the preserve

Discover extensive wetlands that protect water quality for the creeks and St. Johns River.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Bugs

Summers in Florida can be intense. Visit during cooler months for a more comfortable experience. If you're here in warmer weather, go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat and biting insects.

Trail Conditions & Access

While many trails are sandy uplands, some areas near the creeks can get wet, especially after rain. Check recent conditions if you're concerned about dry walking.

The preserve offers miles of wide, well-marked trails suitable for various activities.

Best Times

When

Winter mornings

Why

Fewer bugs, cooler temps

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoon

Why

Golden hour light

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Julington-Durbin Preserve, 9/10❤️🤟🏾 Save to your favs & remember to visit this summer! #jacksonville #florida #newfav #summer #trail #hiking #hikingszn #julingtoncreek #enjoy Oh & happy Leo Szn ♌️

@_trendykayy

141 likes • 7.7K views

🥾 Watch for Wet Spots

Trails can be squishy near creeks, especially after rain. Stick to sandy uplands for drier walks.

☀️ Beat the Summer Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid intense heat and bugs.

Julington Creek in Jacksonville #thatfloridafeeling #florida #jacksonville #takeanairbreak

@thatfloridafeeling

47 likes • 444 views

Let’s get to learn more about this hidden gem in Jax: Julington Durbin Creek Preserve 🍃⁠ ⁠ This oasis, located near a new housing development and shopping center, offers large areas of protected land from overdevelopment. ✨⁠ ⁠ Once inside, you’ll feel like you’re in the wilderness, with miles of trails that lead through wooded areas and open spaces, showcasing water features on a peninsula. 😍⁠ ⁠ P...

explorejacksonville

157 likes • 4.5K views

🐕 Dog-Friendly Trails

Leashed dogs are welcome! Great for dog lovers and their furry companions.

🚴‍♀️ Bike & Horseback Riding

Enjoy dedicated trails for cycling and horseback riding.

20 years ago, we knew this was worth saving. 🌳 Why did we choose Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve for our National Public Lands Day event? Nearly 20 years ago, we joined @neflsierraclub to lead the fight to save the headwaters of Julington and Pottsburg Creeks by preventing the filling of 265 acres of forested wetlands. As a result of our efforts, the developer agreed to reduce the proposed wet...

sjriverkeeper

29 likes • 577 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Watch for Wet Spots

Trails can be squishy near creeks, especially after rain. Stick to sandy uplands for drier walks.

☀️ Beat the Summer Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid intense heat and bugs.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Trails

Leashed dogs are welcome! Great for dog lovers and their furry companions.

🚴‍♀️ Bike & Horseback Riding

Enjoy dedicated trails for cycling and horseback riding.

📸 Great for Photography

Capture stunning nature shots, from wildlife to scenic landscapes. +1

What Travellers Say

4.6

(776 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Julington-Durbin Preserve for its extensive, well-maintained trails, ample parking, and natural beauty, making it a great escape for hiking, biking, and dog walking. Some note limited water access and lack of shade due to pine trees, but overall it's considered a peaceful, enjoyable natural area.

"Excellent place for a good walk or run or ride away from it all. Spacious well marked trails. Great for dog lovers and mountain bikers and runners. Beautiful Florida style jungle/woods. Ample free parking."

Patrick Shirley

"Great trail system for a family hike. We went in December and hiked the 4 mile loop. Plenty of parking and restrooms. The trail is pretty wide but lots to see and many benches scattered along the trail. It is well used by folks with horses and dogs so watch for squishy spots. Overall great place for a cool weather hike."

Jarrod Reed

"Nice and well maintained trails suitable for hiking and jogging. I've only been here during the winter months when bugs aren't an issue, so I can't speak to the summertime conditions. It's definitely a good, peaceful place to get away from civilization for a bit."

Pieter

What People Like

Spacious, well-marked trails

Ample free parking

Dog-friendly environment

What People Dislike

Limited water views

Lack of shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The preserve is located in Jacksonville, Florida, accessible via major roads. It's situated near a housing development and Interstate 95, making it surprisingly easy to reach despite its natural feel. Ample free parking is available at the main entrance.

Yes, there is ample and spacious free parking available at the preserve.

Yes, using GPS with 'Julington-Durbin Preserve' should guide you directly to the entrance.

Absolutely! It's a convenient natural oasis within the urban areas of Jacksonville. +1

Yes, there are restrooms available, which are noted as pretty nice by visitors.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Julington-Durbin Preserve is free. It's a public land offering a great natural escape without any admission fees.

While specific hours aren't always listed, nature preserves are typically open from dawn to dusk. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours.

No, there is no entrance fee. The preserve is free to access for all visitors.

No booking is required as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.

While not always advertised, keep an eye on local park and nature organization websites for potential events.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking, trail running, cycling, horseback riding, picnicking, and exploring the diverse wetlands and woods.

Yes, the trails are wide, well-marked, and generally flat, making them suitable for hiking and jogging.

Yes, Julington Creek is accessible for kayaking and canoeing, offering a peaceful way to explore the water.

With its diverse wetlands and wooded areas, the preserve is likely a good spot for birdwatching, though specific sightings aren't frequently mentioned.

Visitors often spot turtles, and the preserve's wetlands and woods support diverse wildlife.

📸 📸 Photography

The mossy oaks along Julington Creek, the lush wooded trails, and the expansive wetlands offer beautiful photographic opportunities.

Yes, drone footage has been captured here, showcasing the preserve's natural beauty from above.

The natural scenery makes it a popular spot for portrait photography, especially with the scenic backdrops.

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and potentially fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the preserve's atmosphere.

General photography is allowed. If using a drone, ensure you are aware of and comply with any local regulations.