Hiking to Round Marsh Observation Tower at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Park Overview
As the only National Park in Jacksonville, Florida, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is worth exploring. This 46,000-acre park features hiking, biking, kayaking, and equestrian use trails. Today, coastal wetlands cover ¾ of the preserve. From paddling along the salt marsh and discovering a historic site to trekking through pine flatwoods, there is something for everyone.
Kingsley Plantation, Cedar Point, Fort Caroline National Memorial, American Beach, and the Theodore Roosevelt Area are some of the main attractions. Whether you’re planning a day trip or taking several mini adventures, there is a lot to explore and learn from this cultural and historical wonder. Retrace the steps through 6,000 years of Florida history, including that of the Timucua people, enslaved Africans at Kingsley Plantation, and a French colonial fort settlement from the 1500s. Off Mount Pleasant and Fort Caroline Road, you can grab more information at the Timucua Visitor Center and allow time to check out the fort exhibit.
Boardwalk along Spanish Pond Trail
Spanish Pond Trail
Across the street from the Visitor Center and fort exhibit, hop on the Spanish Pond Trail within the Theodore Roosevelt Area. This 600-acre area features three distinct habitats – a maritime hammock forest, mounds of shell midden, and tidal salt marsh. The land was donated by Willie Browne, the land’s last private owner who lived his entire life on this property.
The Spanish Pond Trail is a short 1.5-mile hike along the pond edges to the Round Marsh Observation Tower. Launching from two long wooden boardwalks you’ll wind through a dense canopy forest weeping in Spanish moss. Tall slash and loblolly pines, live oaks, and southern magnolia make up this land where the Timucua Indians once lived. Follow the red blaze markers along the wide, leafy trail strung with violets as it transitions into a sandy narrow path with reindeer lichen lining the trail edges.
Timucuan Trail
The trail splits to continue the Spanish Pond Trail or veer left onto the Timucuan Trail, following green blazes with a saw palmetto understory. A more strenuous hike awaits along the 0.75-mile Timucuan Trail.
Lush overlapping canopy opens to a new terrain of slippery slopes and high hills along the St. Johns Creek. Live oaks are home to squawking migratory birds and tiny black marsh crabs scurry along the trail. Thousands of discarded oyster shells lead the way to the Observation Tower, where you can take in the picturesque view of the salt marsh habitat and dozens of bird species such as the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, and snowy egret.
View from Round Marsh Observation Tower
Round Marsh Observation Tower
The St. Johns River is still and serene. The wind blows gently with a storm rolling on the horizon. The river is at low tide, marshy banks fully revealed and muddy shells strewn across mounds in the water. Tall green blades of grass protrude from the salt marsh, with their tops black as night, they seem endless, connecting land and coastal waters. Cars pass by on Heckscher Drive next to the shipyards, which is the only sign of human life. Off in the distance, snowy egrets are perched in the trees, while spoonbills and roosts call out from their morning slumbers.
Even on a grey cloudy day, the wild that surrounds is truly an escape from reality. The Observation Tower is sure to be one of your favorite spots in Jacksonville, Florida.
Theodore Roosevelt Area Trail System:
Spanish Pond Trail – 1 mile (access across the street from Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center)
Willie Browne Trail – 1.5-mile loop (access from Theodore Roosevelt parking area) *biking allowed
Timucuan Trail – 0.75 miles
“There’s a lot that’s disappearing (land), but people are waking up to the fact there’s not much left. Pretty soon there will come a day when there will be nothing but a concrete jungle from New York City to Jacksonville.” - Willie Browne, 1969