South Woods Trails at Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

Park Overview

Where can you go in Jacksonville, Florida to learn about our state’s flora and fauna, have a picnic by the lake, and take a walk in the woods? Whether you’re interested in gardening, hiking, or just enjoying a scenic walk, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens offers a magical escape for all nature aficionados. The Latin word “arbor,” means "tree," and the suffix -ētum, means "place," translating to "a place of trees."

This 120-acre park is an underrated spot in Jacksonville, located just off I-295 on Monument Road bordering Mill Cove. And you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to explore the Arboretum. With over seven trails of varied lengths, there is a path for everyone. You can also learn about Florida’s native species. Most of the plants, flowers, and trees are labeled with their common names as well as their Latin or scientific names. There are 13 diverse ecosystems found here, and depending on the season, you’ll always encounter new blossoming life.

Cinnamon Fern

Jones Creek Trail

The Lake Loop Trail serves as a starting point for three other trailheads, including Jones Creek Trail. This 0.3-mile loop begins with a boardwalk lined by dogwood and cinnamon fern that passes over the creek on a newly constructed bridge. Jones Creek is a freshwater tributary that flows through this park and north into the St. Johns River.

The trail is a loblolly “baygall” or bayhead, a thick, forested depression at the base of a sandy slope and offers a refreshing look at Jacksonville’s native species. Along the way, we encounter elderberry, wood and royal fern, southern magnolia, cabbage palm, and bright red berries.

We travel through a moist upland mixed forest, comprised of live, laurel, and water oak; longleaf and loblolly pine; and hickory trees that form a canopy along the bluff above the creek.

The trail narrows and winds up over the creek and down root stairs to an understory of bright green, luscious fern. The forest here is considered a bottomland hardwood hammock.

Jones Creek

Short boardwalks take us over the creek as the blackwater stream trickles out of sight with the sunlight glimmering and chasing its current.

With the sun bright, fish zip around the tidal waters and the bottom is exposed, where mineral iron interacts with the water’s oxygen, creating an oily orange slimy bacteria on the surface. You might also see mosquito fish, bluegill, and largemouth bass, as well as various reptiles and amphibians.

Lower Ravine Trail

We continue our adventure 25 feet up through an upland hardwood forest of bald cypress, red maple, and swamp laurel oak, making our way back down to Cascades Loop, a must-see secret path less traveled through a forested wetland.

There are numerous spur trails off Jones Creek Trail, such as the Aralia Trail, so be prepared for the urge to take more detours!

A final boardwalk over the swamp offers access to the Upper Ravine and Lower Ravine Trails or take a seat before emerging back onto the main Lake Loop Trail.

Watch out for those roots! There’s more growing at this Jacksonville wonderland. A botanical garden master plan has taken root along the Lake Loop Trail with anticipated completion by late 2022.

Trail Systems

• Lake Loop Trail – 0.3 miles

• *South Woods Trails:

  • Jones Creek Trail - 0.3 miles

  • Aralia Trail - 0.3 miles

  • Upper Ravine Trail - 0.2 miles

  • Lower Ravine Trail - 0.1 miles

  *frequent flooding after rain

• North Woods Trails:

  • Live Oak Trail - 0.5 miles

  • Sand Ridge Trail - 1.0 miles

  • Rosemary Scrub Vista (no dogs allowed)

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