Biking the Black Creek Trail
Park Overview
Located just south of Jacksonville, the Black Creek Trail is a 8-mile multi-use path that stretches from the southern tip of Orange Park and crosses the entire length of Fleming Island along Highway 17. The trail opened in September 2019 and has since been a local favorite for mountain biking, hiking, walking, running, and viewing wildlife.
The trail’s south end point is located at Black Creek Park, which serves as the trailhead to three other mountain biking / hiking trails. There is also a bike service station, parking area, picnic pavilion, and restrooms.
The mountain biking / hiking trails range from 1 to 2 ½ miles in length, and all of them are pet-friendly. Rated “easy” by the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association-Jacksonville (SORBA-Jax), the tread surface is stable, lending a smooth ride with limited natural obstacles.
Trailhead at Black Creek Trail
Black Creek Trail
The multi-use Black Creek Trail is paved, 6-8 feet wide, and offers access to the island’s shopping centers and a variety of restaurants. There are ½-mile green signage markers on the pavement and full-mile markers on brown signage along the trail’s edges.
The trail passes by Moccasin Slough Park, a 255-acre wildlife preserve off Raggedy Point Road, which features a walking trail with exercise stations, picnic pavilion, and playground.
Loop Trail at Moccasin Slough Park
Our Adventure
During the first mile of our biking journey departing from Black Creek Park, we are shielded under a canopy of live oak, pine, and magnolia with a dense understory of bracken fern and sabal palm. Green moss and pine needles cover the road’s edges lined by wetlands.
There is another connection to the Creek View Trail just before approaching a few miles of neighborhoods, churches, and plant nurseries. Winding through the heart of Fleming Island, we are exposed to the blazing sun, reaching Thunderbolt Park and the Fleming Island Public Library.
A couple of twists and turns along the trail
Back on the trail, we glide through a small enclave of spring flowers, blossoming magnolia, and ample fern surrounding a large fountain and pond. A long row of pines leads to a ½-mile wooden boardwalk over swamp marsh approaching the north end point. The rickety wooden planks rock beneath my tires as we cruise into the afternoon sun. Crossing the bridge over Doctors Inlet, we find ourselves in Orange Park.
Long boardwalk on Black Creek Trail
Trail Info
Black Creek Trail (multi-use) – 8 miles
North End Point – Orange Park (Holly Point Rd. & Park Ave)
South End Point – Black Creek Park (7890 US Highway 17)
Palmetto’s Revenge (biking/hiking) – 1.0-mile loop
Creek View (biking/hiking) – 2.5-mile loop
9 Lives (biking/hiking) - 1.0-mile loop
Remember to share the trails. Bikers yield to pedestrians.
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