Hiking with Kids Open
Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve
4.6(749)4.6 out of 5 stars, 749 reviews Jacksonville, FL
About Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve
Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve offers a peaceful escape into beautiful 'Florida style jungle/woods' with well-maintained, wide, and well-marked trails. It's ideal for families seeking an engaging nature walk, run, or bike ride where time seems to fly, often leading to unexpected wildlife encounters.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Family hikes, walks, or runs in cool weather.Dog walking with well-behaved pets.Mountain biking enthusiasts.Those seeking a peaceful escape 'away from civilization' and pure air.Suitable for families with children who can comfortably walk or be carried for varying distances (e.g., a 4-mile loop is mentioned, suggesting older kids or those with stamina).
Why families love it
- Well-maintained, spacious, and well-marked trails, including a known 4-mile loop.
- Features beautiful 'Florida style jungle/woods' scenery.
- Benches are scattered along the trails, providing resting spots.
- Reviewers reported encountering 'exotic animals' during their visits.
- Popular and accommodating for dog walkers, mountain bikers, and runners.
- Many find the trails mesmerizing and engaging, making two hours feel like half an hour.
Insider tips
- Plan visits during cooler months (e.g., winter, December) to minimize issues with bugs.
- Be aware of and watch for 'squishy spots' on the trails due to horse and dog usage.
- Allow ample time, as the engaging environment can make a half-hour stroll extend to two hours easily.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak summer months if sensitive to bugs.
- If you prefer perfectly clean, animal-waste-free trails, due to active use by horses and dogs.
- Potential for bugs during the summertime months, as noted by a winter visitor.
- Trails are 'well used by folks with horses and dogs', so parents should 'watch for squishy spots' (animal waste).
- Crowds
- Described as 'peaceful' and 'away from it all', yet also 'well used by folks with horses and dogs' and a 'very popular trail for dogs'. This suggests it attracts visitors but is large enough to maintain a sense of serenity, especially during cooler months.
- Value
- No pricing information mentioned in the reviews, suggesting free entry. Parents get access to well-maintained trails and nature without an explicit cost.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., paved paths for wheelchairs/strollers) are mentioned beyond wide trails.
- Safety
- No specific safety features (e.g., staff patrols, emergency call boxes) are explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
What parents say
"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."
3 months ago
"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."
a month ago
"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."
4 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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