Clay County offers a refreshing escape for anyone who feels most at home outdoors. With sprawling forests, winding creeks, and miles of trails that shift with the seasons, this part of Northeast Florida invites travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the joy of exploring outside. Whether you prefer a long hike beneath towering pines or a gentle walk through wetlands alive with birdsong, Clay County’s parks and preserves offer something for every kind of nature lover.
Jennings State Forest (Middleburg)
Jennings State Forest stretches across thousands of acres of sandhills, hardwood hammocks, and blackwater streams, offering one of the most diverse outdoor experiences in Northeast Florida. Its quiet beauty makes it a favorite for hikers, wildlife lovers, and anyone who appreciates a trail network that feels both peaceful and full of discovery. From longleaf pine uplands to shaded ravines, the forest’s changing terrain invites you to slow down and wander deeper into its natural rhythm.
Hiking the Pioneer Trail
The Pioneer Trail is one of Jennings State Forest’s signature outdoor experiences—a rare hiking adventure in Florida where steady elevation changes, creekside bluffs, and hidden hollows create a trail that feels far from ordinary. Over the course of roughly ten miles, hikers encounter rolling terrain, wooden footbridges, and high points overlooking Black Creek. Waterfalls and ravines appear along the way, making the landscape feel surprisingly dynamic for this part of the state. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking a full-day challenge or a curious visitor exploring a shorter section, the Pioneer Trail offers a rewarding look at the forest’s wild side.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing
Jennings State Forest is also one of Clay County’s richest birding destinations, thanks to its 15 distinct biological communities. Sandhills, slope forests, flatwoods, and bottomlands create habitats for an impressive variety of species throughout the year. Several trails, including the Sandridge Trail, Dunn’s Farm Trail, and both the Pioneer and Crosscut Trails, offer excellent opportunities to observe birds moving between ecosystems. With its sweeping natural variety, Jennings remains one of the best places in Clay County to immerse yourself in the rhythms of the wild.
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park (Keystone Heights)
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and most treasured natural spaces, defined by steephead ravines, rolling sandhills, and ancient lakes that make it feel remarkably different from the flatter landscapes elsewhere in the state. Hikers can explore this variety up close along the Ridge Trail, a 1.1-mile path that follows the upper rim of the ravine between the historic stairway and the old mill site. From the ridge, the dramatic shift between the dry sandhill habitat above and the shaded, fern-filled ravine below is on full display. Nearby, the Loblolly Loop offers a peaceful one-mile walk beneath some of the park’s largest and most impressive loblolly pines.
For a quiet moment of reflection, a short 0.1-mile nature trail leads directly to Sheeler Lake (believed to be one of the oldest lakes in Florida), where the water’s edge opens into a serene, timeless view. Those craving a longer trek can follow the Florida National Scenic Trail, which winds for 5.4 miles through Gold Head, connecting the park to surrounding public lands and showcasing the full range of its ecosystems. Whether you’re after a brief stroll or an all-day adventure, Gold Head Branch offers some of the most immersive and rewarding hikes in Clay County.
Crosby Sanctuary (Orange Park)
Crosby Sanctuary is a hidden wonder tucked into the middle of Orange Park. Managed by the Duval Audubon Society, this wetland preserve is only open to the public on select days, making every visit feel like a special discovery. Quiet boardwalks and soft trails lead into a landscape filled with cypress, ferns, and water-loving wildlife. Birdwatchers are especially drawn to the area during its open house events, when the forest and wetlands are alive with movement. Its limited access helps preserve its sensitive ecosystems, and those who time their visit just right are rewarded with a rare, serene immersion in nature.
Please note: Public access to Crosby Sanctuary is limited to the monthly open house held on the fourth Saturday from September through May (excluding December), between 8 a.m. and noon. Visits outside these dates may be arranged by appointment.
Camp Chowenwaw Park (Green Cove Springs)
Camp Chowenwaw Park is located beside Black Creek and the St. Johns River, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in a single, scenic location. With tall pines, winding rivers, and trails scattered throughout the property, the park invites visitors to explore as much as they’d like during their stay.
Hiking Trails
The park’s trails weave through shady forests, open boardwalks, and quiet natural areas where it’s easy to spot wildlife. Each path highlights a different corner of the park, making it a great destination for both new hikers and seasoned wanderers looking to discover something new.
Paddling and Waterfront Access
With direct access to Black Creek and the St. Johns River, the park is a popular starting point for kayaking and canoeing. The calm water makes it approachable for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can enjoy longer routes and scenic stretches of creekside forest. There is a PADL station in the park, which conveniently offers self-service kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Camping and Cabins
Camp Chowenwaw is also known for its camping options, which range from rustic tent sites to the park’s historic cabins and treehouses. Many visitors turn a day trip into an overnight experience, settling in under the stars and waking up to the sounds of the forest.
Moccasin Slough Park (Fleming Island)
In Fleming Island, Moccasin Slough Park offers an easygoing, family-friendly outdoor experience. Although the trails are shorter than those found in larger preserves, they are peaceful and well-maintained, making them ideal for a casual stroll. Gentle pathways wind beneath the canopy, and the park’s 255 acres include a playground, a covered pavilion, and open spaces perfect for relaxing. It’s a lovely option for anyone seeking a nature break without committing to a long hike.
Black Creek Biking Trail (Fleming Island)
The Black Creek Biking Trail is one of Clay County’s most popular outdoor routes, stretching eight paved miles along Highway 17 between Green Cove Springs and Orange Park. Cyclists, walkers, runners, and families with strollers all make use of this wide, shaded path. Because the trail passes through multiple communities, it’s easy to hop on for a quick ride or make a longer journey across the county. Black Creek Park serves as a convenient starting point, offering parking, restrooms, and a pavilion for breaks along the way.
Plan Your Next Outdoor Adventure
From sweeping pine forests to peaceful wetlands and scenic riverfront trails, Clay County offers endless ways to explore the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or simply looking for your next favorite trail, these natural spaces make it easy to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with the world outside. Clay County’s landscapes are ready when you are—start planning your next adventure today!