After I got back from my cycling trip to Jennings State Forest, I told my wife “I think I know where Clay County got its name–the road to the entrance is made out of clay!”
My wife, without looking up from her Kindle, replied “you might want to do some research. It is probably named after a person.”
Alas, it is named after famous American statesman Henry Clay, but my enthusiasm for trail biking was not dampened.
Although Live Oak Lane, which is the entrance, is sand and clay, it wasn’t too soft, so I had little difficulty traversing the first half mile. Then it became hard-packed clay and gravel, which is what the main trails I’ve ridden in northeast Florida forests consist of.
After a couple miles I reached the end of the road, then I went back to one of the side roads, Artesian Farms Road, which is a great area to see birds. I say that because it runs beneath power lines, and as bird watchers know, these areas attract hawks, falcons, and other raptors. I wasn’t disappointed because about a half mile down the road a Cooper’s hawk landed about 100 yards in front of me. Then, as if to say, “I’m here too,” a wild turkey scooted in front of me a stone’s throw away.
Then the road became a little more difficult because of loose sand, and I also encountered the only real hill on my journey, requiring me to gear down a couple clicks on my bike. After a little bit of heavy breathing, I decided to turn onto Three Bridges Road, and this was probably my favorite part of my outing.
Side trails can often be sandy and hard to traverse. Three Bridges wasn’t. It was hard packed with little loose sand, and most of it was as easy as cycling on clay. Jennings has 15 biological communities, and this area was mostly pine and completely shaded. When I turned down Skeleton Key Road, I was startled by several robins and a white-tailed deer. Seeing the deer so close confirmed what I already knew–you can get closer to wildlife on a bicycle because you don’t shake the ground like you do when on foot.
If side trails don’t interest you, I suggest Bell Cemetery Road, which I took on the way back to my car. If you’re feeling adventurous take the Rattlesnake Road loop. Like many city-dwellers, part of the appeal of a place like Jennings is seclusion, and it didn’t disappoint. In fact, this part of the forest was the first area I saw people, although I’m not sure they saw me.
Oh, well. Back to the city, and streets not made of clay.
When you go:
• Make sure your bike tires are at least 28mm wide. Gravel riders usually prefer widths around 40mm or more for grip and stability on uneven surfaces.
• If you have a Brazon (bike bottle holder) make sure it fits snugly because it might bounce out. I suggest using a metallic bottle because then you’ll hear it if it does.
• Print out a map of the trail. Although the roads and trails are clearly marked it’s a good idea.
For more information visit: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Jennings-State-Forest
Written by Randy Reagor
Randy Reagor is a Jacksonville native who spends as much time as possible outdoors exploring parks and trails, often with his goldendoodle Sophie. He has been involved in the tourism industry for 30+ years. Reagor has a journalism degree from the University of Florida and his writings have appeared in various media outlets.
