University Of North Florida Nature Trails — Attraction in Jacksonville

3.5 stars. My sister's and I had visited on a monday, $5 for parking. Walking trails are nice and tells you what you could see on each trail. Recommend the gopher trail. You can see about 5 holes along the gopher trail. Just no petting or getting close to them. Has wheelchair accessible, but I wouldn't recommend it on the trails. Not sure about dogs. Families are ok but I personally recommend kids 5 and up should be fine to walk. Trails has some roots along the path and close to pond so watch out for the tree roots and possible snakes or gators. In the front area looks nice with red and yellow benches and a butterfly kids section by the Pavillion. Seen kayaks but was told it was for the students. Not sure. There was a bridge beside some picnic tables and had tape along it so we wasn't sure to go over the bridge so we took another trail. We did see a spider, 4 gophers, birds and squirrels, ponds. cool excercise along the path that you can do....

Nice wide single-file trails through woods--pine straw over firm ground, with boardwalks over mushy areas. Well marked with color-coded signs and occasional photo-maps. Posted as "no dogs or bikes". Enjoyed my walk on a Wednesday afternoon in February, seeing only one other hiker.

The main trail "Goldenrod" is ~2.8 miles, with a marked shortcut that cuts off half a mile or so. "Big Cyprus" and "Gopher Tortoise Ridge" are alternate routes that add length, but not much. "Blueberry Trail" is a shorter loop within, and in spots coinciding with, "Goldenrod". "Big Maple Boardwalk" is the shortest trail, running beside the lake and connecting with "Blueberry Trail".

I just parked and did the loop. Afterward, I noticed people at a "pay-by-plate" kiosk near the entrance and rental shops, but 50 yards from the "Goldenrod" trailhead and actual parking. I honestly don't know if I was supposed to pay or it's for...

My husband and I are new to Jacksonville and decided to walk this since it was recommended. We loved that everything was under the trees so we didnt get as hot. We went on a saturday so the parking was free. They have a cute picnic area where we enjoyed lunch. We saw beautiful greenery, lizards, and enjoyed the view all the way. They do have porta potties and an actual restroom at the entrance. They do have a cafe which we didnt enter but it looked good. The only thing we didnt like is the rentals for kayaks and paddle boards are available ONLY for students and staff. But if you have your own it is free to take. The entrance is also free. And most of it is also paved so thats also a plus. They are NOT...