When we think of Jacksonville, we usually think of 2 things. We either picture thee beaches, or we think about the horrible traffic downtown on I-95. But, Jacksonville has another side. Tucked away from the hustle of town or the crowds at the beach, are hidden gems. State and county parks are among these.
One in particular is a quaint little preserve on a small island just outside the city. When you drive out there, you forget all about town. There’s a small parking area and some picnic tables as you enter this park. It’s full of biking and walking trails. It’s a nice shady place to ride your bike or take a stroll.
The best part is Black Creek. You walk down one of the trails and it opens up to a nice sturdy bench with a front row seat of this beautiful body of water.


Some trails are trails are listed as mountain bike trails. Go ahead and chuckle, but they are narrow with hills and berms, just like mountain bike trails you would see elsewhere.




So, the next you’re on vacation and you want a break from the interstate, look up this little place. Go by a good drive thru or pack a picnic and bring it to enjoy at the picnic tables. Grab your bikes and enjoy nature while burning off those lunch calories.
Go down the trail to the creek and sit and enjoy the view.