Best Bike Trails in the Jacksonville Area [UPDATED]

One of the many reasons people love living in Florida is for the gorgeous weather and countless bright, sunny days. It’s that warm Florida weather that also makes it the perfect place to enjoy a bike ride, and in the Jacksonville area there is a vast array of excellent bike trails from which to choose. Whether you're planning to take a leisurely ride or pick up the pace and increase your heart rate, Jacksonville has just the trail. Visit your favorite over and over or take a tour of the Jacksonville bike trails to see all they have to offer.

Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail

Considered one of Jacksonville’s less strenuous bike trails, Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail is a 14.5 mile trail geared towards novice and experienced cyclists alike. For most visitors, the trail takes an average of four hours to complete, and while it was designed with cycling in mind, it’s also a popular trail enjoyed by bird watchers and runners. Though it can be busy at peak hours, Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Train can be peaceful during slower hours, and you may even have a mile or two to yourself. Open year round, the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail is a go-to spot for a ride, a visit with friends, or a dog walk, so long as your pup is leashed.

Ed Austin Regional Park Loop

Located inside of Jacksonville’s Ed Austin Regional Park, the Park Loop is a 1.7 mile loop trail that’s ideal for both cyclists, runners, and walkers. On average, the trail takes about thirty minutes to complete, and because of its location off the beaten path, you won’t be likely to see many other people during your visit. For cyclists, the Ed Austin Regional Park Loop is considered an easy ride, and the paved loop spans the perimeter of the park. You’ll enjoy views of ponds, various courts and fields for sports, and a disc golf course. Ed Austin Regional Park is open all year and dog friendly.

Cecil Field Recreational Trail

Situated inside of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is the Cecil Field Recreational Trail. Typically regarded as an easy cycling route, the 3.8 mile loop trail is also beloved by birdwatchers, horseback riders, and hikers. The paved trail also offers a scenic tour of a handful of old military buildings that line the route. Most people find that it takes approximately an hour to complete a ride around the entirety of the trail and though it can certainly get busy, there are still plenty of quieter times to ride throughout the day.

S Line Greenway

When the S Line Greenway trail was built in 2008, it became the first dedicated urban trail in the city of Jacksonville. The 4.7 mile point-to-point trail is considered an easy cycling route, and for many riders, it takes an average of an hour and a half to complete. Its paved pathway also serves as a commuting path for area residents, and as you traverse the trail you will find a collection of signs along the way describing the history of the area. Runners and walkers are also common patrons of the S Line Greenway Trail.

Black Creek Park and Trail

One of the most popular cycling trails in Clay County, Black Creek Park and Trail is located on Fleming Island and runs parallel to US Highway 17. The paved path spans eight miles, and current trailheads can be found at Black Creek Park, Thunderbolt Park, and Camp Chowenwaw County Park. On the days that you don’t feel like bringing your bike along, you can also enjoy a run or a walk along the trail. Dogs are welcome, and when you need a rest you can enjoy Black Creek Park’s covered pavilion.

Nocatee Mountain Bike Trail

Located inside of the Nocatee Preserve, the Nocatee Mountain Bike trail is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Jacksonville area. The 7-mile out-and-back trail takes you on a journey through otherwise undisturbed fauna and flora, and the preserve serves as a safe, protective environment for local plants and wildlife. Cyclists enjoy this stunning route, as do hikers, horseback riders, and birders. While other trails are usually dog friendly, the Nocatee Mountain Bike Trail is meant to be visited only by humans.