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Top 10... Jacksonville Baldwin Trail
Rail-Trail, Paved, Rural. Although just outside Jacksonville, Florida, this is an enjoyable rural trail -- very well maintained (kudos to the Florida Department of Transportation and Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail volunteers) and for the most part, tree-lined and no traffic noise. Natural habitats include pine flatwoods, wetlands, and hardwoods uplands. Wildlife includes hawks, songbirds, wild turkey, turtles, snakes, and deer. A few roosters make their presence known. (More photos below.)
On weekends especially, this is a popular trail for recumbents and road bikes -- this is one of the few trails we've seen with speed limits (20 mph) posted. Bring your own food and water. No latte shops! The only real restrooms along the trail are at the entrance to Camp Milton State Park, just off Halsema Road, about halfway between the Baldwin and and Imeson trailheads.
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End Points: Jacksonville, Imeson Rd. trailhead to Brady Branch Rd., just west of Baldwin, FL Mileage: 14.5 miles -- Trail Map Surface: Paved asphalt, 12 ft. Location: Duval County Trailheads at Imeson Road, Camp Milton, Baldwin (Center St.), and Brandy Branch Rd. Nearby points of interest: Camp Milton civil war site (about 6 miles west of the Imeson trailhead). |
THE BEST TRAIL SECTIONS TO RIDE... and additional comments by MUDFISH
I recommend parking at Camp Milton off Halsema Rd. This puts you in one of the nicest, shadiest sections of the trail. Also, the rest rooms on the trail at Camp Milton are the only full facilities along the trail. From this point, about 1.5 miles east to Hannah Rd and about 7 miles west is the most tree-lined section of the trail, with few real road crossings.
Riding west another 3 miles takes you to the trail's end at Brady Branch Rd, with just one open stretch east of Baldwin. This 11.5 mile section (out of 14.5 mi. total) is mostly rural and I love it. Watch out for the little critters. I noticed far more squirrels than on other rural trails. Fewer predators maybe?
Note: from the eastern Imeson trailhead, the first 3 miles are mostly open, with wide grassy shoulders and a good field of view, but largely residential and no shade. This is a favorite for road bikes, but not the rural, tree-lined recreational biking of much of the other 11.5 miles.
Other than the first road crossing west of the Imeson trailhead, here are no "bad" crossings. Most of the "Vehicle Crossings" signs you will see are for gated forestry-service roads and most of these haven't been used in years. Overall, there are few real road crossings!
BOBCAT'S PHOTO GALLERY along the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail (hover over photo for a larger view)
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| The only break in the serenity of this trail. |
Camp Milton Historic Preserve
The bike trail forms the northern boundary of Camp Milton State Park. Now an "official" trailhead, there is plenty of free parking at the Park. A short paved path (parallel to Halsema Road) leads to the bike trail. This location places you in a very nice section of the trail, with the only rest rooms. Civil War buffs will want to explore the State Park. Bicycles are allowed.
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More Information on the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail (links open in a new window):
- Florida Greenway & Trails - Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail Map and Trailhead Directions
- Rails to Trails Conservancy (traillink.com) - Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail
Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail - a Top Florida Bike Trail for Recreation and Fitness.