We traveled a few miles from our house to the Betz-Tiger Point Preserve located at 13990 Pumpkin Hill Rd. on the north side of Jacksonville. This 548-acre park is owned by the City of Jacksonville and does not seem to be heavily utilized. Of course, the 90+ degree weather and the abundance of mosquitoes might have been a factor on the day we were there. This is a good time for me to mention that anyone going for an outing around Jacksonville needs to pack a good insect repellant & sunscreen. Do I also need to mention water?
This was our second visit to the park. The first time we were on our bicycles and specifically checking out the park's canoe/kayak launch point, which provides access to Pumpkin Hill Creek on the east. The park intrigued us enough to come back for a trail hike. Since our primary purpose for this visit was for navigation practice, we decided the short South Marsh Trail would be a good hike for the day.
Distance:
- 2.27 miles (out & back)
- Maritime hammock and pine flatwoods with moss-draped oaks, towering pines, cedars, palms, palmetto & other native plants opening onto a salt marsh estuary at the turnaround point.
- Impressive covered picnic pavilion with tables and grills, restrooms, ample parking, scenic dock overlooking Pumpkin Hill Creek, a canoe/kayak launch point and alternate trail options. Bring your own potable water and pack out garbage.
- Leash required. Bag waste.
Wheelchairs:
- Suitable in picnic area but depends on type of wheels on the trail.
- Explore the West Loop Trail along with this route.
THE HIKE
Kiosk at South Marsh Trailhead
- The trail begins on your left as you drive into the park. That would make it S.W. of the covered picnic pavilion & restrooms in case you head out from there.
- A short distance down the trail there will be a red blaze on top of a post. This is confusing because the trail also forks here, but there are no map details addressing this. We went to the right figuring we could turn back if we needed to. It turned out to be the correct choice. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be aware of every turn you make in an area like this. Very often, the maps are inadequate, not addressing service roads and cross-trails from adjacent areas. I have stories...
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| Heading down South Marsh Trail |
- Be on the lookout for wildlife along this part of the trail such as bobcats, raccoons, rabbits, armadillos and songbirds. We only saw spiders, butterflies and a multitude of mosquitoes.
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- Eventually, the trail opens onto a beautiful salt marsh. This area provides an important habitat for water birds including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret & Snowy Egret.
- This is an awesome spot to stop for a snack, take photographs or simply take in the scenery. It is also the turnaround point.
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| Rest Stop at Salt Marsh Viewpoint |
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| Salt Marsh Estuary |
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| Spanish Moss Draped Trees |
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| Palmetto |
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| Look for Winnie the Pooh! |
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- The picnic pavilion is the perfect place for a bite to eat after a hike. It is also a short distance to the viewpoint overlooking Pumpkin Hill Creek that is easily accessed by walking along a picturesque and well-maintained boardwalk under a wooded canopy.
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| Lunch at the Picnic Pavilion |
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| View of Pumpkin Hill Creek |
- The West Loop Trail can easily be combined with this hike. It offers access to views of Pumpkin Hill Creek and the opportunity to see fish jumping and beautiful water birds. The trail starts a short distance from the picnic pavilion.
- We plan on returning to the park for a longer hike once the weather gets cooler and the mosquitoes are gone for the season.
Happy Hiking!
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