Fort George Island Cultural State Park Multi-Use Trail



Fort George Island Map


During the eight months I have lived in Jacksonville, I have never heard anyone speak of Fort George Island as a destination spot. Probably, most of them opt for a day at Little Talbot Island State Park three miles up the road.

Fort George, a gateway to the Timucuan Preserve, is part of the Florida State Park system and offers several options for outdoor activities. Of course, my husband and I came looking for a place to walk/hike. We found an awesome 3-mile multi-use trail that is shared by hikers & off-road bicyclists. It follows the interior of the former golf course that is a remnant of a by-gone era when Fort George Island was frequented by the rich & famous.

Amazingly, while researching the park, I learned the island features Mount Cornelia reported to be the highest point along the Atlantic Coast south of North Carolina's Outer Banks. We were definitely able to reach a high spot on our hike that is uncommon to Florida.

The park is located at 12157 Heckscher Drive in Jacksonville, (904) 251-2320. It is open from 8:00am to sunset 365 days a year. There was no fee to enter the park, but the brochure we picked up during our visit indicates a fee and/or additional fees may be required. If in doubt, call ahead. The Ribault Club, featuring exhibits related to the island's history, is open Wednesday-Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The club's facilities can be rented for special occasions such as wedding receptions. The loop trail begins and ends across the road from the Ribault Club (pick up a trail map there) close to the parking area.

The Kingsley Plantation, another historic point of interest, is part of the park. It is on our list to visit another day.

Ribault Club

Distance:

• 3 miles +

Terrain:

• Maritime forest with sandy soil featuring a cross slope exceeding 5% at one point plus a grade exceeding 12% at Mount Cornelia. 

Amenities:

• There is ample parking at the Ribault Club along with restrooms and a shaded picnic area. There is also a boat launch on the back side of the club suitable for canoes, kayaks and small flat bottom boats. Bicycling is possible with big tires on the multi-use trail. Another biking/walking option is possible along the park's paved and gravel roadways.

Pets:

• Well-behaved pets are allowed on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length. Bag waste as a courtesy to other users of the trail.

Wheelchairs:

• Not recommended, but the grounds surrounding the Ribault Club are a suitable option along with other scenic areas within the park.

Modifications:

• The hike exceeds 3 miles a bit by opting to take the side trip to Point Isabel, which is well worth the view of the water. There are two trail options when you reach Mount Cornelia, but most people would simply view the steeper route as a higher than normal rise along the trail. It might be difficult for someone with limited lung capacity or another significant physical problem but not for a reasonably well-conditioned individual. Some people choose to opt out of doing the complete loop and just hike to Mount Cornelia or Point Isabel and back to the parking area.

The Hike

We proceeded to the trailhead from the parking area by walking across a field somewhat parallel to the roadway we arrived on to reach the Ribault Club. This approach sent us traveling along the trail in a clockwise direction. 

The park gets a "thumbs up" for having a well-marked trail that is easy to navigate. This is important to us because my husband and I have found ourselves in areas where we did not have a clue where to go next...the blazes or other trail markings just "disappeared" or were non-existent. Badly marked trails are not only annoying...they can be dangerous.



Trail Markings

The sandy soil is typical for many trails in and around Jacksonville, so it is important to wear appropriate shoes that are comfortable with adequate support and traction for this type of trail. My husband wore low-cut hiking shoes, and I found my running shoes to be suitable.

The map we picked up at the Ribault Club was so well-marked we knew where to expect an elevation gain, when we were about to encounter an exceptionally soft surface or 3-inch tree roots. Part of the attention to detail is probably to help bicyclists safely navigate the trail, but it benefits people traveling on foot too.



Maritime Forest

Most of the trail is under a canopy of trees, but it is interspersed with open areas that were once the fairways of the golf course.



Tree of Autumn



Fall Leaves & Spanish Moss

The beautiful and interesting vegetation along the trail provides an important habitat for birds and other types of wildlife. We heard activity and sounds in the bushes, but the critters were keeping a low visible profile when we were moving along the trail.

We saw a huge quantity of fresh wild hog tracks while we were hiking. They seem to have a preference for the open sandy areas where it is easy for them to root around in the soil. There were wildlife trails at numerous points that also had been tracked by hogs. Hogs are not something we want to ever encounter up close. They have huge tusks and powerful bodies. Humans are no match for them.
 



Fort George Island Pond


There is a pond on the right about midway along the hike with a spillway that is routed under the trail to the other side. At certain times, when there has been a lot of rain, I would imagine water might be flowing rapidly. We caught it on a still day, but it was picturesque anyway. We did not determine if the pond is fed by a creek.


Pond Spillway

There were informational kiosks along the trail providing details about the relationship of migrating birds to seed dispersal within the park, especially along the abandoned golf course fairways. The University of North Florida collaborates with the park to assess the effect birds have on new plant species.


Seed Dispersal

The side trip to Point Isabel offered spectacular views of the Fort George River. One high bank overlook was considerably undercut, so we were careful not to step too close to the edge in case the soil was unstable. There are stairs that go down to an area along the water fortified by a concrete bulkhead with access to a small sandy beach that is exposed at low tide. This would be a good spot for a simple picnic.


Point Isabel Sandy Beach


We did not know anything about the geographical signifigance of Mount Cornelia when we began our hike except it represents the highest point on the trail. Relative to our hiking experiences in other parts of the country we consider this to be a hill. With a 12% grade we WERE careful to watch our footing because the trail was a bit rough in places. Injuries can occur when you least expect them. Although we do like physical challenges, we definitely make an effort to stay safe. Signage along the route offers the option of eliminating Mount Cornelia from the hike and remaining on the Mail Loop instead.



Trail to Mount Cornelia

It is not very far from Mount Cornelia to the parking lot at the Ribault Club where we were able to enjoy a couple of points of interest before we left the area. The picnic tables close to where we parked are a good option for hikers who do not want to eat on the trail or anyone coming to enjoy other features of Fort George Island. There is also the opportunity to glean a bit of historical information about Spanish influence on the island centuries ago.




Ribault Club Picnic Area



Mission of San Juan del Puerto Historical Sign



Additional information about Fort George Island can be obtained via Florida State Parks at:  http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortgeorgeisland/

Happy Hiking!

Cedar Point Preserve Branch Trail Hike

Last week, my husband and I wanted to do an easy hike close to home as part of our recovery from a challenging backpacking trip in South Carolina along the Chattooga River. We know it is best to follow strenuous exercise with some easy to moderate activity in order to maintain a certain level of fitness as well as to relieve any soreness that might be present.

We decided a trail hike in the Cedar Point Preserve would be a good outing for what we had in mind. It is part of the City of Jacksonville Preservation Project and is located in Oceanway on Cedar Point Road close to the Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park and the city's Betz-Tiger Point Preserve.

You will turn right off Cedar Point Road into the parking area just after the brown approach sign for Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve. Watch for Darcy Drive, the last road on the right just before arriving at Cedar Point Preserve. There may be other vehicles speeding along right on your tail, so give yourself enough time to slow down before exiting Cedar Point Road.

There is no entrance fee, and trails can be accessed from sunrise to sunset. For additional information call (904) 630-CITY (2489).



Cedar Point Preserve Trail Access

Distance:

• 5 miles

Terrain:

• Wide flat pathways. Some sections could have standing water following rain or be a bit mucky. There is no problem with large roots crossing over the trail and no apparent elevation gain.

Amenities:

• Ample parking, but there are no picnic & restroom facilities or potable water. Treat this hike as a wilderness experience where you bring what you need for personal needs, and be willing to "rough it" a bit even though the walking will be easy.

Pets:

• Leased pets are allowed. Please bring a bag for waste out of consideration for other hikers.

Wheelchairs:

• The area does not specifically have a designation for wheelchairs, but the trail could be navigated with big wheels. It would be wise not to take a wheelchair on the trail alone in case there are areas where it would be best to be pushed along for awhile.

Modifications:

• The Branch Trail "branches off" in many places, so it is easy to make the hike longer or shorter to suit your needs. The shorter Main Trail (2.1 miles) is another option.



Cedar Point Preserve Informational Kiosk



The Hike

BRING INSECT REPELLENT!



I will seldom "scream" at a reader using bold letters in one of my posts, but you will thank me for telling you to remember to have insect repellent ready to use. Unless it is a cold day, there will be mosquitoes and lots of them. Insect repellent can make the difference between having an enjoyable hike or a miserable one.

We took the time to study the map on the kiosk at the trailhead. It is not easy to access detailed maps for trails in the area, but what I call a "stick map" displayed at the kiosk is better than most. My husband and I are out & about so often we have invested in a GPS that definitely makes our hiking easier. At the very least, it is advisable for any hiker to pack a compass and know how to use it.

The kiosk map showed the Branch Trail to be marked with double blue blazes and the Main Trail to be marked with a single blue one. Initially, we had to walk along the Main Trail in order to access the Branch Trail.



Cedar Point Trail Blazes

We did not see as many birds & other wildlife as we do on most of our hikes, but we did spot a raccoon as we approached from a curve along the trail. I believe this may have been the first time I ever saw a raccoon really run. There was also a squirrel up a tree close by. We expected to see a lot of birds with the trail system bordering an estuary, but I only recall seeing one fluttering around in the bushes on this visit. Perhaps we will see more next time.

The Cedar Point Preserve consistently offers beautiful scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a Florida wilderness experience encompassing approximately 631 acres within the city limits. It can be appreciated for it's solitude and a place to breath fresh air.


Saw Palmetto

Of course, we saw an abundance of saw palmetto. It grows like a weed in Florida forests, but it was a very useful plant for the Timucuans (also called Timucua) who inhabited the area long before the Europeans arrived. Today, it provides a habitat for birds & animals. It is also important for erosion control.

Most of the Yellow Branch Trail is under a canopy of trees, but there are many areas where we were able to veer off the main part of the trail to view the estuary. The salt marsh ecosystem of the estuary provides an important habitat for wintering & migratory birds.



Tree Canopy

Cedar Point Preserve Estuary

Our November hike allowed us to see fall colors and a plentiful amount of Spanish moss along with other plant life.



Tree Ferns

Fall Leaves

 

Spanish Moss

Remember the mention of mosquitoes? Well, we left the house without our insect repellent. I actually forgot to pack it, but we really expected to be okay on a cool morning. The mosquitoes immediately found my husband's exposed hands as soon as we hit the trail. Fortunately, I was wearing gloves, and both of us were wearing long pants with a long sleeve shirt. This saved the day as far as completing our hike, but we ditched the idea of a picnic along the trail and opted to dine in the van after our hike.

We were lone hikers in the woods on this trip although we are aware of recent organized group hikes. During our previous stops to view the kiosk and trailhead we have not seen evidence of anyone else using the trails, which leads us to believe personal space on the trails would never be an issue.

We learn something on all our hikes, and we try not to make the same mistake twice. Now, we know NEVER to hit the trail without insect repellent in Florida.



Towering Pines


Happy Hiking!
&
Happy Thanksgiving!





Jacksonville's "Top to Bottom" Walking Tour

Fountain at Jacksonville Landing

Sometimes when you are new to a city it just makes sense to pay someone else to show you around a bit. A guided tour allows you to experience part of a city from an enhanced historical perspective, may give you a glimpse of places not generally accessible to the public and offers a bit of group camaraderie.

A couple of months ago I came across Jacksonville's "Top to Bottom" Walking Tour while surfing the web and thought I would give it a try. It turned out to be a really good way to experience some of what Jacksonville has to offer in the downtown core.

The tour is operated by Ad Lib Tours (904) 827-1845 and leaves from the base of the escalators at Jacksonville Landing (2 W. Independent Dr., Jacksonville, FL. 32202) at 10:00am each TUESDAY and concludes at 11:45am. The cost is $20/person ($15/person in summer or w/coupon).

Distance:

• 1 to 1-1/2 miles (approximate)

Terrain:

• Flat city streets, some stairs within buildings.

Amenities:

• Scenic views of Jacksonville landmarks, easy access from major hotels, downtown public transit close by, restroom facilities.

Pets:

• Contact Ad Lib Tours (904) 827-1845.

Wheelchair Access:

• Contact Ad Lib Tours (904) 827-1845. My opinion is that most, if not all, of the tour could be enjoyed from the vantage point of a wheelchair, but it is best to check with the tour company before making that assumption. There are stairs in a couple of buildings that would be problematic.

The Walk

Meet at the base of the escalators inside The Landing. They are easy to find no matter whether you enter the building from the street side or the river side. The escalators allow access to the Food Court and other restaurants on the second level with an awesome view of the St. Johns River.

Arrive promptly by 10:00am, so the tour can start on time. Have your money ready unless payment has been made ahead of time. I am sure it would be appreciated if the guide does not have to make change. This gathering is very informal, and you will be given a quick overview of what to expect before heading out for the tour.

Dress comfortably for walking, but remember this is a business district. You might not want to dress like you are going for a day at the beach although I am not aware of any dress restrictions.  In the summer, you could benefit from a hat and sunscreen. It is advisable to carry an umbrella if there is any chance of rain. There can be quite a breeze blowing off the river, so carry a light jacket if you have a tendency to be cold-natured when the temperature drops below 80 degrees.

Expect to meet locals as well as people from out-of-town. In fact, this is a good outing for house guests who are visitng the area.

I am not outlining the walk with as much specific detail as my other walks as a courtesy to Ad Lib Tours. It is good for participants to be able to anticipate the tour with a sense of adventure and not take away from some of the unexpected things you will experience along the way.



Statue of Andrew Jackson

Jacksonville was named after Andrew Jackson. It should not be too much of a surprise to see this statue mounted in a traffic circle outside The Landing at the beginning of the tour.

Bank of America Tower

You will learn important details about some of the downtown buildings, old & new. There will be access to some "secret" areas underground with an unexpected history lesson about Jacksonville's past as a major financial center.

Underground bank vault

Another way to keep assets safe

Expect to pay a visit to the "new" library located across from Hemming Plaza at 303 N. Laura Street and be able to view the handmade tiles on the wall. Although the library is only a few years old it is architecturally more reminiscent of a previous era.

Tile wall at Jacksonville's Downtown Public Library

Other interesting information awaits as you view Hemming Plaza located in the heart of the city's government center across from the library. It was established as a public square in 1857 and was named in honor of Civil War veteran Charles C. Hemming who left an important historical legacy for Jacksonville.

Hemming Plaza

One of the high points of  the "Top to Bottom" Walking Tour includes a visit to the historic Florida Theatre where you get a bird's eye view of the downtown area. Elvis Presley's performance here early in his career created quite a stir in Jacksonville.

View from the top of the Florida Theatre

There is a chance to see eye-catching buildings anywhere along the way. The "retro" style of one of the vacant buildings that once housed the public library is quite unique.



Former Jacksonville Public Library



Impressive tile mural at former Jacksonville Public Library

It is only fitting for the tour to end back at The Landing along the banks of the beautiful St. John's River making Jacksonville aptly named "The River City".

Runners sculpture along the St. Johns River



Main Street Bridge
aka
John T. Alsop, Jr. Bridge

Contact Ad Lib Tours for additional information (904) 827-1845.
http://www.adlibtours.com/Tours.html


Happy Walking!