University of North Florida National Recreational Trails

The University of North Florida National Recreation Trails are 12 miles in length with a loop. The University of North Florida offers 500 acres of natural land in Jacksonville, Florida for the park and trails. With eight natural ecosystems within the park one can find a diverse population of animals and plants. It is also a wildlife sanctuary meant to protect any of the animals found within the park perimeter. Students in the science department can use the park as a place for recreation, research, and environmental education.

The trails were part of an old logging road back in 1973. Students, faculty, and staff of the university helped to build and maintain the trails. The Youth Conservation Corps also helped to create the preservation area. Walking, hiking, running, fishing, boating, and canoeing are some of the recreational activities within the park. All watercraft must be non-motorized.

The trails are currently managed by Ryan Meyer of UNF. The trail surfaces are compacted soil rather than paving. The average trail width is 14 inches, with a minimum width of 6 inches. Anyone on the campus is allowed to use the trails. Visitors to the city can also walk through the park as it is a free and public venue.