Cedar Point Preserve – Florida Hikes - Primal Outdoor Members Portal

Considered one of a number of conservation properties inside 7 Creeks Recreation Space, Cedar Level Protect hosts a linear part of the 7 Creeks Path and 4 aspect loops.

To completely discover this densely wooded peninsula, the protect has two entry factors.

Use the Fitzpatrick Creek Trailhead to entry the principle path. The Black Hammock Island Trailhead throughout Pumpkin Hill Creek additionally connects to the paths of Timucuan Protect.

Bench alongside Pumpkin Hill Creek

Sources

Overview

Location: JacksonvilleLength: 6.5 milesTrailhead: 30.461972, -81.488556Address: 7222 Cedar Level Rd, JacksonvilleFees: FreeRestrooms: Portalet on the trailheadLand supervisor: Metropolis of JacksonvillePhone: 904-630-2489

Open dawn to sundown. Leashed canines allowed. Trails shared with cyclists and equestrians.

Instructions

From the junction of Interstate 295 and Interstate 95 in north Jacksonville, head east on I-295 for 0.7 mile earlier than taking the off ramp onto US 17 heading north. In 0.4 mile, flip proper onto New Berlin Rd, persevering with for 1.9 miles earlier than taking a proper to stay on New Berlin Rd. Keep straight in three miles the place Cedar Level Rd begins. Proceed alongside it for 4.6 miles. The parking space for the trailhead is on the fitting aspect of the street.

Hike

Starting on the southeastern nook of the Fitzpatrick Creek Trailhead car parking zone, comply with the fenceline of a personal cemetery for 200 ft.

Come to a big map kiosk designating the beginning of the path system. The vast pathway curves sharply to the left, getting into a combined cover forest of pine and oak.

Large kiosk with map and name of preserve and trail marker for 7 Creeks pointing left

Map kiosk

The overstory opens whereas rounding a bend in 1 / 4 mile, because the path cuts via a patch of mesic flatwoods alongside a flatwoods lake.

Though the lake is generally obscured by thick vegetation, close by cypress timber inform of its proximity to the path.

At a half mile, one other signal signifies a boundary the place the path leaves Pumpkin Hill State Park to enter Cedar Level Protect.

Skinny cypress trees in a swamp edging open water

Cypress lined lake

As the trail sweeps eastward, flip left on the subsequent intersection to start the Deer Run Path.

The primary of a number of aspect loops, this sandy pathway immerses guests in a shady coastal hammock coated with noticed palmettos, lyonia, and reside oaks.

Oaks and magnolias casting shade on footpath

Coastal hammock

Deer Run ends on the foremost path in 1.2 miles, the place a pair of picnic tables and a bench present a spot to relaxation close to the middle of the path community.

Proceed straight throughout the principle path to start the Bobcat Loop.

A spur path extends from this path, however it may be skipped as the trail finally turns into a complicated bushwhack with no actual views of the marsh.

Picnic spot

Returning to the principle path in a half mile, flip proper to start out a southerly trek alongside the Marsh Loop. The loop is roughly one mile together with aspect journeys to the marsh.

This path delivers with views of the salt marshes because it leads out onto a peninsula the place two spur trails finish at scenic overlooks.

Wooden bench overlooking expanse of marsh

Marsh Loop bench

On the subsequent junction, flip proper onto aptly named Fowl Pond Path, a brief connector that passes a bench alongside a small physique of brackish water that pulls numerous waterfowl.

In 1 / 4 mile, comply with the principle path eastward as oaks give method to pines, taking a proper flip on the subsequent spur path.

It leads alongside a bluff to a coated picnic desk overlooking Pumpkin Hill Creek.

Fowl Pond

Hint the bluff northward for a tenth of a mile to a formidable pedestrian bridge crossing over the creek.

This standard picturesque spot is a superb place to take a break and take within the surroundings.

Bench in the midst of the bridge

On the opposite aspect of the creek, the 7 Creeks Path continues eastward into the Cedar Level unit of Timucuan Protect.

From this level, comply with the principle path again in the direction of the trailhead, reaching the Turkey Trot loop in one other mile.

Long pedestrian bridge over creek with oysters on mucky shoreline

Pumpkin Hill Creek Bridge

Flip left at this junction, touring via pine forests on a aspect route for 0.7 mile earlier than returning to the principle path.

A spur path splits off this loop, providing an extra 0.7 mile spherical journey to a secluded nook of the salt marshes.

Turning left onto the principle path, comply with the markers northward for an additional 0.8 mile, ending the hike on the trailhead.

Tall pine with deep groove in its bark beside a path covered in pine needles

Turkey Trot loop

Path Map

Cedar Point Preserve Trail Map — Crimson: Principal Path and spurs. Orange: Deer Run. Gentle Inexperienced: Turkey Trot. Purple: Bobcat Path. Blue: Marsh Loop. Gentle blue: Fowl Pond Path. Darkish Inexperienced: 7 Creeks Path. Gold: Timucuan Protect.

Discover Extra!

Be taught extra in regards to the 7 Creeks Path

Shaded corridor under canopy of coastal hammock

7 Creeks Path Enterprise throughout scenic coastal landscapes and verdant upland forests on a linear 7.2 mile path tying collectively conservation lands on Jacksonville’s Northshore.

Video

Mountain climbing Cedar Level Protect

Close by Adventures

Path Map (PDF) Official Web site

Alongside along with his spouse Chelsey, Chris Stevens shares outside adventures on Instagram and Fb as @sunshinestateseekers and is a co-host of a podcast about Florida’s open air, The Florida Madcaps. An avid hiker and camper, Chris serves as a Trailmaster and a board member for the Florida Path Affiliation.

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