PARKS & OUTDOORS
Jennings State Forest
Clay County · North Florida & First Coast
Some 24,000 acres of longleaf pine, seepage bogs and creek ravines protecting the headwaters of Black Creek.
ABOUT THIS PLACE
Jennings State Forest lies west of Jacksonville near Middleburg, spread across Clay and Duval counties, and it exists to protect the headwaters of the North Fork of Black Creek and the streams that feed it. Wikipedia puts the total at 25,301 acres; Florida Hikes describes it as close to 24,000. Either way it is a large piece of ground with real relief in it, where streams cut down through sand and run in small cascades. The habitats include longleaf pine flatwoods, sandhills, tupelo-lined creeks and seepage bogs where pitcher plants grow. Two rare plants, Bartram's ixia and St. John's Susan, are protected here. Deer move in herds, wild turkey in flocks, and Florida black bear use the forest. There are about 17 miles of hiking across five trails: the Fire and Water Trail is a 1.9-mile interpretive loop, the Sandridge Trails make a 4.1-mile central loop, and Dunn's Farm, Crosscut and Pioneer fill out the rest. Four horse loops run from about 4 to 20 miles. Paddlers can put in at several points on the North Fork. Two drive-in primitive campsites, Hammock and Bootlegger, are reserved in advance, and backcountry camping is allowed in marked zones. The forest is open sunrise to sunset, there are vault toilets, leashed dogs are allowed, and small game hunting runs in season, so check the dates before walking in
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