The Jacksonville-Baldwin trail offers a sense of seclusion you might not expect from a trail that starts about 5 miles from downtown Jacksonville. Built along a former railroad corridor, this trail traverses a diversity of natural habitats including pine flatwoods, wetlands, and hardwood uplands. These areas attract a variety of wildlife such as songbirds, hawks, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer. The dense canopy that covers most of the trail provides shade on a sunny day and, in certain locations, even gives the illusion of traveling in a tunnel. The trail also crosses McGirts Creek near Camp Milton, a site rich in Civil War history. Despite its secluded feel, the trail is readily accessible from Jacksonville via Interstate 10 and Interstate 295

Trail Length/Surface: 14.5 miles, paved (asphalt 12’ wide)
Fee: None
County: Duval
Nearby Towns: Jacksonville, Baldwin

Access/Directions:

Imeson Road Trailhead
From Jacksonville, take Interstate 10 west to Exit 53 (new Exit 356) for Interstate 295. Head north on I-295 to Commonwealth Avenue (Exit 9). From Exit 9, head west on Commonwealth Avenue approximately 1 mile to Imeson Road. Take a right on Imeson Road (heading north) and continue to the trailhead.

Baldwin Trailhead and Park
From Jacksonville, take Interstate 10 west to Exit 50 (new Exit 343) for US 301. Head north on US 301 (toward Baldwin), continuing through Baldwin to the trailhead

Brandy Branch Trailhead
From Jacksonville, take Interstate 10 west to Exit 50 (new Exit 343) for US 301. Head north on US 301 (toward Baldwin) until you reach US 90. Take a left (heading west) and proceed about 2 miles to Secondary SR 121 (Brandy Branch Road). Take a right (heading north) and continue to the trailhead.