Address: 13200 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32258
Telephone: (888) 867-2757
Lat/Long: 30.130517, -81.543106
Website: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/julington-durbin-creek-preserve
Date: November 9th 2025
Hardware used for media: Galaxy S22
Up and at ’em at 7:30 AM — Julington/Durbin Preserve is one of my go-to spots when nothing else is penciled in. The flora isn’t particularly unique for this part of Florida, and the fauna were apparently sleeping in that morning. I had music going at low volume, though that’s something I only do when I’ve got the trail to myself.
I spotted a cute little turtle right in the middle of the path. Honestly, I’m terrible at telling them apart — my best guess is box turtle or gopher tortoise, but I wouldn’t stake anything on it. Birds? Even less hope there. I’m not the type to stop mid-hike and start flipping through a field guide. 😂 I did move him safely off the trail, though — this stretch sees a lot of bike traffic, and I wasn’t about to leave the little guy to fend for himself.
Here’s the north trail cutoff. There are actually two of these points along the loop, which is a genuinely thoughtful feature for anyone who needs to bail early. It’s come in handy for people I’ve hiked with — and, if I’m being honest, for me too, back in the day. (Fair warning: keep the sound muted on this clip — something went sideways with the audio, and it’s really not worth fixing a 10-second video.)
Above are the remaining shots from the hike; below is a video look at the preserve in motion. And yes — this is exactly why hiking in Florida can test your patience. The terrain is relentlessly flat, but on a clear morning, the scenery more than makes up for it.
This is one of several rest areas scattered along the trail — no camping, just a quiet place to catch your breath and take in the surroundings. I was genuinely surprised to find it freshly mowed on this visit. Last time I came through, the grass was pushing three feet. I had no idea they bring mowers into the preserve — but clearly, someone out there cares about upkeep!
And then there’s this. Seriously, folks — what part of “Leave only footprints, take only memories” is hard to understand? Our preserves are shared spaces, and they deserve better. Pack it in, pack it out. Stop littering! 🤦
Here’s my full GPS track for the hike. Let me be clear: this is not a difficult trail. At my heaviest, I knocked it out with a 28-pound pack on my back. Whatever your fitness level, you can absolutely do this one. You’ve got this! ❤️
Happy Camping!
See you on the trail!
~T.B. Pug