Julington - Durbin Preserve

The Julington - Durbin Preserve loop offers a delightful escape into nature, perfect for a moderate 5.1-mile (8.3 km) jog that takes around 51 minutes. You'll wind through varied landscapes, from quiet pine forests and open sandhills to lush floodplain swamps, with minimal elevation gain of just 19 feet (6 metres). The paths are mostly hard-packed, making for smooth running, and you might even spot wildflowers or local wildlife like gopher tortoises along the way.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with an informational kiosk and picnic areas available at the entrance. The preserve offers flexibility with various marked trails, including options for a shorter 3-mile loop or a longer 5.8 to 6.2-mile route, allowing you to customize your distance. The trails are clearly blazed, ensuring easy navigation, and it's a great spot to visit any time of year, though fall brings beautiful wildflowers.

This preserve is a vital natural oasis, protecting extensive floodplain wetlands that are crucial for water quality and flood protection for the Julington and Durbin creeks and the St. Johns River. It's a haven for diverse wildlife, from bald eagles and ospreys to bobcats and seasonal manatees. Beyond jogging, the preserve is also popular for hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and bicycling, offering something for everyone.