Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail |
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| Location | Duval County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Area | 14.5-mile (23.3 km) length |
| Created | 1991 |
| Operated by | City of Jacksonville, Department of Parks & Recreation |
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is a cool outdoor path in Duval County, Florida, USA. It stretches from northwest Jacksonville all the way to Baldwin, Florida. This trail is like a super long city park, offering different paths for different activities. You can hike, jog, bike, rollerblade, or even ride a horse here!
Contents
A Path from the Past: How the Trail Began
Did you know this trail used to be a railroad? The City of Jacksonville bought this unused railway line in December 1992. It was once part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. This purchase was a big step for the Florida Greenways and Trails Program. It also had the approval of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The trail runs for about 14.5-mile (23.3 km) (23.3 km). It goes from Imeson Road in Jacksonville to Brandy Branch Road near Baldwin. The path itself is 100-foot (30 m) (30.5 m) wide. It has a smooth asphalt surface that is 12-foot (3.7 m) (3.7 m) wide. This makes it perfect for bicycles, wheelchairs, and other non-motorized wheels.
Protecting Nature: The Trail's Buffer Zone
What is a Trail Buffer?
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rails to Trails Buffer Preserve is a special area. It was bought with help from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT). The FCT is a group that helps communities buy land. This land is used for parks, green spaces, and trails. They have been doing this since 1991.
Future Plans for the Buffer
Some parts of the buffer, like the Scarborough and Block properties, have exciting plans. These plans include more hiking, biking, and horse trails. There will also be new parking lots to make it easier to access the main trail. You might even see picnic areas and platforms for watching wildlife!
Other areas, like the 491-acre (1.99 km2) Forbess and Walker properties, have big ideas too. Plans include a special cool-down area for horses, restrooms, and more picnic spots. There might also be a horseshoe pit and a volleyball court. These additions will make the trail even more fun for everyone.
Fun on the Trail: Activities for Everyone
Ways to Enjoy the Trail
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is a great place to get active! You can go hiking, jogging, or even rollerblading. Skateboarders, unicyclists, and tricyclists also love this smooth path. If you enjoy horseback riding, there's a special horse trail just for you. This horse trail runs right next to the paved path. There's even a separate trail for BMX bicyclists!
Exploring Nature and Wildlife
As you travel the trail, you'll see different kinds of areas. It starts near homes, then passes through rural spots. Soon, you'll enter beautiful natural areas. These include flatwoods, wetlands, and hardwood forests.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife! You might spot birds like hawks, buzzards, and wild turkeys. There are also squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and opossums. Look closely, and you might even see armadillos, gopher tortoises, snakes, and white-tailed deer. The trail is often shaded by thick trees, making it a cool place to explore. The trail is open every day, from sunrise to sunset.
Camp Milton: A Glimpse into History
Near the middle of the trail, you'll find the Camp Milton Historic Preserve. This site played a role in the American Civil War. In early 1864, soldiers built three miles (5 km) of strong defenses here. These defenses were made of earth and timber. Camp Milton was the main defense line against Union forces in Jacksonville. Over 8,000 troops were stationed there.
The camp was named after Florida's Governor during the Civil War, John Milton. It saw several small encounters between armies. The Union army eventually occupied the camp in the summer of 1864.
Bringing History to Life
Work on the preserve is fairly new. The site was discovered in 1973. The State of Florida bought the land in 1981. Later, the City of Jacksonville helped buy more land for the preserve. In September 2006, the completed preserve opened to the public. It now includes an educational center, replicas of old structures, and a preserved Florida cracker farmstead. It's a great place to learn about the past!
Images for kids
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Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail map
