03/01/2008

 

Jacksonville's Green Spaces Provide Endless Opportunities for Outdoor Athletics
Hiking, Biking and Running are Popular Sports in Northeast Florida Parks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville offers an expanse of natural playgrounds to explore.  Among the various outdoor activities, hiking, running and biking give way to some of the most picturesque settings of natural habitats, including coastal wetlands, hardwood hammocks, salt marshes and flat pinewoods.  Jacksonville's urban parks system, the largest in the country with 111,600 preserved acres, offers marked trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels; whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an intense workout. 

Minutes outside Downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail offers an escape from daily routines on a unique trail along a former railroad corridor.  The tree canopy transports you to a restful state of mind and provides protection from the Florida sun.  Hikers and bikers will be at ease on this 14-mile, paved trail, passing through pine flatwoods, wetlands and hardwood uplands.  There are also opportunities to spot wildlife such as songbirds, hawks, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer.

The locals call it the "Toughest 10K" in Jacksonville.  The Roosevelt Area trail head (off of Mt Pleasant Rd.) winds through the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve on three marked trails.  The trails have the steep hills, rough trails and beautiful natural surroundings. There are also historic markers and exhibits along the trail, including Fort Caroline National Memorial, a replica that recalls the lives and deaths of 16th-century French colonists.

Unbelievably, Jacksonville offers incredible mountain biking trails in the heart of normally flat Florida at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.  The trails' names say it all - "Grunt," "Misery" and "Tornado Alley" offer a wild adventure through the trees of this oceanfront park.  These trails are for more advanced riders, but novice riders will enjoy two other off-road trails.  There are more than 15 miles of wooded paths to explore by bike or on foot.  The hard-packed white sand along the ocean, also offers a great spot to run.  Dogs are allowed on the beach at Hanna Park, so you'll want to bring your furry friend along. 

Novice riders or those looking to wind down after a wild ride on "Tornado Alley" will enjoy a guided eco-tour via bicycle with Kayak Amelia at Long Island Outfitters.  Explore the upland hammocks of Talbot Islands State Parks.  Bikers peddle the gently rolling trails on comfy Trek 300 bikes.  Huge old oak trees shade the path.  Various song birds, gopher tortoises and armadillos are the local residents.  www.kayakamelia.com

Following a long day in Jacksonville's green spaces rest and relax in one of Jacksonville's 25 green certified properties.  From luxurious, beachfront accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island; to affordable rooms at Wingate by Wyndham Airport and Hampton Inn South, there is a room for every budget.  To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices, including water conservation, a linen reuse program, high-energy efficient lighting, recycling, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing post-consumer-recycled materials and recycling ink and toner cartridges.  

To plan your outdoor escape to Jacksonville, call (800) 733-2668 or log on to www.visitjacksonville.com.

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Visit Jacksonville is the marketing organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Northeast Florida.  Along with its nearly 400 tourism partners, Visit Jacksonville stimulates economic impact, quality of life and recognition for the Northeast Florida region.  For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.visitjacksonville.com.