Discover Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail

Experience Nature in the City

A public-private partnership between the City of Jacksonville and nonprofit Groundwork Jacksonville, the Emerald Trail is quickly becoming one of Jacksonville’s favorite attractions, connecting visitors to historic neighborhoods, parks, waterways, public art, and local culture through a growing network of scenic walking and biking trails. When complete, the 30-mile trail system will link at least 14 historic neighborhoods with Downtown Jacksonville, the St. Johns River, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek, parks, schools, hospitals, and the city’s Regional Transportation Center.

The first completed segment, the 1.3-mile LaVilla Link, offers an enjoyable introduction to the Emerald Trail experience. Connecting Brooklyn, LaVilla, and the S-Line Rail Trail, this beautifully landscaped corridor blends recreation, history, and nature.

Along the LaVilla Link, visitors can enjoy several unique points of interest. Crossing the Park Street Bridge, you'll find an impressive 1,100-foot mural by artist Overstreet Ducasse, celebrating the stories of the Brooklyn and LaVilla neighborhoods. The bridge also features the Park Street Overlook, where visitors can pause for views of McCoys Creek and the surrounding rail corridor.

Further north, the trail connects to Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, honoring Jacksonville natives James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson. Nearby, the transformed LaVilla Pond includes a boardwalk with swings overlooking the water, and native wetland plantings that attract birds and pollinators. Visitors can also enjoy a butterfly garden, a StoryWalk display, and interpretive signage highlighting LaVilla’s rich cultural heritage.

The Emerald Trail also incorporates Jacksonville’s pioneering S-Line Rail Trail, a 4.8-mile rails-to-trails greenway running through Durkeeville and Springfield toward Norwood Plaza. Originally developed from an abandoned railroad corridor, the S-Line connects parks, schools, community destinations, and green spaces while showcasing the city’s industrial and neighborhood history. Along this section, visitors will enjoy the 96-foot-long Sugar Hill mosaic, celebrating the once-vibrant Sugar Hill neighborhood.

While much of the S-Line is already open, approximately 1.3 miles between East 12th Street and East 21st Street remain unfinished and are being completed as part of a future Emerald Trail segment. Additional trail sections, including the City Center Link along Hogan Street and McCoys Creek are currently under construction while other segments are in design, steadily expanding the network.

Whether you're visiting Jacksonville for a weekend or planning a longer stay, the Emerald Trail offers a unique way to experience the city. From vibrant public art and historic landmarks to urban nature and neighborhood discoveries, this growing trail system showcases Jacksonville like never before. For more information on the Emerald Trail go to GroundworkJacksonville.org or follow @GroundworkJax.

Groundwork Jacksonville

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Groundwork Jacksonville