Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park

Venture out to Jacksonville’s Northside, where some of the city’s most impressive State Parks can be found and explore the more than 4,000 acres that make up Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve.

This unique park provides one of the last unaltered views within the City of Jacksonville of the creeks, saltmarshes and uplands that collectively comprise the Timucuan Preserve.

Pumpkin Hill Park Map
Pumpkin Hill Park Itinerary

Free Entry and Parking

There is no fee to enter the park, there is free parking, and more than 16 miles of hiking and mixed-use trails fit for those looking to explore the natural side of Northeast Florida. You can enjoy a wide variety of eco-adventures in this natural park so be sure to bring your hiking shoes, your bike, binoculars, a kayak and even your horse!

Further Exploration

Another unique feature of this park is that it connects to both Cedar Point Preserve and Betz Tiger Point extending your adventure even further.

Unique experiences at Pumpkin Hill:

  • Birding: Song birds, owls, woodpeckers, turkey and bobwhite reside in the park all year long. You can also spot woodstorks, roseate spoonbills and egrets. Some must-see residents of the park during the winter is a pair of American Bald Eagles that nest in the pines.
  • Paddling: A canoe/kayak/paddleboard launch is available to reach the marshes. Enjoy the natural sites, the calm waters and discover the wildlife that can only be found here.
  • Hiking: This State Park offers free parking plus a 3-mile hiking loop, and more than 12-miles of multi-use trails. You will explore ecosystems of sandhill and scrubby flatwoods, basin swamps and salt marsh creeks, all in just a few hours. Enjoy a breakfast picnic under the tree canopies. The best part of hiking this park is that its trails connect to other adjacent City of Jacksonville parks including Betz Tiger Point, Cedar Point and the Jim Wingate Preserve.
  • Horse Equestrian Trail: Bring your horse and explore the multi-use trails at the park.

Location: 13802 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, FL, FL 32226

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PARK ITINERARY: Day Trip to Pumpkin Hill

This unique park provides one of the last unaltered views within the City of Jacksonville of the creeks, saltmarshes and uplands that collectively comprise the Timucuan Preserve. These upland ecosystems are crucial in maintaining water quality and providing healthy habitat for plants and animals. The abundant plants and wildlife range from gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer to pitcher plants and wildflowers. There is no doubt that you could spend a full day at Pumpkin Creek Preserve State Park and the Seven Creeks Area of Jacksonville. Here’s what we suggest you check out while you are there:

MORNING

Bring your outdoor gear, lot of water, food and a hat, if it’s a sunny day you will need it! We suggest you first head to the welcome center to grab the general park info and to learn about the wildlife you may encounter. Park rangers are there to share their expertise on the best things to do while you are at the park.

Move your car to the unpaved parking lot at the trailhead. Stroll the 3-mile trail loop to have a breakfast picnic under the tree canopies. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are just a few of the ways you can enjoy the trails. The new seven creeks trail connects Pumpkin Hill to adjacent city parks, Betz Tiger Point, Cedar Point and the Jim Wingate Preserve which give you access to over 12 miles of trails.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, you will find the American Bald Eagle at home in the nest or hunting in the area, accessible from either the Red Square Spur multi-use trail or the Eagle Spur hiking trail, plan for a 1.5-mile hike then take a break and watch these regal birds. There are many other birds to discover along the trails. You can spot wood storks, roseate spoonbills and egrets. Listen out for the sounds of Song birds, owls, woodpeckers, turkey and bobwhite. Many of the birds you will see in the park reside there all year long.

AFTERNOON

Time to explore the creeks and enjoy the waterways on the eastern edge of the park. If you own your own equipment, you can launch into the tranquil marsh and enjoy some time along the creeks. The creeks are made up of a combination of the St. Johns River and the Nassau River. The water here is calm and suitable for canoe/kayak/paddleboard. There are several points where you can choose to fish. With proper fishing equipment and licensing, you can catch red drum, flounder and sea trout.

The park closes at dark, there is no overnight camping.

Check out the park brochure

Address: 3802 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226

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