Cradle Creek Preserve

Had hoped to see gators but there weren't any. Might be a little too critical because I'm from the Rocky Mountain area and was hoping for a bit more of a view. Easy walk and probably a great place to have a quick little dog walk.

Really nice short hike in Jax Beach. I love that this trail is right next to my work and that it can easily be knocked out in 20-30 min. There is a really nice scenic overlook of the marsh. Great views of osprey, cardinals, and woodpeckers while on the hike. Crabs were everywhere and we thought it was really cool seeing them make themselves at home in the holes of the rotten trees. Would love to come back for a sunset here. Today the sky was pretty gray thanks to all the Sahara dust.Downsides of this hike is limited parking (4 spots and 1 handicap), lots of bugs (bring the insect repellent), and while cool there isn't a lot to the hike that is really unique.Still, this hike is definitely worth your time if you are in Jax Beach and in the mood for a quick escape to different scenery than the typical beach scene.

Not too large- 1 large loop and a few side paths. Limited parking with about 4 spots. Open till dusk. Trail is mostly shaded.

I was looking for place to get my dog Simba out of his comfort zone as he is anxious and timid. This was my first time visiting Cradle Preserve.What a beautiful place as you can see from the pictures. The foliage is low right now due to the cooler winter months. But I'm sure as the temperatures increase so will the life in the preserve. The two overlooks are incredible! If you like gorgeous sunsets this is the place go!I heard woodpeckers and saw many various species of birds. If you are a bird watcher this is also a place for you. The preserve houses many different animals and species. I'm thankful I didn't see any snakes. But you can hear critters moving about in the thick of the plants right off the trail.There is not much parking but luckily there were not many people there so parking was not a problem. However, when I left someone had parked on the curb behind me so I had to back out of the parking lot.We met another puppy on our walk. Me and Simba will surely go back. There was lots of shade which will be appreciated in the heat of the summer.