Spanish Pond

Yeah so while I appreciate that this place was open on a Wednesday (while nearby Fort Caroline, Ribault Monument, and Kingsley Plantation were all closed), I really could've used some info about how long the hike was to various sights, like any vistas that weren't just plain forest.It's called Spanish Pond, but if you want to get a good view, you will be walking over 2.5mi one way, and I'm not sure how much farther beyond that. And despite my many many research efforts online, this information escaped me, and NO other reviewers who made it to these vistas thought to put some mileage into their reviews. Grrrr.So I figured, it must be obvious. It must be right there just beyond the parking lot. That must be why there is no info on how long the hike is! Wrong. There is a body of water just off the parking lot, but as per my photo, there's little to see. The beautiful views from other reviews remain a mystery to me as to how far it takes to hike to them.Anyway, I showed up with a toddler and dogs. Had any info online or the didactics present at the parking lot told that the pond is not the main attraction, and the far-off marsh was, I wouldn't have tried, and would've spent more time elsewhere. Frustrating. I'd say this isn't for younger children simply because it's too far a hike to anything interesting, and the woods trail is pretty redundant. Luckily, I spoke up a half mile into it and other hikers explained they'd gone a full 2.5mi seeing no pond, and nothing but more woods, and they too had no idea how much farther it would've been to the pond. They'd given up. I took their cue and followed them out. Glad I did because I was able to make it to the Jax Arboretum which was SOO much more interesting for my kid (and me)!Bottom line, they need mile markers SHOWN on the map (because their scale in kilometers is not helpful), or a write up on distances (in miles not kilometers) to points of interest, AND mile markers on the trail. It's a hike of a hike to get to the marsh, and really for older kids and adults who have the time and energy to make a half day of it.

Autumn and I met with an Arlington Group for a Guided Hike with my Classmate and Ranger here, Craig Morris. I am so thankful for Craig's knowledge of this trail. Their were some senior citizen's on the hike, that had to turn around. I almost turned around too, but my dog gone pride would not let me do so! I will say and recommend, if you have not been on this trail before, you should go with an experienced person and or with a Ranger. You can easily get turned around, lost or disoriented. It is a wonderful hike, but also the hardest hike I've ever gone on. Across the street is a much easier hike, but it is long. I highly recommend you come prepared when you hike these trails. Bring at least one or two bottles of water. I used to bring my two boys here when they were little. Also, bring a hat. It gets very hot out here.

Closed technically because it is Federal. But you can still park and walk. A lot fewer people here than other parks that are starting to open up and host hordes of people coming out of quarantine. The trail is a little bumpy with all the roots across the path. Don't trip! Nice boardwalks. The upland sandy ridge via Timucuan Trail is really pretty with oaks. We just went out and back to the north. You could go all the way to Mount Pleasant Road on the Willie Browne trail if you wanted to make it a long out and back to the southeast. Thank-you Willie for donating this land so we could preserve and enjoy it. Interestingly the Browne family moved to the area to get away from the yellow fever which killed their two daughters.

Amazing hiking/walking trail which anyone can do! The view at the marsh is worth the walk. Trail is clean and easy to follow. Saw multiple families along the way with children of all ages. It's a must see/do in Jacksonville

What a beautiful day for a hike!!! First time here and just another one of Jacksonville's treasures to enjoy with the family. We originally planned to go to the Fort Caroline Monument but it was closed for the government shutdown. Spanish Pond is right across the street. Wonderful series of trails that run along the St Johnson River and intersects with trails in the Timiquan Preserve. Nice boardwalk entry areas leading to primitive trails. Lots of elevation in this area. Had a great day just getting out and enjoying nature.

Beautifully tucked away. Nice trails to get out and get some air! Mix of seeing the water and the woods! The dog loved it too!

My husband and I decided that we would start adventuring more with our dog, Jack and Liam. Today, we took a trip to Spanish Pond near the Timucuan Preserve and Fort Caroline. It's not too far of a haul from our house, so we got suited up and headed out.Caution : BRING THE BUG SPRAY. And make sure it has deet. If you bring your dog, make sure your dog has flea and tick medication!! We looked down at our dog and he was covered with giant black ticks. Luckily, they didn't make their way onto me or my son. This little hiking trail isn't little at all. We didn't walk the full trail and did around 3 miles. The trail has tons of scenery, some of which looks foreign to Florida. There were certain parts of the trail that looked so different from anything else I've seen in Florida. There were areas littered with tons of deer & spaghnum moss with thin brittle branches. Other parts of the trail were hilly with shells and driftwood. It was absolutely gorgeous. There were multiple trails : red, green, & black. Some areas were a little tricky and easy to fall. Our toddler took a couple spills. (Good to know if you're taking older folks or little ones.) The trails feel safe. You'll run into a few people here and there, but you're typically on your own. I gave the park a 3 star rating because the the ticks and lack of garbage cans. I feel like there should be garbage cans here and there on the trail, so the paths aren't littered with trash. There are benches, which is nice for the occasional break. Some of the signs need to be up kept because they've been broken.

I think the reason it's so low on Stars is the length of the main trail. Get ready to walk a lot. The trail does lead you to a viewpoint that is 100% worth it and there's also a beginner trail. Really neat views and good chance to spot some wildlife. The pups love it to!

went hiking just after a rain. The small wooden bridges & walkways were very slippery and the map was a bit hard to understand but all in all, it was a nice time exploring.