PUMPKIN HILL CREEK PRESERVE STATE PARK
East of Jacksonville's skyscrapers and west of the beaches, this state park protects one of the largest contiguous areas of coastal uplands remaining in Duval County. The uplands protect the water quality of the Nassau and St. Johns rivers, ensuring the survival of aquatic plants and animals, and providing an important refuge for birds. Wildlife is abundant and ranges from the threatened American alligator to the endangered wood stork. Equestrians, hikers, and off-road bicyclists can explore five miles of multi-use trails that wind through the park's many different natural communities. The park has a canoe/kayak launch accessible by a 500 foot portage to the marshes. Located off I-95 or 9A, head east on Heckscher Drive. Turn north on New Berlin Road, then east on Cedar Point Drive. Turn north on Pumpkin Hill Road. Trailhead parking is approximately one mile on the left.
The creeks adjacent to Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park are crucial in maintaining a healthy habitat for plants and animals, and provide the paddling enthusiast hours of exploration through pristine estuarine habitats. Access to Pumpkin Hill Creek is available for canoes and kayaks via a hand launch area at the end of Pumpkin Hill Road.
There are three access points to unspoiled tidal creeks adjacent to park property. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, these creeks have enormous potential for catching redfish, flounder, and speckled sea trout.
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park is located near Atlantic Beach, Callahan and Fernandina Beach
The Nature Trails are anchored at the parking area and are open to hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. NO vehicular traffic is permitted. If you choose to use the trails, always check in at the ranger station and remember your water and insect repellant.
TRAILS
COLOR-----DISTANCE-----ESTIMATED HIKING TIME
Green-------.75 mile-------20 minutes
Blue--------1.3 miles------30 minutes
Yellow------1.7 miles------35 minutes
Red---------3.1 miles------60 minutes
Purple------3.7 miles------80 minutes
Interpretive Ranger Programs are offered at the Talbot Islands State Parks most weekends. The topics and locations of programs vary. Please call the Ranger Station at Little Talbot Island State Park (904-251-2320) for program information.
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Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park on our hiking trails, pavilions, paved park roads, parking lots and multi-use trails. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour.
From I-95 or 9A, exit Heckscher Drive east. Turn north on New Berlin and then east on Cedar Point Road. Continue on Cedar Point Road approximately 10 miles and turn north on Pumpkin Hill Road. The parking area for the main trailhead will be on the left side of the road. Further up on the right is the kayak hand-launch area.
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