There are more than 15 different natural biological communities on Jennings State Forest, including sandhill, slope forest, flatwoods, seepage slope, dome swamp, blackwater stream and seepage stream. Fire is needed to maintain many of these communities. The Florida Forest Service uses prescribed fire to maintain habitat for the forest's unique plants and animals. See a photo of Dome Swamp.
The forest is home to an abundance of wildlife. Raccoon, otter, alligator and wading birds can be seen along North Fork Black Creek and other tributaries. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, hawks and songbirds can be found in the uplands.
Several ravines can be found at Jennings State Forest, representing the slow but never-ending process of erosion by the force of water. These ravines are located along seepage streams leading to North Fork Black Creek. The spring-fed streams are visible when canoeing between Powell Ford and Ellis Ford on North Fork Black Creek. See a photo of Big Branch, a blackwater stream.
The forest is open during daylight hours for hiking, bicycling, canoeing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Primitive, drive-up camping is available at the Hammock and Bootleggers campgrounds. The forest also has hike-in camping at the North Fork Black Creek and Dunn's Creek primitive camp zones.
The forest offers nine hiking trails and four horse trails.
The Sandridge Trail Complex is comprised of five hiking loops and two equestrian loops. The 6.75-mile Sandridge Trail traverses a sandhill habitat maintained by frequent fire, giving visitors rolling wiregrass views and continuous rolling terrain. Cross trails on this loop allow visitors to shorten or lengthen their hiking experience. See trail brochure or map for details. The Evans Blue and Yellow loops provide equestrians over 25 miles of marked trail, offering views of multiple ecosystems across the forest. The Evans Loop Trail is part of our Trailtrotter Program. Please note that proof of current negative Coggins test is required for all horses in all Florida State Forests.
The Fire and Water Nature Trail is an informative 1.7-mile trail that will give you an insight into how fire and water affect the various forest communities. It's also a good place to learn about our restoration efforts.
The Dunn's Farm Trail is a 2.7-mile trail that offers a variety of ecosystems for the hiker to explore. The Dunn's Creek Primitive Camp Zone can be found along the back loop of this trail.
The Dunn's Farm Trail, Fire and Water Nature Trail, and others are part of the Trailwalker Program.
Jennings State Forest is open to regulated hunting and fishing under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Jennings Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Jennings State Forest.
Hunting requires a license and permit and is allowed only in designated Wildlife Management Areas during appropriate seasons. Fishing requires a license only.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about State Forest fees and guidelines.
Effective March 1, 2023, the entire Long Branch Blue Loop Horse Trail will be closed for reroute maintenance due to property leasing requirement. See a
map of the Long Branch Blue Loop Horse Trail closure
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. The site will reopen as soon as the work is completed.
Day use is from sunrise to sunset.
Jennings State Forest
1337 Longhorn Road
Middleburg, FL 32068-3026
(904) 406-6390
Email Jennings State Forest
Passes are no longer available at the State Forest office. To purchase a pass or make a reservation, visit ReserveAmerica or call 1-877-879-3859.
Jennings State Forest can be found in northeastern Florida in the northern section of Clay County. The forest is approximately 10 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 5 miles southwest of Orange Park. The State Forest has six drive-in entrances along its perimeter.
Access to the eastern section of the forest is available from State Road 21 to County Road 220A, and access to the western section is available from U.S. 301 to County Road 218. The forest headquarters is situated on the north end of Long Horn Road, which adjoins State Road 218.
Total Acreage: 25,152
Counties: Clay, Duval
Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the State Forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our State Forest map, which is georeferenced.
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Resources:
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Jennings State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
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Volunteers are needed to help with campground, trailhead and trail maintenance. Contact:
Justin Rogers
Jennings State Forest
Justin.Rogers@FDACS.gov
