Experiences & Amenities

For the adventurous bicycler, Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve offers varied intermediate terrain through pine flatwoods and sandhill communities. Cycling may be challenging in spots due to soft sandy soils and trails are subject to seasonal flooding. The bicycling trails are anchored at the main parking area. 

• Florida law requires children 16 and under to wear helmets at all times when bicycling.

The longleaf pine forests of Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve provide excellent birding opportunities. Songbirds, owls, woodpeckers, turkey and bobwhite are among the year-round residents.

During the winter months, a pair of American bald eagles nest in the pines. Wood storks, roseate spoonbills and egrets fish the salt marsh. Be sure to bring your binoculars and your field guide along on your birding trip.

There are three access points to unspoiled tidal creeks adjacent to park property. 

• Fishing is permitted in accordance with Florida state law. Please go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to obtain the most current saltwater fishing regulations and to obtain a fishing license online. The park does not sell fishing licenses. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.

Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches. 

• Operation Recreation GeoTour 

Miles of trails at Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve offer an immersive experience in Florida's coastal upland habitats. Explore longleaf pine ecosystems of sandhill and scrubby flatwoods, basin swamps and salt marsh creeks. Hike to the gazebo and eat a picnic lunch under the shade.

Visit the eagle's nest during the winter months for wildlife viewing. Learn about non-native invasive plants at the AlterNative interpretive garden trail. Extend your hike and use our trails to connect to adjacent city of Jacksonville parks Betz Tiger Point, Cedar Point and the Jim Wingate Preserve.

The nature trails are anchored at the main parking area and are open to hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Both the hiking and multi-use trails connect to city trails at the north, south and western edge of the park. 

Hiking Trail

• Hiking trail loop - 3 miles
• AlterNative Interpretive Garden Trail - 1/5 mile

Multi-use Trails

• Red Square - 4.08 miles
• Orange Diamond - 0.88 miles
• Green Triangle - 1.47 miles
• Blue Circle - 6.23 miles

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 repellent. For more information or a copy of trail brochures, contact the park office at 904-696-5980.

Pumpkin Hill Creek is a horseback rider's dream. Miles of pleasant sandy trails stretch out across the preserve and offer visitors back-country views of natural communities and wildlife.

Equestrian trails within the preserve connect to adjacent city of Jacksonville parks to provide additional riding opportunities. Anchored at the main parking area, the trails connect north to Betz Tiger Preserve, south to Cedar Point Preserve and west to the Jim Wingate Preserve.

Take a break at our picnic area on the Blue Circle trail and water your horse at the trough. 

• Equestrians ride at their own risk and must provide proof of negative Coggins test when riding on state lands. Trails are subject to temporary closure due to seasonal flooding. Please practice proper trail etiquette and be respectful of other trail users.
• For more information or brochures, contact the park office at 904-696-5980.

The creeks adjacent to Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve 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. The scenic launch area offers parking, picnic tables and restroom facilities. There is a short portage from the parking area to the launch site.

• Visitors must bring their own equipment. No rentals are available at this location.

Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve offers five different picnic areas. Two are located adjacent to Pumpkin Hill Creek overlooking the salt marsh. Eat under the pine trees at the main parking picnic area, or pack out a lunch on a hike or trail ride and stop at one of our two trailside picnic areas. 

Wildlife at Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park is abundant. The park serves as home for white-tailed deer, turkey, gopher tortoise, fox squirrels, pocket gophers, red-tailed hawks, fox and various forest-dwelling songbirds. If you're lucky and up early, you may catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring above or imperiled wood stork nesting in the cypress groves. But keep an eye to the ground for timber rattlesnakes warming themselves on the trails.