Our Trails
Printable Maps
Download your own copy of “Jag Trail Map and Visitor’s Guide” by clicking here (pdf).
Descriptions
Trails within the Arboretum are graded easiest, moderate, and more difficult based on terrain and length.
Lake Loop Trail (Easiest)
0.3 miles – 900 adult or 1200 child steps
The Lake Loop circles a two-acre lake and is the route by which the secondary trails are accessed. This is the garden area where plants that are useful to people are cultivated. Some plants provide people with food; edible leaves, shoots, roots, flowers, fruits and seeds. Some provide us with construction materials, fibers, tools and other implements. Other plants provide us with latex, oil, resin, dye, plastics, fuel or other chemicals. Some of these plant-based chemicals are useful to us as medicines. We use plants to feed domestic animals and to provide environmental benefits such as cleansing our air and water, erosion control and wind breaks. Planted landscapes improve our learning and healing, and help us deal with daily stress. Take a walk around the lake, relax and consider the many ways that we use plants in our daily lives. Get more details.
Sand Ridge Trail(More Difficult)
1.0 miles – 2600 adult or 3460 child steps
The Trail winds through xeric hammock, remnant scrubby flatwood forest, and rosemary scrub and past freshwater marsh, saltwater marsh, and depression marsh. In May, lyonia fungus, first named by botanists working at the Arboretum, is visible as flower-shaped growths on the branches of rusty lyonia. Please note on the map that the Rosemary Ridge Trail is only accessible from the Live Oak Trail. The Deer Moss Trail and Rosemary Trail paths provide for shortened hikes. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON ROSEMARY TRAIL. Get more details.
Jones Creek Trail (More Difficult)
0.3 miles – 900 adult or 1200 child steps
The Jones Creek Trail meanders through bottomland forest and hydric hammock beneath a canopy of sweetgum, red maple, tulip poplar, bald cypress and several species of oaks. Numerous species of shrubs form the midstory and ferns and wetland plants the groundcover. Bridges cross the creek and a climb leads to a view over it. The trail also winds through upland hardwood forest under towering oaks and hickories, before returning to the bottomlands. This trail includes steps and narrow bridges and is not appropriate for children in strollers. Get more details.
Upper Ravine Trail (Moderate)
0.2 miles – 600 adult or 800 child steps
The Upper Ravine Trail extends through successional forest, along the crest of the ravine, affording views into the wetlands below. Oaks dominate this area though a few longleaf pines remain on the west end. Please note on the map that the Lake Loop, Lower Ravine Trail, Jones Creek Trail and Aralia Trail can all be accessed from the Upper Ravine Trail. Get more details.
Lower Ravine Trail (Moderate)
0.1.miles – 370 adult or 490 child steps
The Lower Ravine Trail loops through early successional forest. Loblolly bay, red maple, sweet gum and loblolly pine creates the canopy, while chain and cinnamon ferns blanket the forest floo. Please note on the map that the Lower Ravine Trail is only accessible from the Upper Ravine Trail, due to surrounding wetlands. Get more details.
Live Oak Trail (Moderate)
0.5 miles 1440 adult or 1920 child steps
The Live Oak Trail winds through ecosystems including xeric hammock and successional forest. Several centenarian live oaks, a grove of blooming pinxter azaleas, and bright red Christmas lichen can be found along this trail. Please note on the map that the Live Oak Trail must be accessed from the Lake Loop Trail; the Sand Ridge Trail can also be accessed from the Live Oak Trail. Get more details.
Aralia Trail (More Difficult)
0.3.miles 900 adult or 1200 child steps
The Aralia Trail received its name from a colony of thorny Aralia spinosa (devil’s walking stick) located nearby. Plant habitats along this trail include remnant longleaf sandhill, remnant seepage slope, and bottomland forest. Please note on the map that the Upper Ravine Trail and Jones Creek Trail can be accessed from the Aralia Trail. Get more details.