Our Trails
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)
The Lake Loop Trail is 0.3 miles long and encircles Lake Ray, a two-acre, man-made lake. The Lake Loop connects to the trailhead and is a wide, firm and stable, accessible trail. There is an approximate 25-foot drop in elevation between the trail head and the most easterly side of the Lake Loop. Tree and plant collections are located in this area. Get more details.
Jones Creek Trail (More Difficult)
This 0.3-mile dirt trail rises and falls nearly 25 feet along its course. The trail is not suitable for strollers. The Jones Creek trail meanders through a “baygall” or bay head and then up and along a sand bluff. Watch your footing and be aware of many grade changes and exposed tree roots on this narrow trail through jurisdictional wetlands. The water in Jones Creek is mostly fresh water, but becomes more brackish as it turns north. There is a large cypress tree on this trail near its junction with the Lake Loop. At higher elevations, you will find an upland hardwood forest populated with oaks and hickories. Get more details.
Upper Ravine Trail (Moderate)
This is a 0.3-mile dirt hiking trail that connects to the Jones Creek Trail on the east end and to the trail head on the west end. A ravine extends east and west along the south side of the Lake Loop. The Upper Ravine Trail is located on the south side of the ravine and offers views of the ravine, particularly in winter. The trail drops down several feet to connect with the Jones Creek Trail on its east end. Get more details.
Lower Ravine Trail (Moderate)
This short 800-foot trail meanders along the outside edge of a small man-made island at the bottom of the ravine. Most of the trees in this area were planted after the island was created. Exposed tree roots are prevalent on this narrow trail. This trail was built by volunteers from the Student Conservation Association and connects to the Jones Creek Trail. Get more details.
Live Oak Trail (Moderate)
This 0.5-mile trail is home to the National Champion Loblolly Bay and several beautiful oaks that are a hundred years old or more. Winding through rolling terrain, this trail traverses a pine flatwoods and dry prairie flatwoods habitat. In the spring, native blueberries and native Florida azaleas may be in bloom in this area. The world champion loblolly bay is also located in the woods about 15 yards from the east side of this trail. This trail connects to the Lake Loop and Rosemary Ridge trails. Get more details.
Rosemary Ridge Trail (More Difficult)
This is a one-mile, winding dirt trail that crosses multiple habitats: a xeric hammock, a rosemary/oak scrub, a depression marsh and a wetland marsh, among others. There is a small, gated access trail to the Rosemary Scrub which is soft sand. No dogs are permitted on the Rosemary Scrub Trail. The deer moss is very fragile, so please avoid disturbing it. This trail connects to the Live Oak Trail via a boardwalk over a small stream. Get more details.
Aralia Trail (More Difficult)
This trail lies south of the Upper Ravines Trail with its entrance near the Mormon Bridge. It offers a view of rippling water in Jones Creek and several large Aralia spinosa (Devil’s Walking Stick) trees. There are some grade changes and part of the trail is located on a natural seep that can be wet and muddy after rains. Get more details.
