The walk itself was a good length, the issue was that we accidentally walked into a homeless camp. we didnt stay to find out if it was abandoned or active, but definitely changed our pace. read more

Love taking my kids here to explore and walk around on a nice day! Such a great place to enjoy nature.

Hidden gem... shhhhh! Nice hike through tree canopies! Bring your own fishing gear and kayak for a great time. I see folks trying to crab here too. read more

In the middle of everywhere, you can find an oasis of quietness. Nice trail to walk during daytime. The birds can be exotic at times. If you prefer the water, either the standup paddle board or a kayak will take you through the paradise of birds visiting Jax during the winter. You need to watch for high tide as it may cover the only road taking you back and forth. I saw a spoonbill, and Martin Fisher bird among others. It's a gift from God. read more

We braved the rain and thunderstorms and went out hiking trails. Why? Because why not? I love the smell of rain just as it is starting, and hiking trails in the rain means- no one else is out there, you see plenty of wildlife (mostly birds for us today) and we happened to be out on the boardwalk when it stopped raining just in time to see a couple of seagulls chasing off a bald eagle! That made my day! This park has different sections, kayak launching, pavilions, trails, camping, flush-toilets (that's important- not outhouses here), picnic tables, grills and probably more I didn't see. I loved the beautiful rooster guarding the bathrooms. We drove into one campsite just to check it out- bricked out fire pit is nice. It's buggy- being out on the water, but we didn't get that until the rain stopped. Then it was a bite-fest. Bring your bug spray. I could see this as a great park to fish from- and the one pier has sections for fishing built in. Some of the benches are in disrepair- be careful where you sit. Overall- I am sure we will be back to explore more! read more

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Surprising oasis! I've drive past this place hundreds of times but didn't know what a gem I was missing. Lots of campsites, looked like some walking trails and a fishing pier. Snagged a nice Black Drum! read more

Dutton Island Preserve - Black Drum - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I don't know if it was just the day I visited or it's just that great of a place. Easy walking paths, multiple piers, nice fellow visitors make a this a place I'm coming back to often. read more

Dutton Island Preserve - Berries on the water - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Absolutely love this park and come here often to kayak or take my dog for a walk! The facilities are clean and nice especially for a city run park. There is a great long kayak trail through the intracoastal salt marsh. The kayak launch is convenient and close to parking and is a great place for beginners when the wind is calm, but watch out for low tide as it gets very muddy! I do only wish they stayed open a little later so we could kayak for sunset there! read more

I used to bring my dog here and walk a lot. I love this wonderful area of pristine land, trails, water and marsh. I recommend you not come alone. It is like a piece of country in the city. I believe one is safer in numbers, especially out here. If you do bring your dog, make sure you have them on a leash for the safety of both animals. I need to return here soon. 2017 says I need to get more active. I want strive to go to different locations each time I get out and walk the trails. Happy trails to you! read more

I went her for a hike today. I ended up walking a little further than I wanted to because I got lost on the way back to my car. Beautiful trails and nice breeze on the water. I just wish there were more signs leading to the entrance. read more

What a great hidden area right off Mayport road. Primitive and well hewn trails through the woods and along the larger creek areas of the intracoastal. You can spend a couple of hours exploring all the nooks and crannies of this well maintained area. Looks like there are campsites available and plenty of spots for fishing. Various docks for kayak or paddleboard launching. Just a really beautiful area for the entire family and furry friends. read more

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This is a nice place to get outside for a few hours. Came out here and did the 1.4 mile loop trail at Dutton Island Park and then drove out further westward to do a trail on the Preserve. The City of Atlantic Beach does a good job keeping up the beautiful scenery and the various built trails. Additionally, I noticed two boat ramps on the Preserve where two gentleman were fishing from their kayaks at one of them. If you want to come check out both Dutton Island Park and Dutton Island Preserve, you certainly should! read more

Our family likes to find little hikes in lesser known places around town. This preserve is tucked away in Mayport, and the trails lead along a marshy area. If you're looking for something different than the larger parks like Hanna, consider Dutton Island Preserve. There is a small parking area and there are a few picnic tables at the entrance. read more

Love this park. Great place to take the dogs (on leash) for a walk through the trails, they absolutely love it. Sort of a secret, as not that many people which is awesome. Also I keep thinking about getting a kayak because of the convenient kayak launches. Beautiful and quite. read more

An Island you can drive to from Mayport Rd- A great way to experience the preserve is to park at the first part of the preserve outside the gate. Once there, you can walk past the gate and down a long road (great exercise!) and then across the bridge to the little island. The Trails will take you to several docks with panoramic views of the inter-coastal waterways. These are spectacular vantage points to see up close and far away. My favorite part of the experience is the ever changing look of the inter-coastal depending of the tides. The trails are good for walking and biking. There are also launching areas for small boats, canoes and kayaks. This is an opportunity for catching several different kinds of fish... trout and red, I believe. But also, there are Bottle nose Dolphin and manatees to the be spotted, if you are lucky...Once a year, tiny black crabs are in abundance. they are the size of large insects and run out in the road and scatter as you approach them. They are fierce little creatures that salute you with one claw in the air until you are upon them... then they are off to the puddles of water and into the thousands of small holes that house them...I am quite fond of the many raccoons that are unfortunately too tame and have become little beggars. They will not come very close but will stand on their hind legs waiting for handouts. There is a plaque marking the boundaries of what used to be the Dutton Island plantation. Camping areas are scattered throughout with one bathroom facility at the beginning of your hike. There is also ample parking available and seldom crowds to distract from the nature. A real almost secret gem! read more