Jacksonville’s parks give you plenty of room to exercise for little or nothing. A paved rail trail runs 14.5 miles out to Baldwin, Hanna Park has miles of wooded trails and a beach, and a city gym with a walking track costs $2 a day [1][2][4]. Here’s where to go.
At a glance
- Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
- About 14.5 miles, paved, sunrise to sundown [1]
- Hanna Park trails
- More than 20 miles; $3 on foot or bike [2]
- Hanna Park beach
- 1.5 miles [2]
- Legends Center
- $2 a day, $10 a month, $120 a year [4]
- Cecil Aquatic Center
- $1.08 a swim for Duval residents [5]
- Military and veterans
- Half off Hanna and Huguenot park admission [2][3]
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
The city bought this former CSX rail corridor in 1992 and turned it into a 12-foot-wide paved trail of about 14.5 miles, from Imeson Road in Jacksonville to the Town of Baldwin [1]. It’s flat and rural, with a separate equestrian trail alongside and about 8.5 miles of unpaved spur trails for hiking and riding [1]. It’s open from sunrise to sundown, and the city’s page lists no fee [1].
| Trailhead | Address |
|---|---|
| Imeson Road (east end) | 1800 Imeson Road, 32220 |
| Camp Milton Historic Preserve (midpoint) | 1225 Halsema Road, 32220 |
| Livestock Farm | 1172 Halsema Road, 32220 |
| Otis Road | 1380 Otis Road, 32220 |
| Baldwin | 850 Center Street North, 32234 |
| Brandy Branch Road (west end) | 89 Brandy Branch Road, 32234 |
You don’t have to ride the whole thing. From the Camp Milton trailhead, a 15-minute walk out and 15 back is a 30-minute workout.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Hanna Park, at 500 Wonderwood Drive, has more than 20 miles of biking and hiking trails and 1.5 miles of beach [2].
| Entry | Price |
|---|---|
| On foot or bicycle | $3 per person |
| Car, up to 6 people | $5 |
| Annual pass | $92.52 plus tax |
| Early bird tickets (6 to 8 a.m.) | Sold in sets of $50 |
The park opens at 8 a.m. every day. It closes at 6 p.m. in winter (Eastern Standard Time) and 8 p.m. in summer, with last entry 30 minutes before closing [2]. Early entry from 6 to 8 a.m. needs an early bird ticket or an annual pass bought ahead [2].
Huguenot Memorial Park
At 10980 Heckscher Drive, Huguenot Memorial Park charges the same $3 on foot or bike and $5 per car (plus $1 for each person over six), and an annual pass is $99.46 [3]. It opens at 6 a.m.; in winter it closes at 6 p.m., and the gate closes an hour earlier [3].
City gyms: the Legends Center and Cecil
The Legends Center and Gymnasium, 5130 Soutel Drive, has a fitness center, an official-size indoor court and an elevated walking track [4]. The center is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; the gym is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday [4].
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Day use | $2 per person |
| Monthly | $10 per person |
| Yearly, individual | $120 |
| Yearly, senior | $90 |
| Yearly, family (up to 4) | $150 |
The Cecil Gym and Fitness Center, 13531 Lake Newman Street, has a full-size gym, free weights, machines and cardio equipment, racquetball courts and saunas. It’s open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends; the city’s page doesn’t list membership prices, so call (904) 255-4266 [5]. Next door, the Cecil Aquatic Center’s Olympic-size pool costs $1.08 a visit for Duval County residents and $1.61 for non-residents, and it’s free for children 3 and under [5]. The pool closes from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday for maintenance [5].
The city’s Forestview Fitness Center, 4203 Kenndle Road, is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; call (904) 255-6898 for prices [6].
For state park passes, free rail-trails elsewhere in Florida, and tips on heat and lightning, see BestFlorida’s Florida workouts for little or nothing.
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [7]. One way to get there in Jacksonville: five 30-minute brisk walks or easy rides on the Baldwin Rail Trail or around the Legends Center track (150 minutes), plus two strength sessions in a city fitness center.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [8]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [8]
- 12-inch loops [8]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [8]
- Made of latex [8]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [9]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [9]
- About 74 x 24 inches [9]
- Elastic carrying strap [9]
- Hand wash only [9]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [10]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [10]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [10]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [10]
- Quick-release buckle [10]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- City of Jacksonville JaxParks: Jacksonville-Baldwin Rails to Trails
- City of Jacksonville JaxParks: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
- City of Jacksonville JaxParks: Huguenot Memorial Park
- City of Jacksonville JaxParks: Legends Center and Gymnasium
- City of Jacksonville JaxParks: Cecil Recreation Complex
- City of Jacksonville JaxParks: Forestview Fitness Center
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
How long is the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail?
About 14.5 miles, from Imeson Road in Jacksonville to the Town of Baldwin. The paved path is 12 feet wide, with a separate equestrian trail beside it and about 8.5 miles of unpaved spur trails. It's open from sunrise to sundown.
How much does it cost to get into Hanna Park?
$3 per person on foot or bike, or $5 per car with up to six people. An annual pass is $92.52 plus tax. Active-duty military and veterans get half off admission with a military ID or DD214.
How much is a gym membership at a Jacksonville city community center?
At the Legends Center on Soutel Drive, which has a fitness center, gym and elevated walking track, a year costs $120 for an individual, $90 for a senior or $150 for a family of up to four. It's also $10 a month or $2 a day.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.