New Recreation/Hiking Trail On Jacksonville’s Westside: Cecil Recreation Trail

Jacksonville has a new recreation & hiking trail, and I am glad! Tired of the city? Take a trip and spend a few hours exploring the new Cecil Recreation Trail on the Westside. The section of complex that was opened this week is the middle 2.25-mile section that is split in half by Normandy Blvd. The trail is perfect for bicyclists,  hikers, and horseback riders, providing a great chance to explore the Cecil Field Conservation Corridor. Nearly 30 miles of more trails will soon be opened, allowing for deeper excursions into the protected forest.

Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton was at the dedication of Cecil Recreation Trail on Wednesday morning. The ceremony marked the start of a new trail that will ultimately be nearly 10 miles of paved trails spanning from Pope Duval Park near Interstate 10 to Sal Taylor Creek Preserve.

If you plan on visiting the trail, the start of the new trail is at 13611 Normandy Blvd, and the parking area is located at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.