Clay: Forests, Waterways and History

In northeast Florida, in the northern part of Clay County, lies Jennings State Forest. More than 15 distinct natural communities shape the forest area, including sandhills, slope forest and flatwoods, as well as seepage slopes, dome swamps, blackwater streams and seepage streams. Herons and other waterbirds can be observed along North Fork Black Creek. Water, forest and open sandhill landscapes give Clay’s natural areas a diverse character.

Trails and Waterways Offer Different Experiences

At Long Branch Recreation Area, the horseback-riding trails range from the 4-mile Blue Loop to the 12-mile Yellow Loop. The Sandridge Loop is a 6.75-mile trail through rolling sandhill ecosystems, offering expansive scenic views. Another route option is the 5.44-mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail in Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. The park lies in rolling sandhill country and preserves one of the few remaining stands of old-growth longleaf pines. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the 600-acre site.

Cyclists also have a specific route to choose from: from the Twin Lakes Park Trailhead in Clay County, the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail offers 19 miles of paved asphalt for cycling. The trail runs through Clay County and is part of a route that extends beyond a single stretch. The different details—horseback-riding trails, a path through sandhill country, a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail and paved asphalt for cycling—help visitors choose nature destinations based on their planned activities.

Black Creek is a 13-mile blackwater stream; North Fork Black Creek and South Fork Black Creek are its two main tributaries. At Camp Chowenwaw Park, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards offer direct access to historic Black Creek, just upstream from its confluence with the St. Johns River. Visitors can access North Fork Black Creek for swimming and fishing at Jason G Norman North Fork Black Creek Recreation Area. The water-based experiences described here are distinct: paddling on Black Creek, swimming and fishing at North Fork, or cycling on paved surfaces.

Camp Chowenwaw Park is a 150-acre site at the mouth of Black Creek, near its confluence with the St. Johns River. Its history predates its current recreational use: the site opened on July 1, 1933, and was subsequently operated as a Girl Scout camp by the Girl Scout Council of Duval County for more than 70 years.

Springs, Museums and History

At Spring Park, the spring has at times reached a flow rate of more than 3,000 gallons per minute; its temperature remains a constant 72 degrees. The kayak launch at Spring Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check the hours before your visit. In Green Cove Springs, the 3rd Saturday Market in the Park takes place from September through June, on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Walnut Street in front of Spring Park. Local vendors offer fresh produce and other freshly made goods.

Founded in 1990, the Camp Blanding Museum currently features exhibits on the history of Camp Blanding and its involvement in World War II. The 1890 Historic Courthouse, built between 1890 and 1893, welcomes visitor groups by appointment. The Old Clay County Jail was built in 1894 and used until 1972; it is the second-oldest standing jail in Florida. These places highlight different aspects of history, from military history to the county’s building and use over time.

The Clay County Historical Society Museum uses numerous exhibits to show everyday life in Clay County over the past century. The Middleburg Museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, honoring and promoting the history of Middleburg, Florida. The Military Museum of North Florida, meanwhile, presents artifacts and exhibits on more than 230 years of military history, from the American Revolutionary War through Operation Iraq Freedom. Groups can choose from several guided tour options there.

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