St. Johns County’s Hidden Trails: A Guide to Free Hiking and Conservation Areas

St. Johns County is famous for its historic downtown and Gulf-to-Atlantic beaches — but venture a few miles inland and you’ll find a wilder, quieter side of the First Coast. The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) manages a network of public conservation areas throughout the county, protecting critical watersheds while opening up thousands of acres to hikers, mountain bikers, paddlers, and equestrians — all completely free of charge.

This guide covers every SJRWMD conservation area in St. Johns County from north to south, with trail lengths, terrain highlights, and what to expect at each one, so you can find the adventure that fits your day.

1. Gourd Island Conservation Area: Hiking Oasis in Durbin

Trail Length: 4.1-mile loop

Tucked away in northern St. Johns County, Gourd Island gets its unique name from a floodplain swamp that takes the distinct shape of a gourd. Hiking here is a dynamic experience because the trail is primarily uplands in the center of the “gourd” which offers the best of both habitats as well as a variety in wildlife viewing. Gourd Island is now part of a sandhill restoration project. Trail information for Gourd Island.

2. Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area: Multi-use Trails in Northern St. Johns County

Trail Length: 2.8-mile loop

Twelve Mile Swamp acts as the vital ecological headwaters for six major tributary systems that discharge directly into both the St. Johns, Tolomato, and Matanzas rivers. While most of this 22,000-acre property is off limits, a dedicated 378-acre recreation zone allows for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. It winds past slash pine forests and cypress domes. Trail information for Twelve Mile Swamp. 

3. Stokes Landing Conservation Area: The Rare Side of Guana

Trail Length: 1.8 to 2.5 miles

Stokes Landing was the SJRWMD’s very first land acquisition in the Tolomato River coastal basin, explicitly protected to save a mile and a half of sensitive shoreline from development. The trail follows heavily shaded forest roads, making it a relatively short and easy hike perfect for families or a quick morning walk. The crowning jewel of Stokes Landing is the elevated wooden observation platform built directly over the salt marsh, which gives you front-row seats to sweeping views of Guana. Bring your binoculars, because it is a great spot for bird watching. Trail information for Stokes Landing. 

4. Moses Creek Conservation Area: Tidal Marshes and a Variety of Adventures

Trail Length: Up to 11.4 miles of blazed trails

Located just south of St. Augustine, this property protects one of the last remaining undeveloped tidal creeks in the region. Moses Creek offers more amenities than many other conservation areas, including multiple camping and picnic areas as well as a dedicated mountain biking trail. While camping is free, it does require a reservation. Camping information Moses Creek. Trail information for Moses Creek. 

5. Deep Creek Conservation Area: Isolated Hiking and Paddling Adventure

Trail Length: Deep Creek North Tract trail is 3.0 miles, and Yarborough Tract trail is 2.2 miles

Deep Creek is the conservation area in St. Johns County that offers the most “Old Florida” experience. Multi-use forest roads allow for hiking and mountain biking in both the Deep Creek and Yarborough Tracts, however, paddling is the flagship experience. Creek access is via the boat ramp on State Road 207 just east of Hastings. It is on the south side of 207 as it passes over Deep Creek (and can be easily missed). The undeveloped creek winds for miles before it empties into the St. Johns River. Trail and paddling information for Deep Creek.

Before you go:

• Pack it in, pack it out: You won’t find trash cans along the trails, so strictly practice Leave No Trace and carry all garbage back out with you.
• Prepare for the elements: Check weather conditions before you set out. Always bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, no matter what time of year.
• Verify trail conditions: Because these lands are primarily wetlands, trails can occasionally flood after heavy storms. Check the conservation area websites before you head out to ensure there are no closures.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family-friendly walk, a full-day mountain biking adventure, or an overnight camping trip in the backcountry, St. Johns County’s SJRWMD conservation areas offer something for every level of outdoor explorer. Best of all, every one of these lands is permanently protected — which means the wild, undeveloped Florida you find here today will still be waiting for you on your next visit. Lace up, paddle out, and go find it.

About the author: Ryan Worthington, known as The Florida Excursionist, is a Live Wildly Adventurist. He grew up in Florida State Parks and has spent his life exploring — and championing — the state’s wild places. A Florida Master Naturalist, he documents conservation areas across the state through guided hikes, social media, and his podcast The Florida Madcaps.