Route description:

Launch at Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park on its northeastern side, adjacent to the entrance of Betz-Tiger Point Preserve. Follow Pumpkin Hill Creek southwards. As you near Cedar Point Road, turn around and head north back to Pumpkin Hill Launch Point. This route takes the average paddler approximately three hours round-trip.

GPS Coordinates/Address:

Launchpoint/Endpoint:
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
30º 29´ 14´´ -81º 29´ 33´´
12100 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32226

Turnaround Point:
30º 27´ 46´´ -81º 28´ 36´´

Warnings:

This area has limited access at low-tide. If you hit a shallow area or sandbar, back up a couple of feet into deeper water, then paddle to the part of the creek where the water runs the quickest. Fast-running water generally indicates the deepest part of the creek, and counter intuitively, may be near the shoreline. Currents are strong – be ready for a workout.

Points of Interest:

This remote, quiet trail takes you along the eastern side of Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. Wildlife is abundant here, and ranges from the threatened American alligator to the endangered wood stork.  This area serves as a nursery for juvenile shrimp, which frequently leap out of the water to escape fish that are feeding on them. You may even have a few shrimp and fish jump right into your kayak, especially at low tide, when shrimps’ avenues of escape are limited by the shallow water.  This is an important feeding area for birds, including the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and Snowy Egret. Bobcats also inhabit the area.