Biking the Nocatee Preserve
Nocatee Preserve in Ponte Vedra offers cyclists a wildly beautiful ride through forestland that fronts a 3.5 mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway known as the Tolomato River.
Nocatee Preserve’s 3.5 mile “out and back” trail is not one to miss. With multiple wooden features including a whale tail and skinny and fat wooden bridges, this trail is an easy to moderate ride.
The Preserve is situated on a natural estuary, the GTM Reserve, and boasts a variety of wildlife. Visitors may see wild boar, deer, turkey, snakes, and many birds. It can also be home to lots of insects, particularly in the warmer months. Carry insect repellent to help keep them away.
The trailhead, located near Ponte Vedra High School and Davis Park, provides easy parking and restrooms. Be aware that although the trail starts out under a tree canopy, it opens and you’ll want to make sure to wear sun protection and a hat.
Experience Nocatee Preserve
The Nocatee community encompasses 2,400-acres of conservation land and a 3.5 mile "out-and-back" trail for hiking, cycling and horseback riding.
At a Glance Information for the Nocatee Preserve
Type of Trail: Out-and-back, 3.5 miles one-way
Fees/Permits: Free
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Bug Factor: Moderate, bring bug spray.
Restrooms: at the Trailhead
Open: Daily from sunrise to sunset
The Greenways Trail
Consisting of more than 5,000-acres, the Nocatee Greenway connects parks, protected wildlife corridors and wetland preserve with the Nocatee Community. Marked overlooks provide resting spots with a view as the trails travel through a scenic natural paradise.
The Nocatee Fitness Trails and Greenways are open to visitors from sunrise to sunset and offer more than 20 miles of pathways that wander throughout these preserved lands.
Be a Sustainable PVB Guest!
Whether hiking or biking, limit your impact to the surrounding areas by being a “Sustainable Ponte Vedra Beach Guest” – keep these recommendations in mind when visiting the Nocatee Preserve.
Tips on How to be a Sustainable Ponte Vedra Beach Guest
- Stay safe. Wear your helmet and take plenty of water with you.
- Share the trail. Keep your eyes open for other cyclists, hikers, dog walkers and horseback riders.
- Stay on track. Be sure to stay on established trail areas and don’t disturb sensitive lands.
- Stay chemical free. Stick to sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the most common ingredients found in chemical formulas.
- Keep it natural. By packing out what you bring in you’ll help keep the “natural” in our “natural areas.”
Nearby Things to Do
- Explore the GTM Research Reserve's bike trails.
- Stroll the paved paths at Bird Island Park.
- Explore the area via water. North Guana Outpost offers rentals of stand up paddleboards and kayaks. Or participate in one of their guided eco tours.
- If you're a lover of golf, be sure to stop in the TPC Clubhouse for a free tour. Enjoy dining in NINETEEN, their signature restaurant overlooking the Stadium course.
- Enjoy a show at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Ponte Vedra Beach's premier concert venue.