Ponte Vedra Hiking

Looping the peninsula of land between the Guana River and the Tolomato River, the trails within the GTM Research Reserve are one of North Florida’s most beautiful places to hike.

At a Glance Information for Hiking the Guana, Timucuan, South Point Loop Trail Loop

• Type of Trail: Loop, 9.2 miles
• Fees/Permits: $3 day use fee, cash only paid at Guana Dam
• Points of Interest: South Point (south end of peninsula); Timucuan midden; La Natividad de Nuestra Senora de Tolomato; Shell Bluff; Big Savanna Pond
• Trail Blaze Colors: Trails are color coded in the GTM Reserve
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Bug Factor: Moderate, bring bug spray
• Restrooms: at Guana Dam, Trailhead and Environmental Education Center
• Open: Daily from 8 AM to sunset

The GTM Reserve and Guana Wildlife Management Area offer 22 miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems.

The trailhead for Guana River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is conveniently located off S. Roscoe Blvd., off of Palm Valley Rd., in Nocatee.

After entering Guana River WMA gate, there’s a small parking lot with a trail/legend board. The Guana River WMA trail system is vastly differing from the GTM Research Reserve’s system in that it’s mostly tall pines and sandy soil. Once you cross over into the GTM Reserve’s trail system, you’ll hike through a mostly dense oak forest.

The trails are color-coded in the GTM Reserve; however, they are not blazed in Guana River WMA but they are easy to follow. It’s 11 miles one-way from the Guana River WMA to the GTM Research Reserve. Once you get to the Reserve, you’ll find restrooms and a covered pavilion area for a quick bite and rest before heading back.

At a Glance Information for the Guana River Wildlife Management Area

• Type of Trail: loop, 22 miles
• Fees/Permits: Free
• Difficulty: Easy
• Bug Factor: Moderate, bring bug spray
• Restrooms: at the entrance on South Roscoe Blvd. and at the GTM Research Reserve Trailhead
• Open: Daily from 8 AM to sunset

Have little ones? Or just short on time? Check out these kid-friendly, short walks that give you a snapshot of the natural diversity Ponte Vedra and Ponte Vedra Beach have to offer.

Bird Island Park

Bird Island Park, designed by Bobby Weed, illustrates the ecosystems of northeast Florida with dunes, wetland areas and includes educational signage and interactive sculptures. This passive park offers ample opportunities for small group gatherings, picnicking, bird watching or strolling and relaxing. The winding trail leads park guests past water features and a sea turtle maze – all enhanced by shade trees. There’s a boardwalk surrounding the pond, a children’s play area and handicapped accessible sidewalks.

Bird Island Park is located in Ponte Vedra Beach at the Public Library, 101 Library Road. There are signs directing you to parking for Bird Island, beyond the Library parking area.

GTM North Beach Access

The GTM North Beach Access is located at 1600 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd. There’s a $3 day use fee for parking (cash only) and port-a-lets available. Cross A1A to the boardwalk down that leads down to the beach. Sea and shore birds will greet you as you make your way along the shoreline. Go at low tide for the best opportunity at finding shells and sharks teeth!

GTM Research Reserve's Sensory Trail

GTM Research Reserve has partnered with KultureCity and offers a sensory inclusive trail. Prior to visiting, download the free KultureCity APP from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Their .3 mile brick paved trail meanders through a shaded oak hammock with benches and signage along the way.

Nocatee Community Park Nature Trail

This 75-acre eco-friendly community park includes nature trails that meander through Florida foliage with lake views. The park offers a picnic pavilion, playscape and multipurpose fields. Wander past picturesque lakes looking for birds, turtles and other wildlife.

• Stay on track. Staying on designated trails to trampling on sensitive plants and animals.
• Keep it natural. By packing out what you bring in you’ll help keep the “natural” in our “natural areas.”
• Bring your own. Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle and refill it at the GTM Environmental Education Center
• Share the trail. Keep your eyes open for other hikers, dog walkers and horseback riders.
• Stay chemical free. Stick to sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the most common ingredients found in chemical formulas.
• Education is key. Stop by the GTM Environmental Education Center to better understand these unique ecosystems.