Live Oak Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail is well shaded in all seasons. No creek crossings in this section of trail, though there are many on other trails in the Arboretum.

This trail features a few feet of elevation change, which is something for northeast Florida. Along this trail, you'll see loblolly pines as well as a vast area in the first (west) part of the trail that includes pine flatwoods and minimal ground vegetation. Once out of the pines, you'll get into an area with more dense vegetation, though the entire trail has reasonable sun coverage, even in winter. The name of the trail comes from the giant live oak trees present before the entrance to the trail. This trail is a loop, but off of the northeast corner of the trail, you'll find the trailhead to the Rosemary Ridge Trail, which is roughly one mile long.

Live oak, pine, loblolly pine, moss, birds.

The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens was once a titanium mine from 1944-1961. The 120 acres were left dormant for years, and eventually the city and local utility company JEA acquired the land. The elevation change is due to the past strip mining operation. The land is city-owned but completely managed by the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens non-profit organization.