Bulls Bay Preserve and Waterfall is tucked away on the west side of Jacksonville, FL
Tim and I are always looking for a fun activity or a new place to explore. We’re part of Facebook groups and follow many of the channels that promote fun things to do. Lately, the Bulls Bay Preserve and Waterfall have been showing up in both of our feeds. When time allows, our typical go-to is one of the nearby beaches. We’ve been wanting to get back into hiking and mountain biking, and this trail definitely had us intrigued. It’s located inside the city of Jacksonville, FL. Somehow, it has flown under our radar all of this time. This “secret” waterfall and natural beauty offering a peaceful, uncrowded spot on the west side of town.
Bulls Bay Preserve is a 1,222-acre natural area in Jacksonville, Florida. Primarily consisting of wetlands and serving as a conservation easement to protect local ecosystems. It acts as a buffer to the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail and encompasses the Bulls Bay Swamp. Which forms the headwaters for tributaries of the St. Johns River, including the Cedar River and Sixmile Creek. The preserve offers a serene escape with diverse landscapes, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts in the region.
A brief history
The land was acquired on December 21, 1999, as part of a conservation easement for environmental mitigation. Its roots trace back to the 1820s with Paradise Plantation. Established by Isaiah D. Hart, one of Jacksonville’s founders. Over time, the area was used for sand mining, timber harvesting, and cattle grazing. The name “Bulls Bay” appeared around the 1930s. Assuming the name derived from cattle (bulls) or bay trees in the swamp. It was largely inaccessible to the public until around 2019, when trails were developed.
Key features
Extensive wetlands, open pine woods with tall, large live oak trees, lily ponds, and a small, picturesque waterfall formed by an unnamed tributary of the Cedar River. The landscape offers elevation changes that aren’t too common for this part of Florida. Creating a mountainous feel in parts, along with scenic views of pine trunks and wildflowers. Amenities on-site include a picnic area, a restroom, and it is pet-friendly.
Activities at the preserve focus on outdoor recreation, such as hiking on easy trails. Around 1 mile with minimal elevation gain of about 22 feet. Mountain biking on a 2+ mile network of fun yet challenging paths, bird watching, and exploring the waterfall trail. It’s suitable for all skill levels, with options for short loops or longer adventures. Occasional events like cleanups and guided hikes are organized by groups such as the St. Johns Riverkeeper.
The preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Standard park rules apply, such as staying on designated trails, leashing pets, and following leave-no-trace principles. We were pretty disappointed by the amount of trash, graffiti, and dog feces on the trails. Right when we arrived, we both picked up some trash in the parking lot.
Getting to Bulls Bay Preserve and Waterfall
Bulls Bay Preserve and Waterfall is located at 8017 Old Plank Road, Jacksonville, FL 32220. Access is available via the northern swamp trail off the main Old Plank Road trailhead. There are no entrance or parking fees, and it’s easily reachable from western Jacksonville, near the I-295 and I-10 exit.
