Exploring Bulls Bay Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Y’all, I have lived in Jacksonville for 29 years and I had no idea that I lived within 20 miles of waterfalls until just a few weeks ago. Yes, actual waterfalls in this flat ass state of ours! In 2019 the city of Jacksonville opened one of their newest parks- the Bulls Bay Preserve. The Preserve was established to protect the swamp-land and the tributaries leading to some of the major local rivers.

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What is the history behind Bulls Bay Preserve?

Although it wasn’t until 2019 that the preserve was easily accessible to visitors, the area is full of historical significance for locals. Once known by the misnomer Paradise Plantation from the 1820s until the Civil War. This plantation belonged to one of Jacksonville’s founding fathers, Isaiah D. Hart.

Hart was a plantation owner, slaver and founder of Jacksonville. After moving to the area from Georgia, he began platting the town in 1822. He established his own plantation just a few miles away from what is now known as downtown Jacksonville. Hart went on to serve as a postmaster, judge, and a member of the Florida Territorial Senate.

Historians believe that one of the waterfalls on the property may have once been used for a gristmill where grains were ground into flour.

Isaiah’s son Ossian Hart, later Governor of Florida, wrote of the natural beauty of the place:

“In the open pine woods, I loved to wander all day long, and while driving the cows home, admiring the tall towering Pines that rose boldly from their footstool earth, and reached high up into the air-amongst which no intruding undergrowth obstructed the view of their noble trunks upon whose smooth flakes of bark, as smooth to the touch as the velvets of the north, you might write your name; or a complementary to your Lady Love.”

The land for the Bulls Bay Preserve was set aside in 1999. The Preserve consists of 1200 acres of the Bulls Bay Swamp that serves as the headwaters of two different tributaries to the St. Johns River, the Cedar River, and Sixmile Creek. One of the tributaries features a small, picturesque waterfall.

What are the highlights of Bulls Bay Preserve?

Waterfalls
Hiking/Biking Trails
Picnic tables
Grills
It’s pet friendly!

The park consists of 5 short and easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods. The Waterfall Loop features something you don’t see often in Florida; a waterfall. Although it’s only about 4 feet tall, it’s still a pretty cool sight for our low, flat state.

Where is the preserve located?

Located just eight miles from Downtown Jacksonville and less than a mile from I-10 and I-295, it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in Florida.

Physical address: 8017 Old Plank Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220

Our Thoughts on Bulls Bay Preserve

Bulls Bay Preserve has a lot of potential. The park offers restroom facilities, picnic tables, and grills.

There are 5 short, easy-to-navigate trails that are perfect for hiking and even better for biking! The narrow trails could use a little more signage, especially at the waterfall. Parts of the trail were uneven or steep, which was a challenge for our toddlers to navigate but they handled it like champs. Older visitors shouldn’t have trouble navigating through the woods. I think as time passes and this park becomes more and more popular, the trails will be beaten down more and will become easier to navigate for all.

Unfortunately, the creeks are filled with trash which takes away from the natural beauty of the area. I’m sure most of it was carried down the creek, however, there is plenty of evidence of people coming to the preserve to “party” (if you know what I mean). We recommend bringing some bug spray and maybe a trash bag to help keep this park clean.

I have a feeling we’ll be checking this park out again, in the future to see how it evolves. I think with proper care and maintenance, this place has the potential to be one of the better preserves in Jacksonville.