Runner's World magazine once named Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park "Trail of the Month." With roughly 20 miles of maintained hiking, biking and running trails, some of which within view of the Atlantic Ocean, it's easy to see why. In addition to a 1.5-mile stretch of beach to stroll, this 450-acre park has a fresh water lake, kids splash park, beachfront pavilion, cabins, surfing, kayaking, fishing and campsites.
Parking at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Parking is free with admission. Hanna Park has 11 parking lots by the beach and two by the lake. The busiest parking lot is #8 because it is close to the lifeguard station, lake and beach. Hikers and mountain bikers may want to park in the main parking lot outside the office, as it lends easy access to the trails. The bike wash is also there.
Best and worst times to go to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Morning is the best time to hit the trails or walk the beach. It's cooler then, and there are fewer people—except in the surfing area, which tends to be busy. In the spring and fall, evenings are better. Holiday weekends are usually packed.
Admission to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Admission is cash only, and the fee is based on mode of travel: car, bike, or your own two feet. Tent, pop-up or RV site camping is by online reservation, and the park only takes Visa and MasterCard. Annual passes run around $100.
Must see/do at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Bikers, hikers and runners will appreciate the different types of trails, which are marked by type and skill level. Surfers will find "The Poles" deserves its reputation as one of the top surfing spots in northeast Florida. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the seabirds, foxes and alligators, but may want to come May through October, when the sea turtles are nesting.
Other places to visit near Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Start in Jacksonville Beach with the Beaches Museum & History Park to get a sense of the Beaches heritage, then wander over to explore Mayport, a fishing village founded by the French in 1562. Complete your area history tour by taking a quick ride on the St. Johns River Ferry to go visit Kingsley Plantation, which is just across the river.
Insider tip for visitors to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
It can be difficult to get someone on the phone, so if you have an issue or a question, be prepared to call several times, or e-mail the park (hannapark@coj.net) and ask them to call you.
Author's bio: Freelance writer Barbara Merchant roams Jacksonville and St. Augustine with the experienced eye of a native and the open eagerness of a tourist.