Exploring the Best Places to Stay Active Across Northeast Florida and South Georgia
At First Coast Cardiovascular Institute, we’re committed to helping our communities live healthier lives, both inside and outside the doctor’s office. While regular checkups and preventive care play an important role in protecting your heart, many of the healthiest choices you can make happen long before you step into a clinic.
One of those choices is simply getting active.
Whether it’s walking through a neighborhood park, riding a bike along a scenic trail, paddling a local waterway, or enjoying a swim with family, physical activity is an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
That’s why we’re introducing Heart Healthy Hometowns, a blog series exploring some of the best places to stay active across Northeast Florida and South Georgia. In each edition, we’ll visit one of the communities we proudly serve and highlight local parks, trails, waterways, pools, and other destinations that make getting active a little more enjoyable.
Our first stop is Clay County, Florida.
From Fleming Island and Orange Park to Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, and Keystone Heights, Clay County offers plenty of ways to get outside and get moving. With scenic waterways, wooded trails, community parks, and opportunities for swimming and paddling, you may discover that your next heart-healthy adventure is closer than you think.
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, according to the American Heart Association. The good news is that those minutes do not have to happen all at once. A brisk walk, bike ride, swim, or other activity you enjoy can all help you build a more active routine.
Black Creek Park and Trail | Fleming Island
One of Clay County’s most popular places for walking and cycling is the Black Creek Park and Trail. The eight-mile paved path runs along U.S. 17 on Fleming Island, with trailheads at Black Creek Park, Thunderbolt Park, and Camp Chowenwaw. Walkers, cyclists, and leashed dogs are all welcome.
Its paved surface and multiple access points make it a great choice whether you want a short morning walk or a longer weekend bike ride.
Why you’ll love it: Paved trail, multiple trailheads, walking and cycling opportunities, and plenty of room to choose a distance that works for you.
Camp Chowenwaw Park | Green Cove Springs
If you’re looking for more of a nature escape, head to Camp Chowenwaw Park. This 150-acre former Girl Scout camp sits along Black Creek near the St. Johns River and offers hiking trails, fishing, picnic areas, a playground, kayak access, a seasonal swimming pool, a museum, and a nature center.
The wooded trails make it a peaceful place for a leisurely walk, while the variety of activities makes it easy to turn your visit into a full family day outdoors.
Moccasin Slough | Fleming Island
For another walking option, explore Moccasin Slough, a 255-acre park on Fleming Island. Clay County lists hiking and nature trails, paved walking areas, a playground, and eight fitness stations along one of the trails.
It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to mix a walk with a few fitness stops along the way.
Swimming provides an aerobic workout without the impact of activities such as running, making it an appealing way to add variety to your exercise routine.
Camp Chowenwaw Park offers a seasonal swimming pool in addition to its many outdoor amenities. Check the park’s current schedule and fees before visiting.
Clay County residents may also have access to neighborhood, community, or fitness-center pools. If swimming is your preferred activity, look for lap-swim times or aquatic fitness programs available near you.
With Black Creek, Doctors Lake, and the St. Johns River nearby, getting on the water is another way to enjoy an active day in Clay County.
Camp Chowenwaw offers kayak access along with paddleboard rentals, providing a convenient place to combine paddling with hiking, a picnic, or other outdoor activities.
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket, bring water, and check weather and water conditions before heading out.
Exercise doesn’t always have to look like a workout. A day at the park can get the whole family moving.
Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park in Lake Asbury offers a nature trail along with a playground, disc golf, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball, soccer, volleyball, fishing, and picnic areas.
For a quieter outdoor experience, visit Moccasin Slough, or spend the day exploring the trails and recreational opportunities at Camp Chowenwaw.
The goal is simply to move more and find activities you enjoy enough to do again.
You don’t need to become a marathon runner to benefit from physical activity.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week for adults. That could mean 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week, but you can also break your activity into smaller amounts throughout the week.
Most importantly, choose activities you enjoy. You’re more likely to make movement a lasting habit when you actually look forward to doing it.
