Circling a peninsula of land between the Guana River and the Tolomato River, the extensive trail system at GTM Reserve is open to biking and hiking. Enjoy a walk through maritime forests riffled by a salt breeze.
The trail traverses a broad variety of habitats, including open freshwater savannas, scrub, live oak hammocks, salt marshes, and scrubby flatwoods.
There are many gems along the trail, including the remains of the first-ever Spanish mission in the New World.
This hike is listed as “Guana River State Park” in 50 Hikes in North Florida since at the time we first assessed it, the land was managed by Florida State Parks.
Resources
Overview
Location: South Ponte Vedra Beach
Length: 9 mile loop with cross and connector trails
Lat-Long: 30.0229, -81.3291
Type: Loop
Fees / Permits: entrance fee
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: At nature center
Open 8 AM to sunset
Be sure to visit the interactive visitor center before your hike. It’s a great place to orient yourself to the habitats of this unique chain of islands.
Directions
From St. Augustine, follow A1A north from San Marco Blvd through Vilano Beach into South Ponte Vedra Beach; the park entrance is on the right after 9.5 miles. Drive to the far end of the parking area and walk down the road across the dam to the treeline to find the trailhead.