Preserving over 2,100 acres around its namesake waterway, Moses Creek Conservation Area is one of several contiguous properties protecting fragile ecosystems along the Matanzas River south of St. Augustine.
A mosaic of natural communities spans the property, providing habitats for an array of different plants and animals.
A popular spot for hiking, the conservation area also features off-road bike trails, a reservable group camp area, and a first come, first serve primitive campsite.
Although there is no launch on site, paddlers often travel up the creek during high tide to one of two landing spots with picnic tables.
Bridge over a tannic creekResources
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Overview
Location: Crescent Beach
Length: 11.8 miles
Trailhead: 29.757556, -81.275972
Address: 1300 SR 206 E, St. Augustine
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: St. Johns Water Management District
Phone: 386-329-4404
Open 24 hours a day, leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 206 and Interstate 95 southwest of St. Augustine, head east on SR 206 for 4.3 miles, and the parking area will be on the left side of the road, marked with a large sign.
Hike
Starting at the trailhead kiosk, head through a gap in the fence to follow white diamond shaped markers along a wide access road.
Shiny blueberry and pennyroyal cluster in sunny spots alongside the trail as tall slash pines rise from a shrubby understory of saw palm, fetterbush, and gallberry.
Mesic pine flatwoodsWhere a spur trail branches off to the group campsite at a half mile, continue straight as the mesic flatwoods community gradually transitions to scrub habitat.
Small, shrubby clusters of Florida rosemary emerge from a sandy pathway surrounded by scrub oak, rusty lyonia, and crowded stands of sand pine.
Florida rosemary in the scrubNear the one mile mark, enter a mixed forest where a canopy of oak, magnolia, and hickory cast dappled shade onto a forest floor dotted with coonties, palmettos, and grasses.
Clusters of orchids cling to craggy tree trunks, thriving in humid conditions under dense tree cover.
Greenfly orchids in bloomTurn right at the next junction for a half mile round trip detour to a picturesque bluff overlooking Moses Creek.
A picnic table sits at the top of the bluff, offering a place to rest with panoramic views of the expansive salt marshes.
On the other side of this elevated point, a floating dock provides access from the water.
Picnic spot on the bluffContinuing north from the spur, yellow trail markers lead the way as the path crosses a tannic stream before emerging from the woods at another sandy scrub ecosystem.
At 2.4 miles, turn right at the red trail, following a soft sugar sand road for one mile to a bridge crossing at the bottom of a small valley.
Stream crossingParallel a fence line at the north end of the property for a few hundred feet then turn south, passing through a sandhill habitat undergoing restoration efforts.
Regular prescribed burns and the removal of sand pines have allowed wildflowers and wiregrass to carpet the open savannas.
Sandhill habitatA gradual descent over the next 2.3 miles brings the trail from scrubby to wet flatwoods, where the path can be underwater in spots.
Emerge from a mixed hammock to trail’s end at Murat’s Point. A fork at the end of the trail provides access to the campsite.
It sits atop a scenic bluff. A separate picnic table is south of the campsite for day hikers.
From this end point, retrace the same route back to the trailhead minus the side trip, reaching the parking area after 5.8 miles to complete this 11.8 mile hike.
Campsite overlooking the salt marshesTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Moses Creek Conservation Area
Nearby Adventures
Matanzas State Forest A system of linear and loop trails connected to a primitive campground offers scenic views of flatwoods, hammocks, and marshes alongside the Matanzas River.
Faver-Dykes State Park At Faver-Dykes State Park, explore the estuaries of the Matanzas River and the uplands above Pellicer Creek.
Princess Place Preserve Explore wild spaces and cultivated grounds along eight different trails at Princess Place Preserve, an 1880s homestead at Cherokee Grove on Pellicer Creek. 
Fort Matanzas National Monument On the shores of Fort Matanzas, a significant historic site south of St. Augustine, the dunes are now swaddled in coastal hammock. Visit them on an accessible boardwalk.
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