Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Parks closed through March 2020

Just rode here last Saturday and it is always a challenge to do each loop without stopping. The local mtn bike club (SORBA, it think) has done quite a bit of work lately due to downed trees and deteriorating wood bridges. A couple of new bridges, new lines, and an interior trail on Z-Trail loop that seems to cut off some distance. It needs some more riding to clear out the leaves and pack it down a little more. Loved the new loop though.

Z-Trail is more technical with tight turns around trees, roots, one tight switchback, more elevation change. South Loop is fast with a few technical spots. E-Line, to me, is a good combination of Z and South. Can't forget Lil' Joe. When you get to the end of the main paved road head toward the beach. Joe cuts off next to a Cedar tree. It can be ridden either direction. Very tight and technical but super fun!

Fun intermediate trail system with an excellent campground too. There are essentially 4 trail systems at this park, a double track beginner loop, the South loop, a fun intermediate trail with good flow marked blue (intermediate), Z Line - a tight and twisty trail with a some fun technical features that is truly intermediate, (though it has a black, expert rating) and the E line - a trail system across the street on the boy scout camp side. This one, like the others two, totals around 5 miles of riding, but it is a loop with some spur trails as well. Mostly intermediate, and a bit easier than the other side, but has one root hill some will walk up when the direction is applicable. Enough speed, stay to the right, and you can clean it.
Trails run single direction and are well marked, depending on the day. The cool thing is that you can ride Mon and Tues feeling like you got a whole new set of trails, good stuff. Watch out for the occasional unaware hiker, sometimes they dot find their trails to be exciting enough. Be patient, keep our trails open.
Note- Lots of roots here, makes for some cool and interesting climbs. Not much soft sand, and lots of shade.
If you like the beach, Hanna has an excellent beach, check it out. Lastly, the campground is very nice, and it's a great way to ride the trails at night.

A rare Florida trail system with some fun natural elements! Note: the map given at entrance is deceptive because the hardest trails are outlined in green (oops, green is usually easiest) and intermediate trails are red. Also, trail markers do not correspond with the map (no trail names on map, no map junction numbers on trail signs!) -- or at least it's challenging to figure out for a first-timer. Trees/jungle-like foliage make line of sight navigation impossible but trails were fun and in great shape. Most trails are pretty fast, flat and easy with switchbacks and tight squeezes between trees. Roots once in a while, no rocks to speak of. A few short climbs. Great place for a beginner to test and build skills. Expert trails not that hard. Note some trails have reverse direction on certain days of the week.

Amazing creative area , twisting and winding back and forth . Trails marked well

For Jacksonville and the immediate surrounding area, this is the most extensive trail system. Approximately 12mi of trails. (Don't know where they got 20mi from. I double checked the map and my math) Mostly singletrack. If you want to ride without having to repeat any trails to get your mileage in, come here. This park is pretty much in my backyard. I've maintained an annual pass here for 6yrs, and I ride here 3-4 days a week minimum if it isn't raining.
PROS:
1.) It's at the beach!
2.) Most Jacksonville trail systems are very flat, but this one has its changes in "elevation" LOL. You have to ride the other local trails to appreciate Hanna.
3.) Tool station, bike wash, changing room at the park's entrance.
4.) Multiple exit points all over the trails. Makes it really easy to throw in the towel and go home or use...
5.) Bathrooms. Lots of bathrooms and port-o-potties. Some have showers for rinsing your body off. Or go into the ocean and do your business.
CONS:
1.) This is a recreational park that hosts many different types of activities. So on the bike trails in particular, you will see hikers, XC runners, and weekend warriors/explorers. There is a dedicated pedestrian trail, but they seem to prefer hiking the bike trails. I've asked hikers why, and they told me because the bike trails received more traffic, and are therefore wider and better groomed. I have personally walked all of the pedestrian trails, and disagree. I would love to take my bike on the hiking trails just for a new experience. They should just allow ALL types of activities on ANY trail. I say this because trailheads and signage and direction changes are clearly marked everywhere, but many people don't read them or choose to ignore them. You must stay alert.
2.) Any obstacles, technical features, logs, smaller downed trees, anything that adds more FUN, will eventually be removed by park staff or SORBA Jax. Usually sooner than later. Maybe for liability? I don't know. You have to keep your eyes peeled and get creative.
I'd like to end with saying that the Lil Joe trail is the most challenging and my personal favorite, but it's also the shortest trail in the park! 0.2mi. It'd be awesome to have a lengthier trail like Lil Joe. Also, ignore the black diamonds. Nothing here is truly "black diamond." Hone your basics here, get familiar with your bike. Have fun!

Great for intermediate riding, some sharp turns, a bunch of roots that provide some challenges, and easy to access once inside the park. Awesome trails!

Found trail to be challenging. It is very rooty in places, but overall it is a fun ride.

The trails are running very well as of late due to all the rain. The "North Side", aka "E-Line" has a bit of water right at the beginning by the fence. Trails need some trimming due to the rain. The SORBA Chapter is working with the City to work on some of the erosion. A paver and lime rock project will begin in late August. The Chapter will do a few sections at a time over the next several months to help with some of the soft sand erosion.

Had an absolutely great time riding Hanna Park all of the trails are pretty well-manicured could use a little bit of love in some areas it's good to ride right after a rain but it's a little bit slower many different trails to choose from and they change the directions on opposite days of the week so unlimited possibilities I recommend

Great trail...drove down for weekend from Savannah. Well worth drive.

Awesome trails, and friendly people. Everything was well maintained and the tool/air area at the front gate was a nice touch, especially since I blew a tube after our final run on the way back to the truck.

running fast

It's almost like the park manager doesn't understand the amount of revenue generated from the cyclists/trails. Trails are worn and in bad shape, needs pavers or something to prevent wash out in a bad way. E-Line still has several downed trees from Hurricane Matthew! Used to be a nice place to ride, but it's gone downhill.

Good trails, only a few are open right now due to trees down from Matthew. Going to go back when all is open again

July 2016- South Creek section only- the trail is well marked, and it changes direction daily. When I rode, it was in great shape for summer in FL. A few patches of sand, but not too much. The trail is mostly in the shade which is nice considering the heat. Bring bug spray. The trail circles a lake, and crosses a few access roads, which are a short ride to the beach. I saw some vending machines and bathrooms, and there is a fee for parking.

Great natural trails - very very sandy. Green trail is extremely nice and easy, well maintained. I'm a beginner and switched over to the intermediate, then the Z trail that is more difficult (very achievable for newbies and very fun for a more expert rider). Obstacles and climbs were easy to see ahead of time so I just walked over the few I could not ride over confidently. Trails are cleared nicely on green, more difficult Z trail has more narrow trees and more nature. I found it a little difficult to find trail head. Drive in to park, parking area straight ahead and bike wash right there - get on bike make immediate right from entrance you'll see 10 mph sign, trail entrances are mid way down that street before you get to sandy parking lot. Really liked these trails !

Trail is in very good shape. There are a few spots with some loose sand but overall really good. I like that the trails are directional so you normally don't have anyone coming at you. There are a lot of roots. Good for beginner to intermediate riders.

Several really good trails from beginner to advanced. Some of the stuff can be a little technical for a beginner. Overall fun and challenging.

Rode these trails back in the fall when in town visiting relatives but just now posting. Being originally from Jax I had no idea these trails were here. Great system and very impressive use of the area. Very Nicely maintained. The don't feed the alligators sign made my day.