For the second year, the partners who make up the 7 Creeks Recreation Area are offering a memorable adventure – the 2026 7 Creeks Winter Hiking Spree. Hikers of all ages can start the hiking spree challenge in the new year, hike seven trails between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026, and earn a special 7 Creeks reward.
“We had such a great response to the inaugural winter hiking spree challenge in 2025 that we wanted to offer it once again to incentivize the exploration of the 7 Creeks Recreation Area,” said Fred Richards, executive director of Timucuan Parks Foundation. “We had approximately 50 people participate in the hiking spree last year, and we are hoping to get even more in 2026. We look forward to seeing everyone on the trails.”
With more than 30 miles of trails on approximately 5,600 connected acres, the 7 Creeks Recreation Area offers a variety of trails at different levels of difficulty. Participants can choose trails at Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, Bogey Creek Preserve, Cedar Point Preserve, Cedar Point (NPS), Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, or Jim Wingate Preserve or can do the entire 7 Creeks Trail. Hikers must take seven hikes within the 7 Creeks Area and keep track of the hikes on a log, which can be found at timucuanparks.org/7-creeks-hiking-spree/.
Hikers can choose their own adventure, repeat their favorite trail, or pick something new to explore. The hikes range from an easy half-mile Pond Trail at Betz-Tiger Point Preserve to the three-and-a-quarter-mile Bridge Trail that runs between Cedar Point and Cedar Point Preserve. There is also the more difficult seven-mile 7 Creeks Trail, which takes a hiker between Betz-Tiger Point Preserve and Cedar Point (NPS).
Hikers are encouraged to share their adventure online and tag #7CreekHikingSpree to show photos and stories from the trails. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, bring water to stay hydrated, and use insect repellent for protection. Organizers suggest taking a photo of the trail map in the kiosk of each trailhead before heading out.
At the end of the hiking spree, mail in the hiking spree log and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Timucuan Parks Foundation, PO Box 351203, Jacksonville, FL, 32235, to receive the 7 Creeks Winter Hiking Spree Reward.
The 7 Creeks Recreation Area was established in 2020. It is a partnership of park agencies and supportive nonprofits working together to expand access and recreational opportunities for visitors. Partners include Timucuan Parks Foundation, the City of Jacksonville, Florida State Parks, the National Park Service’s Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, North Florida Land Trust, and Visit Jacksonville. More information can be found at timucuanparks.org/7-creeks-jax/.