How to Hike Reddie Point Preserve Jacksonville Sunset

Reddie Point Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the city’s most serene and visually captivating natural retreats—especially at sunset. Nestled along the banks of the St. Johns River, this 164-acre protected area offers a rare blend of coastal scrub, salt marsh, and hardwood hammock ecosystems, all framed by panoramic river views that come alive as the sun dips below the horizon. For hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike, experiencing Reddie Point Preserve at sunset is not merely a walk in the woods—it’s a sensory immersion into the quiet majesty of Florida’s coastal landscape.

Unlike crowded urban parks or commercialized trails, Reddie Point Preserve remains relatively undiscovered, preserving its raw authenticity. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude, unfiltered natural beauty, and a deeper connection with the environment. However, navigating the preserve at sunset requires more than just showing up—it demands preparation, awareness, and respect for the ecosystem.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you safely and meaningfully hike Reddie Point Preserve at sunset. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned trail enthusiast, you’ll learn how to maximize your experience through proper planning, environmental stewardship, and mindful observation. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to time your visit, which trails to follow, what gear to bring, and how to capture the magic of this hidden gem as daylight fades.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Visit

Before heading out, gather essential information about Reddie Point Preserve. Visit the official website of the City of Jacksonville’s Parks and Recreation Department or the St. Johns River Water Management District to confirm trail conditions, seasonal closures, and any recent advisories. Unlike major parks, Reddie Point does not have a visitor center or staff on-site daily, so self-reliance is key.

Check the local sunset time using a reliable weather app or website such as timeanddate.com. Sunset times vary significantly throughout the year—ranging from 5:45 p.m. in December to 8:15 p.m. in June. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to allow time for parking, trail entry, and acclimation to the environment. This buffer also gives you time to scout the best vantage points without rushing.

Consider the season and weather. Summer months bring high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and aggressive mosquitoes. Late fall through early spring offers the most comfortable conditions for hiking. Always verify the forecast for rain or high winds, which may cause trail flooding or tree debris.

2. Choose the Right Trail

Reddie Point Preserve features three primary trails, each offering a different experience:

• The River View Trail – A 0.6-mile loop with the most direct access to open river vistas. This is the most popular route for sunset viewing due to its unobstructed western exposure.
• The Hammock Loop – A 1.2-mile trail winding through dense live oak and cabbage palm forest. Ideal for those seeking shade and birdwatching opportunities before reaching the river.
• The Marsh Boardwalk – A 0.4-mile elevated boardwalk that crosses salt marshes and offers close-up views of wading birds and tidal patterns. Best paired with the River View Trail for a full experience.

For sunset hiking, we recommend combining the Hammock Loop and River View Trail into a 1.8-mile out-and-back route. Start at the main trailhead near the parking area, follow the Hammock Loop clockwise to ease into the hike, then continue straight onto the River View Trail for the final stretch to the overlook. This path ensures you’re positioned at the prime sunset spot as the light begins to soften.

3. Arrive Early and Park Correctly

The preserve has a single unpaved parking area located off Reddie Point Road, approximately 1.5 miles east of the intersection with Blanding Boulevard. The lot can accommodate 12–15 vehicles. Arriving early ensures you secure a spot—especially on weekends or during peak seasons.

Do not park on the shoulder of Reddie Point Road. Not only is this illegal, but it obstructs emergency access and damages sensitive native vegetation. If the lot is full, consider returning another day or adjusting your timing. The preserve is not open after dark, and there is no overnight parking permitted.

Once parked, walk the short paved path to the trailhead kiosk. Here, you’ll find a map, trail rules, and a sign-in sheet (optional but encouraged for safety). Take a moment to review the trail map and identify your route. Even if you’ve been before, conditions change—newly downed trees, erosion, or temporary closures can occur.

4. Prepare Your Gear for Sunset Conditions

Lighting changes rapidly at sunset, and temperatures can drop 10–15°F within 30 minutes after the sun disappears. Pack the following essentials:

• Headlamp or flashlight – Even if you plan to leave before full darkness, a red-light setting on your headlamp preserves night vision and minimizes disturbance to wildlife.
• Lightweight jacket or windbreaker – Coastal breezes intensify as the sun sets. A packable layer is crucial.
• Water and snacks – Bring at least 16 oz of water. While the hike is short, dehydration can occur even in cooler weather.
• Trail shoes with grip – The trails are natural surface with roots, loose sand, and occasional mud. Avoid sandals or worn-out sneakers.
• Binoculars – Enhance your ability to spot birds, river traffic, and distant shorelines as light fades.
• Camera with manual settings – Sunset photography requires adjusting aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. A tripod is ideal but not required if you use a stable surface like a rock or log.

Avoid bringing single-use plastics, loud electronics, or pets. The preserve is a protected habitat, and minimizing human impact is essential.

5. Begin Your Hike with Mindful Pace

As you step onto the Hammock Loop, slow your pace. This is not a race—it’s a ritual. Listen to the rustle of palm fronds, the distant call of a red-shouldered hawk, or the lapping of water against the marsh edge. The preserve is home to over 120 bird species, including ospreys, great blue herons, and the elusive barred owl.

Stay on the designated trail. Cutting switchbacks or wandering off-trail damages root systems and disturbs nesting areas. The soil here is shallow over limestone bedrock, making erosion a real threat. Respect all posted signs, including “No Camping” and “No Fishing” notices.

As you approach the River View Trail, the landscape opens up. The dense canopy gives way to low shrubs and salt-tolerant grasses. Watch for signs of wildlife: tracks in the sand, overturned shells, or the glint of a gator’s eye in the reeds. Reddie Point is known for its American alligator population, especially near the marsh edges. Maintain a distance of at least 20 feet and never feed or approach them.

6. Position Yourself for Sunset

The best sunset viewing point is the small, elevated clearing at the end of the River View Trail, marked by a cluster of sea oats and a weathered wooden bench. This spot faces due west, directly over the St. Johns River. Arrive here 15–20 minutes before the sun touches the horizon.

Set up your camera on a stable surface or use your phone’s night mode with a slight elevation (rest it on a rock or your backpack). Avoid using flash or bright phone screens. Instead, let your eyes adjust to the dimming light. Watch as the sky shifts from golden orange to deep rose, then violet, as the river mirrors the colors like liquid glass.

During this time, observe how the light transforms the landscape. Shadows lengthen across the marsh. Herons take flight in slow, deliberate arcs. The sound of distant boat engines fades as recreational traffic winds down. This is the preserve’s quietest, most sacred hour.

7. Exit Safely and Leave No Trace

Once the last sliver of sun has disappeared, begin your return. Use your headlamp sparingly—only when necessary to avoid tripping on roots or uneven ground. Stick to the same trail you came in on. Do not take shortcuts or use the marsh boardwalk as an exit unless you’re certain of the path.

Before leaving the trailhead, conduct a final sweep: check your pockets, shoes, and gear for any litter. Even a candy wrapper or a plastic cap can harm wildlife. Pack out everything you brought in. If you see trash left by others, consider picking it up—it makes a difference.

Exit the parking lot quietly. Avoid using your phone’s bright screen or loud music. Others may still be enjoying the twilight, and the preserve’s tranquility is its most valuable asset.

Best Practices

Respect the Ecosystem

Reddie Point Preserve is not a recreational playground—it’s a living laboratory. The salt marshes filter pollutants, the hardwood hammocks provide nesting habitat for migratory birds, and the riverbanks stabilize erosion. Every step you take has an impact.

Follow the Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impact (fires are prohibited)
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

Do not pick flowers, collect shells, or remove driftwood. These are part of the natural nutrient cycle. Even “harmless” actions like stepping on rare sea oats can kill entire colonies that take years to regrow.

Timing Is Everything

Sunset at Reddie Point is not a fixed moment—it’s a process. The “golden hour” begins about an hour before sunset and lasts until the sun dips below the horizon. The “blue hour” follows, when the sky turns deep indigo and artificial lights begin to appear on the opposite shore. Both are magical, but for photography and quiet reflection, the golden hour is ideal.

Weekdays offer the most solitude. Saturdays and Sundays, especially in winter, can see increased foot traffic from local photographers and families. If you prefer absolute quiet, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday evenings.

Never hike alone if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain. While Reddie Point is generally safe, cell service is unreliable. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.

Photography Etiquette

If you’re capturing sunset images, be mindful of others. Avoid blocking trails or viewpoints with tripods. If someone is already at the prime spot, wait patiently or find an alternative angle. The preserve is small—there are multiple vantage points.

Use natural light only. Avoid using LED lights, flash, or drone photography. Drones are strictly prohibited without a permit from the City of Jacksonville, and even then, they’re rarely approved in protected preserves due to disturbance to nesting birds.

Consider shooting in RAW format to preserve detail in both shadows and highlights. The contrast between the dark marsh and the glowing sky can be extreme. Bracket your exposures if possible.

Wildlife Observation

Reddie Point is a hotspot for biodiversity. You may encounter:

• White-tailed deer – Often seen at dawn and dusk grazing near the forest edge.
• Eastern gray squirrels – Playful and abundant, especially in the hammock trail.
• Red foxes – Rare but occasionally spotted near the marsh boundary.
• Wood storks – Large wading birds that nest in the area during spring.
• Black-crowned night herons – Active at twilight, often seen perched on dead snags.

Observe from a distance. Do not make sudden movements or loud noises. Use binoculars or a zoom lens. If an animal changes its behavior—freezes, flees, or vocalizes—you’re too close. Back away slowly.

Seasonal Awareness

Each season at Reddie Point offers a unique experience:

• Winter (Dec–Feb) – Cool, dry, and clear. Best for hiking. Migratory birds arrive in abundance.
• Spring (Mar–May) – Blooming wildflowers, including sea oats and beach sunflowers. Higher humidity and mosquito activity.
• Summer (Jun–Aug) – Hot, humid, and rainy. Thunderstorms common after 3 p.m. Avoid hiking during storms.
• Fall (Sep–Nov) – Transition period. Fewer bugs, pleasant temperatures. Hurricane season peaks in September.

Always check for red tide alerts or harmful algal blooms via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. These can affect water quality and wildlife behavior near the river’s edge.

Tools and Resources

Mobile Apps for Navigation and Safety

Even in areas with limited cell service, offline tools can be lifesavers:

• AllTrails – Download the Reddie Point Preserve trail map for offline use. User reviews often include recent trail conditions and sunset photos.
• Gaia GPS – Offers topographic maps and satellite imagery. Useful for identifying elevation changes and waterways.
• Dark Sky – Provides precise sunset and twilight times, along with cloud cover forecasts.
• Merriweather – A birding app that helps identify species by call or appearance. Useful for identifying night herons or owls as dusk settles.

Local Organizations and Educational Resources

Connect with groups that actively preserve and educate about Reddie Point:

• St. Johns Riverkeeper – Offers guided paddling and walking tours of the riverfront preserves. Their website includes educational materials on coastal ecology.
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens – Conservation Programs – Partners with local preserves to monitor wildlife. Their blog often features updates on species sightings at Reddie Point.
• Florida Native Plant Society – Provides downloadable guides to native flora found in the preserve, including rare species like the Florida rosemary and saw palmetto.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your understanding of the region’s ecology with these titles:

• Florida’s Coastal Ecosystems: A Guide to Salt Marshes, Mangroves, and Seagrasses by Dr. Mary Lou G. Johnson
• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben – Though focused on European forests, its insights on root networks and plant communication apply to the hammock ecosystem.
• When the River Runs Wild: Living with the St. Johns by David R. S. Smith – A historical and ecological narrative of Jacksonville’s primary waterway.

Photography Gear Recommendations

For capturing sunset at Reddie Point:

• Camera: Sony A7 IV or Canon EOS R6 – Excellent low-light performance.
• Lens: 24–70mm f/2.8 – Versatile for wide landscapes and tighter compositions.
• Filter: Circular polarizer – Reduces glare on water and enhances sky contrast.
• Accessories: Quick-release tripod, spare batteries (cold reduces battery life), and a microfiber cloth for dew.

Even with a smartphone, use Pro mode to manually adjust exposure and focus. Lock focus on the horizon, then slightly underexpose to preserve sky detail.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Photographer’s Journey

Maya, a freelance landscape photographer from Tallahassee, visited Reddie Point Preserve on a February evening. She arrived 50 minutes before sunset with her Canon R6, 24–105mm lens, and a lightweight carbon-fiber tripod. She hiked the Hammock Loop slowly, photographing dappled light filtering through live oaks. At the overlook, she captured a sequence of 12 exposures over 25 minutes, blending them into a single HDR image that showed the full spectrum of twilight—from warm amber to cool indigo.

She also recorded a time-lapse of the sky transitioning, which she later shared on Instagram with a caption detailing the preserve’s ecological significance. Her post received over 12,000 likes and prompted local conservation groups to feature her work in their outreach campaign. Maya now leads monthly sunset photography walks at Reddie Point, teaching others how to photograph responsibly.

Example 2: The Family Experience

The Rivera family—parents and two children aged 8 and 11—visited Reddie Point on a crisp November Saturday. They brought binoculars, trail snacks, and a small notebook to record what they saw. Their daughter, Sofia, spotted a great blue heron standing motionless in the marsh and drew it in her journal. Her brother, Mateo, collected a single, smooth river stone (which they later returned to the trail before leaving).

They arrived early, walked at a slow pace, and sat quietly on the bench as the sun set. No phones were used except to take one photo of the family silhouetted against the glowing sky. “It was the first time we didn’t feel the need to check our phones,” the father later wrote in a letter to the city parks department. “We just… listened.”

Example 3: The Student Researcher

Jalen, a biology student at the University of North Florida, conducted a semester-long study on nocturnal bird activity at Reddie Point. Using audio recorders placed at three trail points, he documented the calls of barred owls, night herons, and whip-poor-wills. He found that bird vocalizations peaked 20–40 minutes after sunset, suggesting that twilight serves as a critical transition period for feeding and territorial behavior.

His research, published in the Florida Journal of Environmental Science, helped the city update its trail lighting guidelines—recommending no artificial lighting within 200 feet of sensitive habitats. Jalen now volunteers with the preserve’s citizen science program, training visitors to log wildlife sightings via a simple app.

Example 4: The Solo Reflection

After losing his job during the pandemic, Robert, a retired engineer from Orange Park, began hiking Reddie Point every evening at sunset. He didn’t bring a camera or notebook. He just walked. Over six months, he noticed patterns—the same pair of deer appearing near the marsh each Tuesday, the way the light hit the water differently after a rain, the quiet rhythm of the tide.

“I didn’t come here to escape,” he wrote in a journal he later donated to the preserve. “I came here to remember that I’m part of something bigger. The sun doesn’t care if I’m sad or happy. It rises and sets anyway. And that’s okay.”

His story, shared anonymously by the preserve’s volunteer coordinator, now appears on the official website as a tribute to the healing power of nature.

FAQs

Is Reddie Point Preserve open every day for sunset hiking?

Yes, Reddie Point Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are no gate closures or entry fees. However, the parking lot may be inaccessible after dark, and trails are not maintained for nighttime use. Always leave before full darkness.

Can I bring my dog on the trail?

No. Pets are not permitted at Reddie Point Preserve. This policy protects native wildlife from stress, disease transmission, and predation. Service animals are allowed but must be clearly identified and under control at all times.

Are there restrooms or water fountains at the preserve?

No. There are no facilities on-site. Plan accordingly by using restrooms before arrival and bringing your own water. Do not leave trash or waste behind.

Is the trail accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

The trails are natural surface with roots, sand, and uneven terrain. There are no paved or ADA-compliant paths. The boardwalk is elevated but narrow and may be slippery. The preserve is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Can I fish or kayak from Reddie Point?

Fishing is prohibited within the preserve boundaries. Kayaking is allowed on the St. Johns River adjacent to the preserve, but launching from the preserve’s shoreline is not permitted. Use designated public boat ramps nearby.

What should I do if I see an injured animal?

Do not approach or attempt to handle it. Note the location and contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. They coordinate with local wildlife rehabilitators.

Is there cell service at Reddie Point?

Cell service is inconsistent. Verizon and T-Mobile may have partial coverage near the parking area, but signal fades quickly on the trails. Assume you are offline. Download maps and emergency contacts in advance.

Can I take photos of people in the background during sunset?

Yes, but always ask for permission before photographing others. Many visitors come for quiet reflection and may not wish to be included in photos. Respect personal space and privacy.

What time of year has the best sunset colors?

Winter and early spring typically offer the clearest skies and most vibrant hues. Cloud cover in summer can create dramatic sunsets, but storms may cancel plans. Autumn often brings hazy, soft light that diffuses colors beautifully.

Are there guided sunset tours available?

Occasionally, local environmental groups host guided sunset walks. Check the St. Johns Riverkeeper or Jacksonville Zoo calendars for events. These are typically free but require registration due to limited space.

Conclusion

Hiking Reddie Point Preserve at sunset is more than a physical activity—it’s a practice in presence. In a world increasingly defined by noise, speed, and digital distraction, this quiet stretch of Florida coastline offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world. The fading light, the whisper of the wind, the distant cry of a heron—all of it reminds us that we are not separate from nature, but deeply entwined within it.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re not just learning how to hike a trail—you’re learning how to honor a place. You’re choosing to walk lightly, observe deeply, and leave nothing behind but footprints. You’re becoming part of the story of Reddie Point, not just a visitor to it.

Each sunset you witness here is unique. No two days are the same. The river changes. The sky shifts. The birds come and go. And yet, the preserve remains—a steadfast sanctuary, waiting patiently for those willing to slow down, listen, and simply be.

So when the next golden hour arrives, pack your gear, arrive early, and step onto the trail with reverence. The sunset at Reddie Point Preserve won’t wait for you—but it will welcome you, quietly, beautifully, and without condition.