Clay: Forests, Water and History

Blackwater streams, rolling sand landscapes and historic sites give Clay its distinctive character. In northeast Florida, Jennings State Forest lies in the northern part of Clay County. Forests, waterways and museums offer different reasons to explore the area. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Clay, first consider whether nature, water or history will shape your stay.

Forests, Sandhills and Trails

Jennings State Forest encompasses more than 15 distinct natural biological communities. These include sandhills, slope forest, flatwoods, seepage slope, dome swamp, blackwater creek and seepage stream. Herons and other waterbirds can be spotted along North Fork Black Creek. The landscape therefore extends well beyond a single terrain type.

At Long Branch Recreation Area, the horseback riding trails differ in length: the Blue Loop is 4 miles, while the Yellow Loop is 12 miles. The 6.75-mile Sandridge Loop winds through rolling sandhill ecosystems and offers expansive scenic views. Its length falls between the two horseback riding trails mentioned above, while its landscape offers a distinct focus.

Nature and history come together at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. The 600-acre site was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park lies in rolling sandhill country and includes one of the few remaining stands of old-growth longleaf pines. A 5.44-mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs through the park.

Black Creek and Spring Park

Black Creek is a 13-mile-long blackwater stream. North Fork Black Creek and South Fork Black Creek are its two main tributaries. At 150-acre Camp Chowenwaw Park, at the mouth of Black Creek near its confluence with the St. Johns River, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards offer direct access to historic Black Creek, just above the confluence.

Spring Park also has a notable connection to the water: the spring has, at times, reached a flow rate of more than 3,000 gallons per minute and maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees. The kayak launch at Spring Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset; check conditions before you arrive.

Museums and Historic Sites

Founded in 1990, the Camp Blanding Museum currently features exhibits on the history of Camp Blanding and its involvement in World War II. Another historical thread leads to Camp Chowenwaw: the site opened on July 1, 1933, and was subsequently operated as a Girl Scout camp by the Girl Scout Council of Duval County for more than 70 years.

The 1890 Historic Courthouse was built between 1890 and 1893. Groups of visitors are welcomed by prior arrangement. The Old Clay County Jail dates to 1894 and was used until 1972; it is the second-oldest surviving jail in Florida. At the Clay County Historical Society Museum, numerous exhibits showcase everyday life in Clay County over the past century.

The Military Museum of North Florida features artifacts and exhibits on more than 230 years of military history, from the American Revolutionary War to Operation Iraq Freedom. The Middleburg Museum is dedicated to preserving, sharing, honoring and promoting Middleburg’s history.

Markets and Events

In Green Cove Springs, the 3rd Saturday Market in the Park takes place from September through June, on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Walnut Street in front of Spring Park. Local vendors offer fresh produce and other freshly made goods. The Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival is an annual event featuring athletics, music, food and entertainment.

Choosing the Right Vacation Rental

When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to organize your outings around your personal interests: forest landscapes and trails offer a different focus than museums, historic sites or events. Compare a property’s location with the destinations you actually plan to visit. That way, your search for a vacation rental in Clay can start with the mix of nature, water and history you want.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Frostproof, Fleming Island, Keystone Heights, Lakeside, Brevard.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.