Petard Ditch Trail - Jacksonville Woodlands

This Jacksonville Woodlands hike, which features the Petard Ditch Trail, is a little over 4 miles with about 600 feet of elevation gain.

With the recent rain and the cooler fall temperatures, this hike will be a pleasant forest walk just outside of Jacksonville.

Our hike begins at the Jacksonville Library. We cross highway 238 at a crosswalk with a yellow flashing pedestrian light before continuing up to the Peter Britt Gardens. There is an option to pick up a Jacksonville Woodlands Trail System Map here.

Next, we walk about a mile close to Jackson Creek on the Sarah Ziegler Interpretative Trail. The end of the trail has 4 switchbacks and climbs 200 feet before joining the Jane Naverson Trail.

A quarter of a mile on the Jane Naverson Trail takes us to the 1.4 mile Petard Ditch Loop Trail. The first part is flat and follows what is left of the Petard Ditch. The second part is a 350 foot climb to the highest point at 2,140 feet. The last part descends, steeply in a couple parts, completing the Petard Ditch Loop Trail.

We'll connect to the French Gulch Trail, and then to the Rich Gulch trail to Oregon Street.

We'll finish by walking back on Oregon Street with an opportunity for an ice cream or a stop at a coffee shop.

If needed, Chris can be reached by Meetup message or text ar (541) 261-8167.