14.5 miles (11-12 foot wide Asphalt)
Rating: 9 (out of 10)
15 Road/Driveway Crossings (1-way)
54 People Encountered (Both Ways)
Pros: There were an adequate number of restrooms located along the trail. There were no car barrier posts to dodge. With only one road or driveway crossing per mile on average, more time can be spent enjoying the ride instead of looking out for traffic. This is a nice rural trail ride. Water fountains were located at the trailheads. Mile markers were placed along trail and on the asphalt. Picnic tables were available, some under shelters. Sides of the trail were well mowed. Garbage cans were placed along the trail. A maintenance crew was seen working the trail. The trail is far off Hwy 90 so it is very quiet. The trail is very very flat and mostly straight. No six inch curbs to go over. The intersections were adequately marked. The few cracks and bumps in the asphalt caused by roots were marked allowing time to prepare for the bump. The trail is mostly through a dense tree canopy blocking the winds and there were no vines or shrubs overhanging the trail to dodge.I felt safe riding the trail which had plenty of other people using it. Unexpected was all the Interesting history to read along a side trail at Camp Milton.
Cons: No food or drink stores were seen along the trail. The speed limit of the trail is posted at 20 mph. There was an adjacent horse trail paralleling the bike trail but luckily no horse crap was seen on the trail. There was some erosion of asphalt and dirt on the south side of the trail in a few spots with 4-8 inch drop offs which could be hazardous for those prone to weaving or riding on the edge. Trail follows high voltage power lines for about 3 miles on the east end of the trail. No nearby bicycle rentals were seen.
Viewpoint: In a nutshell, yes, I'd ride this trail again. This was one trail I felt safe on and did not want to see the end of.
The downloadable GPS track of the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail can be found here:
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2456928
Click on any thumbnail below to bring up a larger view photo gallery with commentary.