Parks & Rec: Elkton (32033)
Written and compiled by STA Mom, Leah Noel.
The open farmland of Elkton is just a few miles from the bustling streets of St. Augustine. There are many outdoor recreational opportunities in this quiet agricultural area of St. Johns County. Butterflies, birds, and bees roam freely among the crops in the Spring and a popular corn maze opens in the Fall. This area of town is known for its potatoes, so much so, that a group of Minorcans named their area Spuds. Get your hands dirty and bask under the shade of trees in some of the local public parks for a fun afternoon.
Playgrounds Paved Paths Unpaved Trails Basketball Courts Soccer & Multi-use Fields Boat Ramps
Armstrong Park
4950 Harvey Ave., Elkton, FL 32033
This park includes a picnic area, playground, pavilion, basketball court, and a paved multi-use path that is part of the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail. Armstrong Park is located within a historically Black community that is rich in heritage and many of the residents are Gullah Geechee. Historical markers along the trail identify points of interest and railroad relics. The 12 foot wide, multi-use trail runs along SR 207. This part of the trail offers children a nice round trip under a canopy of trees.
Vermont Heights Park
4235 Maine Ave., Elkton, FL 32033
This is a sweet, little neighborhood park. There is a playground, a picnic bench, swings, and a basketball court.
Vermont Heights Trailhead (Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail)
SR 207, Elkton, FL 32033
This is a trailhead for the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail. It is a 12 foot wide paved path perfect for biking, walking, and running. This trailhead has a picnic area with a large fan, an area for parking, and bathrooms. The path runs alongside SR207 to the west and continues toward the city of St. Augustine to the east. The path currently ends at the old railroad tracks on the east portion, but there are plans to extend the trail into downtown St. Augustine, connecting it to St. Augustine Beach.
Vermont Blvd. Trailhead (Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail)
Vermont Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32092
This is a small parking area for the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail. There are no facilities at this location. It is the farthest East you can park on the trail. If you travel from this area to the East, the path ends at the old railroad tracks about a mile from the parking lot. You can travel 35 miles (round trip) to Palatka if you follow the trail to the West.
Armstrong Park Trailhead (Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail)
4950 Harvey Ave., Elkton, FL 32033
This trailhead is located at Armstrong park, just down the road from the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. This park has a picnic area, bathrooms, a basketball court, a field, and a playground. For those with small children, follow the path to the East (turn right as you leave the park). You will travel beneath a canopy of trees for about a mile and a half before you need to cross a road. My children were able to bike to the Cora C. Harrison trailhead in Hastings (to the West around 5 miles away) from this park, but they needed a break and some food before we took the trail back to our car.
Deep Creek Conservation Area North
3719 CR 13 S, Elkton, FL 32033
This conservation area is perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, and horseback riding. The trail is 2.7 miles round trip through pine flat woods. A map of the trail is available at the trailhead or online. Be sure to wear bug spray, wear sunscreen, and be aware of wildlife.
McCullough Creek Conservation Area West and East
2310 CR 13 South in Elkton, FL 32033
This preserve is a passive park and recreational opportunities (such as biking and primitive camping) are being developed. The conservation area has two large parking areas to the East and West of the creek, with access to old logging trails. These paths are open for wildlife viewing, hiking, and trail running. I did not have cell phone service at these trailheads. The path is wide and exposed to the sun. Be sure to wear bug spray and sunscreen. Saturiwa Conservation Area, a privately owned homestead, is adjacent to McCullough Creek and a wonderful place to learn about this ecological treasure. I highly recommend a tour of this property for any local groups interested in conservation.
Armstrong Park
4950 Harvey Ave., Elkton, FL 32033
This is a small basketball court near the playground and a covered picnic pavilion.
Vermont Heights Park
4235 Maine Ave., Elkton, FL 32033
There is a nice, smooth court at this small neighborhood park.
Armstrong Park
4950 Harvey Ave., Elkton, FL 32033
This is a basic field with space for playing football, soccer, kickball, and baseball. On a sunny day, it is a beautiful place for flying a kite or getting in a quick workout.
McCullough Creek Conservation Area West
2310 CR-13 South, Elkton, FL, 32033
This is a primitive boat ramp. The access point is to the West of the bridge over McCullough Creek between the two conservation parking lots. This is a lovely, secluded creek for kayaking. You can paddle to the St. Johns River, or paddle up the creek into the preserve area.
Frisbee Golf @ St. Johns County Fairgrounds
5840 S.R. 207, Elkton, Florida 32033
The Fairgrounds has a twenty-five hole Frisbee and disc golf course with bathrooms and shower facilities. The County Fairgrounds are also the location for many 4H events, concerts, rodeos, dog shows, horseshoe tournaments, family reunions, and recreational vehicle club gatherings.
St. Johns Golf Club (Public Golf Course)
4900 Cypress Links Blvd. Elkton, FL 32033
This is the only public golf course run by St. Johns County. A student annual pass for residents is just $106.50. If you have a child interested in playing golf consider enrolling them in classes with The First Tee North Florida.
BMX Track
3005 Allen Nease Road, Elkton, Fl 32033
This track is maintained and managed by First Coast BMX St Augustine. This is the place for your little daredevil to use their balance bike or for older kids to develop bike skills and learn to race. Some children, even the little ones on balance bikes, compete after their first practice! Contact the track operator for more information.
Sykes Family Farms
5995 Brough Rd, Elkton, FL 32033
During the Fall, The Sykes Family opens their farm to the public. There are 9 acres to enjoy with your family with a corn maze, jump pads, animals, hayrides, and snacks available for purchase. This is quickly becoming a tradition for many St. Augustine families. The Sykes Family Farm has been open for 10 years of agriculture entertainment. There are hayrides, pumpkins, a playground, and farm animals.
