Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp

Located at 500 Maxwell Road in Jacksonville, Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp provides the best direct access to the lower Trout River, a tributary of the St. Johns River. This well-maintained facility features two boat ramps, three floating docks, and ample parking (45 trailer spaces and 17 car spaces), making it ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The ramp was significantly improved in 2004 with modern amenities including new restrooms, lighting, and a picnic pavilion with grills.

The Trout River offers a scenic paddling experience through Jacksonville's coastal waterways, with nearby access to the larger St. Johns River system. The lower Trout River is particularly popular with local paddlers and fishermen seeking protected water and natural scenery. Be aware that the entrance channel to the ramp can experience silting, which may affect draft depths depending on tidal conditions and recent weather.

The ramp's proximity to Fort Caroline National Memorial and Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve makes it an excellent launching point for exploring the area's rich cultural and natural heritage, including salt marshes and 6,000 years of local history. Managed by Jacksonville Parks and Recreation, this is a reliable, well-equipped access point for both casual paddlers and serious boaters.