Gainesville, FL
EXPLORE
GAINESVILLE
AnD AlAcHuA CoUnTy, Fl!
Located in north central Florida, and home to the
University of Florida, Gainesville and Alachua
County feature a wealth of outdoor activities. A se-
lection of parks including 7 nearby Florida State
Parks provide access to hiking and cycling trails
and are complimented by the Santa Fe River and
nearby springs.
Pedal your way down the Gainesville-Hawthorne
Trail which offers 16 miles of paved trail,
scenic views of Paynes Prairie, and
connects into the heart of down-
town Gainesville. Take your bike
off road at Barr Hammock Pre-
serve or San Felasco Ham-
mock Preserve State Park,
with nearly 20 miles of sce-
nic single track with varying
degrees of difficulty.
Make a splash at the springs.
The Floridan Aquifer pumps
millions of gallons of water into
the Santa Fe River each day at a
constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit all
year round. Poe Springs is a family
friendly park with free admission. Other
nearby springs include Gilchrist Blue Springs State
Park, Ginnie Springs, and Itchetucknee Springs
State Park. The Santa Fe River itself is an enjoyable
paddling experience in a kayak, canoe, or on a
stand up paddle board.
There are spectacular birding hotspots with oppor-
tunities to view wildlife like alligators, bison, and
wild horses. 3 and a half miles of crushed gravel
trails and boardwalks frame the landscape at
Sweetwater Wetlands Park. Florida’s first state pre-
serve is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and fea-
tures 8 trails for hiking, horseback riding, and
cycling. Nearly 300 bird species have been identi-
fied at Paynes Prairie and Sweetwater Wetlands
Park. Throughout the year each visit will be unique
as birds migrate through Florida.
116 | Summer 2018 | Adventure Outdoors