Grove Park SE Hawthorne Gainesville FL United States
Grove Park SE Hawthorne is a wonderful area of Gainesville to live, especially if you are interested in nature. This part of town is home to a number of hiking trails, and the city offers several parks for picnicking. Those who enjoy horseback riding can enjoy the Lochloosa Equestrian Trail, and the La Chua Trail in the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Learn More about Florida here!
Depot Park
Depot Park is one of Gainesville’s signature parks. The park features a 1.2 acre playground, extensive walking trails, and a restored historic train depot. A new Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention is also located in the park.
Depot Park serves as an economic driver for the downtown area. It’s the ideal place to meet friends, take a stroll, and have some fun. With a store, a cafe, and plenty of places to sit and drink, the Depot is the perfect gathering place for anyone.
Another popular feature of the park is the bicycle path. This is connected to the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, and it is easy to access from the north or south side of the city.
Hawthorne Trailhead
Gainesville Hawthorne Trail is an excellent multi-use recreational surface located in the Alachua County region. The trail is paved and stretches 16 miles from Gainesville to Hawthorne. It passes through Paynes Prairie State Preserve, passing by native plants and wildlife.
There are several trailheads for the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail. You can start the trail from Boulware Springs, La Chua, and Rochelle. The Boulware Springs Trailhead is one of the newest trailheads in the city. The trail is a paved, multi-use surface with 10-foot wide lane.
Boulware Springs is a park that includes a picnic area and historic waterworks. In addition to the trails, the park also contains a playground.
Rochelle / Prairie Creek trailhead
If you’re looking for a way to explore Paynes Prairie, one of the best places to start is at the trailhead at Grove Park SE Hawthorne Gainesville FL United States. This location is the eastern terminus of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. The trail is paved and runs for about 16 miles, passing through a variety of scenery and conservation areas.
One of the most scenic sections of the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail is the portion that travels through Paynes Prairie Preserve. Located on the north end of the prairie, the park features many habitats and trails.
In addition to the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail, there are several other trailheads for cyclists and equestrians. For example, at Boulware Springs Park, you’ll find a large picnic pavilion and plenty of parking. A great post!
Lochloosa Equestrian Trailhead
If you’re looking for an equestrian trail in Gainesville, FL, you’re in luck. There are plenty of trails in the area. For starters, you can take a ride on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, a 16-mile paved path that offers scenic vistas and glimpses of railroad history.
The park also has a 6.5-mile Chacala Trail, a multi-use path that is equestrian friendly. The trail is a series of loops that wind through open ponds, baygall, pine flatwoods, and other biological communities.
Other popular trails in the area include the LaChua Trail, which is three miles round trip from the north rim of the prairie to an observation tower. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the marsh habitat, while enjoying the company of birds and other wildlife.
La Chua Trail trailhead in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
The La Chua Trail at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is an ideal place to explore the prairie and see wildlife. You can also take a scenic hike through the pine flatwoods.
The trail begins at the North Rim Interpretive Center. The trail is about three miles round trip. This is a popular hiking destination. There are hundreds of species of birds to watch on the trail, and many wild animals to encounter.
Aside from the wildlife, the prairie is also a good location for bird watching. The area is home to over 300 different species of birds. In spring and fall, the lotus flowers decorate the landscape.
Phifer Flatwoods Preserve
If you are interested in exploring the natural side of Gainesville, you should consider the Phifer Flatwoods Preserve. This 650-acre private farm near the San Felasco Hammock has been given a conservation easement, and the trail system that accompanies it is not to be missed.
The Phifer Flatwoods Preserve boasts the three-mile long rail trail that passes through the preserve. It also has a couple of other trails to explore, but the main attraction is the bridge over Lochloosa Creek.
To learn more about the Phifer Flatwoods, visit the Gainesville City website. ACT has been working with various public agencies, as well as the University of Florida Conservation Clinic, to develop a plan to protect the area. Click for more info!
Driving direction from Clean Zone Carpet Cleaner to Grove Park
Driving direction from Grove Park to Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve Parking
