To get a taste of what the city of Gainesville has to offer, head out to Owen Illinois Park in the countryside. The park is surrounded by several different forests and offers an easy-to-hike trail that loops through pine and cypress low-lands around a lake. The hike we took was a bit challenging, however, because the trail was partially submerged in water when we went hiking. Visit This Site
La Chua Trail
If you’re looking for a great place to see wildlife in Gainesville, Florida, consider hiking the La Chua Trail. This three-mile round-trip trail starts at SE15th Street and heads south to the Alachua Sink. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the park, alligators, wild horses, bison, and dozens of other wildlife species.
The La Chua Trail is a great place to bring your family for a quick hike. It has easy terrain and benches to sit down. Bird watchers will love this trail, as there are plenty of species to see. The best time to go is during the winter, when bird watching is in full swing. You’ll even see Great Horned Owl hatchlings. You’ll want to make sure you have your camera ready when you visit!
Sweetwater Wetland
Visitors will find a manmade wetlands habitat with crocodiles, birds, and more. A ranger can lead you on a boardwalk nature trail. The park offers a variety of tours and programs. For the best experience, visit during the spring, summer, or fall. This natural area has something for every family to enjoy. This attraction is open daily, weather permitting.
The project is supported by the city, county, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It will protect the water quality of Sweetwater Branch, the Paynes Prairie, and the Floridan aquifer. It will also improve public access to the Preserve. Visitors are encouraged to plan their activities accordingly and be aware of the construction site. Listed below are some of the highlights of the park. A fantastic read
Boat ramp
Southeast 16th Avenue dead-ends at the public boat ramp at Owen Illinois Park. This small, undeveloped lakeside park sits on the eastern shore of Newnans Lake. This is a quiet, rural location, surrounded by thick woods, and perfect for a day of fishing. If you’re looking for a spot to launch a boat, this is the place for you. It’s also conveniently located near Gainesville, but it’s still far away enough to provide solitude, so you won’t feel like you’re in a crowded urban setting.
Located in the Gainesville area, Owen Illinois Park provides public access to Newnan’s Lake. The lake has been a popular gathering spot for local residents for years. Owen Illinois Park features well-maintained bathrooms, a playground, elevated grills, a picnic pavilion, and a metal floating dock. Boat trailers can be parked in one of the park’s several parking lots, and there are plenty of spaces to park your boat.
Paddling trail
For a great paddling trail in Gainesville, Florida, check out the Potano Padding Trail. This Florida State-designated paddling trail spans two separate sections. The first part is an easy paddle around Newnan’s Lake, while the second is more technical, extending south from Newnan’s Lake and entering Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park along Prairie Creek. You can access the trail from several Gainesville area parks and forests, including Palm Point Park and Earl P Powers Park.
The trail is a relatively flat loop through several forest types, and is mostly flat. It travels through low-lands of cypress near the lake, followed by pine habitat. It was submerged during our visit, but is still an easy hike, despite the rocky conditions. It’s also surrounded by a lake, so be sure to pack a PFD. The trail ends at a boat launch, where you can rent paddleboards and other equipment.
Boat trailer parking
One of the most popular parks in Gainesville, Florida, is Owen Illinois Park. This area provides boat trailer parking, public boating access, and a metal floating dock. The park has a 3.4-mile round trail and a number of parking spaces for trailers. The park is well-maintained and offers restrooms, picnic tables, elevated grills, and a playground. This is the perfect place to bring your boat and trailer for a day out on the lake.
There is boat trailer parking along the shores of the Gainesville River. The boardwalk and swimming area close at sunset. The Handicap Trailer Parking lot is open from sunrise to sunset, and there are restrooms located at the Park. The Fishing Pier is open during high river levels and can be accessed via Robert St. (Us 41). Browse next article
Driving Direction from Clean Zone to Owen Illinois Park
Driving Direction from Owen Illinois Park to Smokey Bear Park
