3 Best Hiking Trails in Gainesville, FL

“Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park provides access to a 67-acre trail with steps leading down to the sinkhole. The trail is considered easy and is 1.1 miles long with an elevation gain of 121 feet. This trail is an out-and-back trail. The time taken to complete the total trail is 26 mins approximately. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and learn more about this sinkhole through the interpretive display during the trailhead. The park showcases how ecosystems develop in response to the geological features of a unique sinkhole. The geological record of the area is visible on the limestone sidewalls of the sinkhole. Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park provides parking facilities for visitors' convenience.”

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“Loblolly Woods Nature Park spans 159 acres and features forested open spaces with trails and boardwalks. The park is well-known for its exceptional bird-watching opportunities. The trail ultimately leads to the other end of the park. A creek runs through the region, providing picturesque photo opportunities. Several people were walking their dogs along the creek. The trail approaches a little sinkhole in this deep bluff forest, where dogwoods blossom in late January. There are several roots underfoot. Visitors can also see some excellent wildlife, and the scenery is beautiful under the canopy of trees. Loblolly Woods Nature Park is the perfect place to enjoy the many paths to run and bike.”

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“Sweetwater Preserve has two trails, including west and sandy trails. This trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route, taking 24 minutes to complete. This trail is excellent for birding, hiking, and walking, and you'll unlikely encounter many other people while exploring. West trail series of loop trails meander 1.75 miles along Sweetwater Branch and through upland mixed and floodplain forests. Sandy Trail is a 1.2-mile walk that takes you through eight different natural communities, including sandhills, xeric hammocks, sinkhole lakes, bay galls, seepage streams, upland mixed forests, mesic flatwoods, and floodplain forests. Visitors can now quickly orient themselves while on the West Trail, thanks to numbered intersections. Trail maps are available at the preserve.”

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