We had an amazing hike through Loblolly Woods Nature Park. It was so peaceful and serene listening…read moreto the small creek and the birds. The park is located near the Solar Walk so you could easily do both if you choose. The nature path is well covered by the trees which I was very thankful for especially in the Florida heat that was in the 90s already. The paths do have lots of tree roots so you must be steady on your feet. They do offer several bridges that you can walk on.

This is another hidden activity spot in Gainesville. Everyone knows about the Planet Walk on 8th…read moreave. As you turn onto 8th ave from 34th st and go East, there is a representation of the sun and all the planets of our solar system, on the side of the street, to give you an idea of how far apart all the planets are. Well, on each side of 8th ave is Loblolly Nature Park, with bike/walking paths, a huge boardwalk, dirt hills for mountain bike jumping, and clear streams that keep Gainesville's watershed flowing. You can park at Massey Park across the street, or just pedal here from home and enjoy the trails. Lots of fun and things to discover!

Gainesville is so lucky to have such a wonderful shaded enviroment to visit, free of charge. The…read moretall trees with moss blowing in the breeze are a beautiful example of what North Florida has to offer. The boardwalks are fairly new and are still in pristine condition. My favorite place to park the car is over at Westside Park and walk over, carefully dodging the traffic that blasts down 8th Avenue. If you enter the boardwalk on the North side of 8th Avenue there are breaks in the boardwalk to wonder the footpath trails and streams and sometimes you will end up on standing in people's backyards.

Hogtown Creek Greenway is one of my favorite smaller wild areas in Alachua County and, what is…read moremore, it is close enough to the UF campus and several neighborhoods to make it easy enough to get to without a car. In fact, its trails--while not that long and sometimes flooded out in wet weather--are awesome for mountain biking. The Greenway came about because Hogtown Creek and its various tributaries flow through this lowland area of Gainesville and while there is a lot of development surrounding what has become the Greenway, the lands that compose the Greenway itself would not be suited to development and, more importantly, are essential to not develop given the fragile and unique ecosystems they provide. The City of Gainesville should be praised for its efforts not only protect these lands but to make them open to the public. Just controlling the flow of water in this area-brokering its ability to remain true to the natural course of these creeks while also ensuring that flooding in nearby neighborhoods isn't likely-must have been a huge challenge. To the south-west of the Greenway off of University Avenue, Hogtown Creek is directed through a grouping of canals and other engineered mechanisms to regulate its flow but when it emerges in the Greenway, it returns to its pristine natural status. The Hogtown Greenway, if you enter it via the Loblolly Facility, provides a broad trail that is adept for hiking or mountain biking. A boardwalk has been built to continue this trail over places that are normally (or at least very often) wet and it's a short hike through this area to the 8th Avenue entrance to the Greenway across from Westside Park. The stretch of 8th Avenue here is where the Gainesville Planet Monuments-one obelisk for each of the solar system's planets including Pluto and the Sun-are located so these are a nice diversion to examine up close if you've only driven by them before in a hurry. Within the woods of the Loblolly section, there's a lot to notice if you wish to take the time. An informative sign at the 8th Avenue side of the path notes that a diverse variety of wildlife from river otters to various birds to the rough green snake are found in this environment: You will have to be patient to see them, though. Mostly, like elsewhere in the region, you'll spot squirrels, birds, and perhaps a black racer or other snake. Lizards and insects are also omnipresent and on account of the latter, insect spay is a good idea as to keep the pesky ones off of your body and discouraged from sucking your blood. The boardwalk trail has a smaller off-shoot which leads down to the creek bed itself and makes for a great oppurtunity to examine a creek of this sort up close. The sandy banks, muddy yet peaceful waters of the creek, and canopy of trees above make for a very serene experience. If you continue across 8th Avenue to the opposite side of the street and walk a ways east, you will encounter another boardwalk that runs all the way from 8th Avenue to 16th Avenue, south to north. This boardwalk is a minor yet grand feat of engineering, having been perfectly crafted and took, I can only guess, a fair amount of cash to complete. For that reason if no other (and there are plenty of others) I hope that it's used by a lot of people. When I've been out on the boardwalk with my bike, I have nearly always encountered people walking their dogs or running here, so it seems I am not by far its only fan or user. The magic of the boardwalk is that it runs through a wetland environment which would be very hard to access otherwise and affords a pleasent walk with a great view of what much of this region's natural areas are like if you got right into the thick of them. One can, in theory, continue on 16th Avenue eastward to the Alfred A. Ring Park entrance and there explore even more of Gainesville's diverse ecosystems, depsite being a stone's throw from subdivisions and houses with swimming pools. The boardwalk therefore not only makes for a great means of getting from 16th Avenue over to 8th Avenue (or of course, the other way around) but also a nice diversion into the woods to just get away from your busy life for a moment or two.

While visiting Gainesville I wanted to soak in a bit of nature. Jonesville Park was located nearby…read moremy location and easy to find. I focused on the walking trails, which are all paved. Visiting Jonesville Park provided me with the fresh air I needed!

The Tennis courts are decent, but the bathroom in the shop has the smelliest Most disgusting smell…read morethat they refuse to do anything about. All they need to do is pour some bleach down all The drains. maybe even clean with bleach. it doesn't look like they ever clean the corners of the stalls, and it just absolutely smells horrible in there. there's also a shower In the largest bathroom, the ada handicap stall that needs to be power washed with bleach also. The smell is the time. Like gag worthy horrible. i truly believe they have a sewage problem in that tennis shop building.

A very neat place to see. Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring is…read moretucked away beside Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens in Williston, Florida. Both locations are literally right next to each other. The Devil's Den is a fascinating hidden gem that offers a true taste of Florida's unique geology. A cenote is a natural sinkhole formed when limestone bedrock collapses. Most are very unique and all share that they seem to have crystal-clear groundwater beneath and an opening above for sunlight to reach the water through a hole in the ceiling. It is essentially a window into an underground aquifer. The springs typically have 72-degree spring water making it cool and refreshing no matter how hot it is outside. The experience is especially rewarding if you're visiting a cenote for the first time. The entrance is easy to miss from the walkway. We walked right past it. Gear rentals are available on-site, making it accessible even for beginners. You check in at the office and pay your fee and sign the waivers and then you can enter and descend a set of stairs with a notably low ceiling. Watch your head!. It is a little bit dark on the first landing but it had plenty of light at the large landing by the water. Below, the cavern opens up to reveal the stunning underground spring, perfect for snorkeling. We did not go snorkeling this visit but may try it the next time. Right next to the cenote is a pleasant above-ground pool area with a beach area and chairs. Right next to the cenote entrance are several covered tables for groups.. It's a convenient spot to dry off, eat a snack, or simply enjoy the surroundings after your swim. Overall, Devil's Den is a neat and unique geological feature that's well worth the stop, especially if you're exploring central Florida's springs. It's not a large site, so you won't spend all day there, but the chance to snorkel inside a real cenote creates a memorable, bucket-list moment.

What a cool place this is! We're camping here and get to take advantage of all the amenities…read more Regarding the Den itself: There's a huge swimming pond. You can play volleyball in the water (or on the lawn), make your way to the middle island in the pond and relax on a hammock, or simply relax in the water. The spring itself is down some stairs. It costs $30 to snorkel and I think $50 to scuba. You have to have mask and fins on at all times - you can't just swim in the spring. We're here in the "off" season and it hasn't been crowded at all. If you want to enjoy just the swimming pond / Oasis it's $15 a day. It's free if you camp here. The campground itself is small, only 30 sites. Most have full hookups and 5-6 are electric only. It's shady and quiet in the campground. We will definitely stay here again!

I came here for the first time for a nature trail tour by a UF forestry employee. After the tour I…read moreleft with more knowledge about the vegetation and various tree varieties. It truly reminds you why this city feels so peaceful and rooted in nature. The combination of the nature trails, the historic farm, and the quiet, spacious grounds makes it the perfect place to slow down and breathe. I loved how well‑kept everything was, the trails are clearly marked, the farm area is clean and thoughtfully maintained, and the whole space feels safe and family‑friendly without being loud or crowded. The farm is such a unique touch. It really feels like stepping back in time, and the staff and volunteers do a great job keeping the experience authentic. The animals are well cared for, and the whole area has a calm, simple charm that's rare to find. The trails themselves are beautiful, a mix of shaded paths, open stretches, and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife if you're paying attention. It's an easy place to spend an hour or two without realizing how much time has passed. Perfect for solo walks, quiet mornings, or bringing someone who needs a grounding, gentle outing.

This 400 acre nature preserve overseen by the City of Gainesville in Alachua County with seven…read moremiles of trails through a diverse ecosystem of Florida pines, flatwoods, sandhills, and cypress domes. Also abundant wildlife and wildflowers. They feature a Living History Farm which recreates a rural 1870's homestead with historic buildings, a school and farm animals. These historic buildings were moved to this location. We enjoyed experiencing the pioneer life plus the cows, sheep and hogs on the farm. We were there for the Wednesday afternoon program but it is only from September to May. No fee to enter. The farm is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4:30pm and the park is open every 8am to 6pm.

This 23 acre park in Gainesville offers a place for reflection and remembrance of veterans with…read morevarious memorials and monuments. It is also home to three pavilions, two play areas, sports facilities, volleyball and basketball courts, soccer field, a roller hockey rink, a community center, bathrooms and a walking trail. The new modern climbing playground is very impressive with a canopy overhead for protection from the sun.

Although we live less than 2m from the park and have lived in the area for 25 yrs we rarely ever…read moreventured into this park until recently (because of its proximity to a higher-than-average crime area nearby). Having said that the city has, to its credit, dramatically cleaned it up and redesigned the park. It is now pleasant to walk in during the day, have a picnic or bring your coffee and a book, dog friendly and very well maintained. Plenty of parking and bathrooms. No trash, no grafitti and no unsupervised teens during the day. HINT: Go early on a school day and you won't bbe disappointed but better to avoid the park area at night.

The Nature Coast Trail is 33 miles of paved & mostly canopied rail trail. I've ridden on it 3 times…read more& have enjoyed the experience. Each time, I've started at the Fanning Springs Trailhead. You can go in 3 directions from that point: south to Chiefland, east to Trenton or west to Old Town. The Old Town route takes you over an old railroad trestle that spans the Suwannee River. On 2 occasions, I saw sturgeon jumping! My most recent trip included a stop at Fanning Springs State Park, which is adjacent to the trailhead. I saw 4 manatees enjoying the spring! Unfortunately, no swimming was allowed due to the height of the Suwannee River. The trail is very well maintained and makes for a great day trip.

LOVE LOVE LOVE The Nature Coast State Trail! 37 miles of…read moreFlorida's Gorgeous unspoiled Nature Coast. It connects the cute little communities of Cross City, Trenton, Fanning Springs & Chiefland. It's a historic train trestle, built along former rail lines that meet at Wilcox Junction. It's a very neat old abandoned railroad trail that runs across the Historic Suwannee River railroad bridge near Old Town. We love to visit here, hike, bike, get hot & sweaty then go jump in the 72-degree water in nearby Fanning Springs State Park. One of my fave springs to swim.. I do not think people realize how incredible this area actually is, as the trails & parks are never crowded. From Fanning "SPRINGS" to Homosassa "SPRINGS" all the way down to "SPRING HILL," the historic "Weeki Wachee SPRING" one of the top 10 largest fresh water springs in America.. This spring is so deep that the bottom has never been found. That is another review me gotta get to.. Anyhoo, most of it is protected Wildlife areas & State Parks with incredible fresh water springs excellent for swimming. The Seminole Indians though this area sacred, as their are many Indian burial grounds, "Indian mounds" throughout this area. There are also bears & gators. Last time we were there, Sir Hubbers was riding along in front of me & decided to hit the breaks & I crashed right into him. Yep, rear ended Sir Hubbers. I almost lost a finger. Then, another time, we were around the "Andrews Wildlife Management Area" when a baby gator came running across the path, Sir Hubbers totally freaked out almost ran him over. Poor little guy, little baby gator was so cute. I also read a very sad report last week some old man, like in his 80's, was on the trail walking his dog & got eat by a bear! Not even kidding, google it. I mean you make it all the way to 80 something years old & you get eat by a bear? Supposedly, they killed the bear.. Watch for the bear signage & arm yourself with pepper spray, just in case. Although, it has some dangers, it's a very lovely paved trail, you will see tons of wildlife. You will also encounter people walking their dogs. "Leashed dogs only" and a lot of cyclists. Not like us, amateurish crashing into each other & running over baby gators, like professional cyclists. You know the ones that all dress up alike in padded spandex. I'm more of a casual beach cruiser with a wicker basket in a sundress type, i'm not into matching spandex & helmets, but to each his own. No one is strange, we all just have differed taste. Anyhoo, there is no dress code, however, it's the Nature Coast so it's hot & humid. You can also get rained on at anytime, so I always wear summer linen for this reason. There are also tons of mosquitos so be prepared for that. I eat tons of garlic and/or drink tons of lemongrass tea before I go.. Be stinky for the bugs, they won't eat you OuiOui. It is all part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System & has also been designated as a national recreation trail. It's open 8am till sundown, 365 days a year & the best part, it's completely Free. Go to "Nature Coast State Trail" Florida State Parks for the map & to plan your visit. Added to moi list of "Zen places, peaceful parks." Highest Recommendations.

Formerly Westside Park this 26.3 acre City of Gainesville park with many pine trees offers a nice…read moreplayground, recreation center, tennis courts, racquetball courts, basketball courts, three baseball fields, and a 1.5 miles of shaded trails. This serene outdoor area with bathrooms has a variety of activities for all ages.

I have driven up and down 8th ave hundreds of times, but I never really stopped at the park on the…read morecorner. I can't believe that all the years and years that I have lived in Gainesville, that I never knew there was a pool in this park and that pool has a huge waterslide!! What?!? This park has plenty of parking, a huge playground for children, two baseball diamonds, basketball courts and more! How did I not know this?!? Why didn't I pull over and explore! If you have young children, you have to come here, at least once! You'll never come here just once! Once you see it, you'll want to come back again and again! I know I want to!