Bolen Bluff is such a peaceful spot when you want to get outside and reset. The trail is…read morewell‑marked, easy to follow, and gives you that classic Florida nature vibe without feeling too crowded. I loved the mix of shaded areas and open views, and it's a great place to see wildlife if you go at the right time of day. Major perks is no entrance fee and easy access to parking. My only note is that some parts of the trail can get a little uneven or muddy depending on the weather, so just be prepared with good shoes. Other than that, it's a beautiful, quiet escape and perfect for a walk or a slow, grounding morning.

Great place to do a nature walk, we walked about 3-5 miles total…read more They have a couple trails and a long straight trail to a tower to look out. The straight part along is .9 mile so it's almost 2 miles to go to tower and back to the trails. We saw horses inside the trails and got within 10 feet of them for pics. Very docile and not afraid of humans so if you go slow and don't make noise they won't get startled and you can take pics. and while we were at the tower as we looked out we saw the bison far away yes but at least we saw them. We went to bolen bluff first then to the visitor center. You can pay at bolen bluff with a QR code but we also needed the restroom so at the visitor center we paid for 2 people $6 and it covers all the trails for that day... Visitor center also has a taller tower outside and inside they have a viewing area with monoculars free to use and you can see pretty far out. They also have a 15 min movie that explains all the trails and wildlife.

You have to bring water!! It is a nice little trek over to…read morethe grassy part of this natural vista, but the summer Florida sun does not abate itself. There is even a stand with pamphlets and two very nice people manning it, to answer your questions. I imagine there are more alligators to see early in the morning, but I went around 10:30a. A nice long boardwalk with one place to sit and get shade from the great ball of fire in the sky. Beautiful trees, remnants of alligator eggs, and water fowl feeding and foraging. I can imagine that the Alachua sink would be more active, after a big rain. I will def go there a day after a big storm, to see the action of the earth!

This place is so wild! I have never seen so many alligators in the wild. You must visit! This was…read moretoday 3/18/26.

The little waterfall and serene bench to sit made the hike all worthwhile. Don't get me wrong, the…read moreactual hike is really just an easy stroll through some trees but without the "destination" of the waterfall we would have been a bit bored and it definitely wouldn't have been worth the drive. The waterfall is located near the leaf icon on the white trail. The east side of the blue and white trails were drier than the west half. I do hope to come back and try out the longer trails. The other added benefit of being out of town a bit is that there seems to be much less people on the trails compared to the trails inside the Gainesville city limits.

Great place to take a nature trail walk. I have walked out here many times. Nice area and quiet.read more

This place was awesome if you like to walk trails and see birds, turtles, alligators, rabbits, deer…read moreand small fish. They also have wild horses and wild bison, but we didn't see those. The wetland areas and trails were neat with nice walking bridges and paths over the water. We saw a lot of small alligators, 1 baby alligator and 1 huge alligator. The way the walkways are built the alligators were right at our feet, there is a metal mesh fence to separate you though. This place is a must for anyone that likes nature, plus it was it was free except $5 to park.

Today I saw an otter get chased by crows that then crossed paths with an alligator only to end in a…read moregator/otter stand-off. The otter, then proceeded down the path to meet a family of sandhill cranes where the parents signal to the young colt to go across the footpath to safety while the two, especially the mother, stood between the otter and her young crane! Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

Kicking off the new year on a new trail - and it was a great one! This trail is part of the Majorie…read moreHarris Carr Cross Florida Greenway that stretches from the Gulf to the St Johns River, the Greenway is a Florida State Park. This address takes you to the Landbridge Trailhead (approximately 1.4 miles NE of the actual I-75 Landbridge) and has separate parking and trails for equestrians -vs- hikers and bikers which is nice. There are bathrooms, a water bottle filler, a bike wash station, a few picnic tables, a bike tool station (although the air hose was cut) and all of it very well maintained given the impressive number of acres. The mountain bike trail intersected the paved trail so when we had enough bumps (hello, beginner here?!) we could take the paved trail a little while longer and all the back, thank goodness.

Came here for the first time this past weekend and really enjoyed it. We will definitely be coming…read moreback. At this trailhead, there is PLENTY of parking (when you pull in go to the right - it goes around a corner and there is where you'll see a couple of parking lots). There are bathrooms, a water fountain, and trail map here at the trailhead. You can choose a couple different trails - going to the right is a 3.5 mile hike (one way - so there and back is 7 total) that goes over to the 49th ave trailhead or to the left goes to Santos (7 mile one way). We went with Santos. Things were pretty clearly marked; however we somehow ended up on the bike trail at some point (there were 4 of us and we were busy in conversation so ya know, it happens lol), but was easy enough to make our way back so our 7 miles turned in to about 8-8.5. Worked out great because we ended up coming out where Santos Bike Shop is and took a Lyft/Uber back to our car at the trailhead. The bike shop was great, super nice people, plenty of knowledge in there. The trail itself is shaded for the most part, sun creeps in, but it's definitely shaded with all the trees. We saw a LOT of cool looking trees. I'm a big fan of being able to explore Florida (free is even better) so it's nice to be able to go out on the trails without having to pay to get in to parks or for parking or what not. If you have bikes, this is a GREAT trail to come to - the trails are separate as far as bike friendly and people hiking friendly which is nice for both parties. We really enjoyed and can't wait to visit again.

It's very nice waterfall when there's enough water to actually fall. A cute little park for the…read morekids to play picnic area for parties and a nice walk in the woods to the fall.

Small little Columbia County Park co-managed with Suwannee River Water Management District- this…read morepark has a boardwalk out to view the falls, picnic tables, a playground and a historic building- a church. Parking lot is small- can hold maybe 20 cars, this park is north of Lake City and right off I10. I had read about this little known waterfall recently and when we stopped at a gas station for a pit stop, I saw the sign and off we went! Directions: Travel north on US 41, pass under I-10, turn right on NW Falling Creek Road; travel 1 mile. The park is on the right before crossing the creek. The boardwalk splits at one point for a loop that leads parallel to the creek, while the other (clearly marked Falls with an arrow) leads to overlook the falls. It's only a quarter mile hike in and you will hear the water before you see it. Rusty- dark color water flows down the creek, the limestone rock worn from the water. The forest around is lush and green. The only critters we saw was one turtle, spiders galore and a butterfly. We heard birds- but I didn't spot them. Tiny little pit stop gave me some great photo opportunities! I recommend bug spray if you are heading out!

Had the chance to visit for a Jacksonville Chamber event, and experiencing the Arboretum at night…read morewas such a unique treat. The staff and volunteers were incredibly welcoming and did a great job hosting. The grounds are beautiful, peaceful, and such a great reminder of what a special outdoor space this is for the community. It was the perfect setting for an evening event and a great way to experience the gardens in a different light. If you haven't been yet, definitely check it out and support this local gem!

I been here several times over the years. This year I purchased a membership because there are a…read morelarge group of Pokemon players that meet there once or twice a month. They invite everyone to join them. It's also great place to meetup with friends and enjoy a walk on one or more trails. All the trails are covered by trees. If it rains a lot at least one of the trails is impassable but you still have other choices. Pros: * Lots of trails to choose from with lots of different levels of difficulty * A nice size picnic area - approximately 8 tables available * A couple of small gazebos (in case it rains) * A nice assortment of plants along the paved walking area * A nice Christmas event Cons: * limited restrooms - available only at the front entrance and sometime the men's needs maintenance

The Welaka mud is soooo amazing!.. You can walk, run and do…read moreexercise, bike and walk dog around there.. The pool is very cold omg and your body feel nice when you get out of the water.

Absolutely beautiful spring. A short mile and a half hike to the beautiful spring. Well worth the…read moretrip

Yesterday, my friend, Lydia and I drove to Kelly Springs State Park for fun in the sun and a day of…read morerelaxation. The park is about 40 minutes from where she lives off of colonial. You get to bring your own food and drinks. They also have a concession area where you can just your own food and drinks. At the state park, they have a concession booth and a restroom as well. The park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM and I have a recommend staying at the full day. It was so nice and relaxing plus parking was only three dollars. 10/10

Pretty neat place and I thought it will be way bigger , but the swim area or use of a floating…read moretube area is not huge , You neve to arrived super early as they only allowed 250 cars and then you can't enter after full capacity The sheriff will give you a ticket while u on the car line . They do have restrooms and concession areas where u can buy food , but there's a circle k near by . You can't bring in alcohol, and the price to get in is $5 per car . Just wish that it could be deeper , as it averages 4 ft all areas

Unbelievable I can't believe this but only 10 months ago we visited a beautiful park and I was…read moreexcited to take dog back during cool weather. There's no more Park!! It's a trail with a thin line of forest on each side and mass production of houses on either side of the trail and trees. We tried to go off the trail to find more nature but they have destroyed it. The Deep Wound: How Environmental Destruction Harms Human and Animal Healing In the natural world, forests are not just ecosystems--they are sanctuaries for healing and life. When forests are destroyed, the impact ripples beyond what the eye can see. From a trauma EcoTherapy and Shamanic perspective, the loss of these sacred spaces profoundly affects both human and animal well-being, cutting us off from the very source of life and spiritual restoration. Forests as Sacred Healing Spaces For millennia, forests have been places where humans and animals alike retreat to heal. The earth beneath our feet, the ancient trees, and the rhythmic cycles of nature hold a profound wisdom that facilitates physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. For those carrying the weight of trauma, nature is not just a place to visit--it is a partner in the healing process. EcoTherapy recognizes that human trauma is intricately linked to the trauma of the earth. Just as humans suffer from wounds of the psyche, the destruction of the environment mirrors and exacerbates those wounds. Forests provide safety, quiet reflection, and an energetic container to process deep pain. When these spaces are destroyed, we lose a vital source of healing. The Animal Kingdom's Silent Suffering Animals, too, seek refuge in forests, not only for survival but for their own innate healing. Trees provide shelter and medicine, while ecosystems offer nourishment and safety. When their homes are destroyed, animals experience displacement, stress, and often death. This destruction severs the ancient relationship of mutual healing between humans and animals--relationships where animals often serve as guides, teachers, and mirrors for our own emotional landscapes. The Consequences of Disconnection When we lose access to nature, our collective trauma deepens. Urban environments, stripped of living ecosystems, amplify feelings of isolation, anxiety, and grief. Without forests to retreat to, trauma survivors are cut off from the natural cycles that regulate the nervous system and reconnect us to a sense of belonging. From a Shamanic perspective, every living being carries a soul contract with the Earth. Trees, animals, and humans are interconnected through unseen threads of spiritual purpose. When forests are razed, these sacred agreements are shattered, leaving open wounds in the physical and energetic worlds. The destruction of nature is not only ecological--it is a spiritual betrayal that fractures our relationship with the Earth Mother herself. Healing Through Sacred Reciprocity Healing these wounds requires a return to reciprocity--a sacred exchange of care between humans and the Earth. By protecting forests, we protect the sanctuaries where healing can occur for both people and animals. Through EcoTherapy practices, we can reconnect with the natural world, remembering that as we care for the Earth, the Earth cares for us. It is our responsibility to stand as guardians of the forests, to preserve the living beings who inhabit them, and to ensure future generations have access to the profound healing that only nature can provide. In the heart of every tree and every creature, there is a truth--when we destroy the Earth, we destroy ourselves. Pamela Nations-Weissman (Namdag Tsomo) Shamanic Life Path Coach, EcoTherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Trauma Specialist "Truth lives in The Dark - It's up to each of us to bring our Truth into the Light and share it with the world. It is our duty as human beings on this planet to do so." I was saddened and sickened by this visit. tried to post photos of the massacre but wasn't able to get yelp site to cooperate.

"Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in…read moreFlorida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is the longest paved rail trail in Florida." Probably the best paved trail in Florida. A little over 46 miles one way and has a lot of very scenic spots along the way. It is in Florida so it's fairly flat but it does have some elevation changes and some overpass over the busier/wider state roads on the route. Multiple trailheads w parking lot and restrooms. My favorite trailhead is the one in Inverness. Beautiful town along the route.