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Bark chip path in pine forest

Black Lake Preserve

Explore the Santa Fe River floodplain on a 2.2 mile pair of loops through mesic pine flatwoods and cypress swamps in Melrose.

Melrose (29.711807, -82.083617)   2.2 miles  

One of several public lands found in the rural landscapes east of Gainesville, Black Lake Preserve presents a well-marked trail system.

It includes a tenth of a mile accessible path through the woods. A paved road splits the preserve into two parts.

Trail amid wet flatwoods Pine flatwoods

On the east side, former agricultural land is undergoing restoration. The western portion showcases healthy pine flatwoods.

The whole trail network is accessed from a parking area at the southern end, and an additional walk-in only entrance is located on the western side of the property.

trailhead kiosk Main trailhead

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Five Star Trails Gainesville Ocala book cover 50 Hikes in North Florida book cover North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Paddlers Guide Florida
 
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Overview

Location: Gainesville
Length: 2.2 miles
Trailhead: 29.711807, -82.083617
Address: 6197 NE 225th St, Melrose
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Alachua County
Phone: 352-664-8353

Open 7 AM to 8 PM Apr – Sep and 7 AM to 6 PM Oct – Mar. Leashed dogs welcome. A portion of the trail is accessible.

Directions


 
From the intersection of SR 26 (University Ave) and US 441 in Gainesville, head east on SR 26 for 17 miles. In Melrose, turn left onto NE 225 St. In 0.1 mile, the main parking area will be on the right side of the road.

Hike

At the main entrance, an accessible parking space connects to a concrete walkway alongside the trailhead kiosk.

Follow the winding sidewalk as it enters a pine savanna covered with dense shrubs and saw palmettos.

Sidewalk contrasting with surrounding woodland Accessible pathway

In a tenth of a mile, the Citrus Trail splits off to the west. This orange blazed route meanders across the northern end of the property.

It passes a few former agricultural areas before ending at the other side of the trail network in a mile. Stay straight to remain on the Overlook Trail.

Arrow marker at grassy side trail Marker on the Citrus Trail

The concrete walkway ends at an inviting bench alongside a small pond in 300 feet. From this point, continue onto the Pineland Trail.

Follow green blazes on gravel path that quickly transitions to sand, passing a junction with the red-blazed Shortcut Trail in 0.1 mile.

Bench along sidewalk overlooking pond Small pond

As you head eastward, pines give way to a mixed hardwood hammock primarily composed of oaks with a scattering of magnolia and hickory.

Reaching an intersection with the Citrus Trail in 0.3 mile, turn right to remain on the green loop as it turns southward, returning to the pine forest.

Leafy forest with open understory Hardwood hammock

A scenic wetland comes into view while rounding a corner of the loop in a quarter mile.

Peer into this formidable swamp from the trail. Dark, glassy waters surround cypress knees and soggy trunks covered with bright green mosses.

Dense cypress and black gum swamp Cypress swamp

Returning to the start of the loop at 1.1 miles, walk across the street to explore the other side of the property along the West Trail.

Past the trailhead kiosk, yellow blazes lead into a mesic flatwoods community.

Trail access point and kiosk Beginning of the West Trail

While following a pine needle-strewn pathway lined with ferns and gallberry, it is apparent this forest is in a more natural condition compared to the east side.

This route also has the potential to flood after heavy rains. At a half mile, the trail passes a walk-in trailhead.

Sweeping northward, it loops back to finish across the street from the main parking area.

Broad bark chip path among pines Mesic flatwoods

Trail Map

Black Lake Preserve Trail Map

Explore More!

Video

Hiking Black Lake Preserve

Nearby Adventures

Longleaf pine forest LEAFS Preserve South South of the Lake Alto Canal, a mile loop introduces well-managed uplands of restored longleaf pine flatwoods in the South Tract of LEAFS Preserve.
Blue blaze on tree in pine forest Lake Alto Preserve North A well-marked system of trails weaves around wetlands and across upland pine forests to a dock overlooking scenic Lake Alto.
Marsh edged by trees Little Orange Creek Preserve Protected uplands and wetlands converge where a set of trails lead to observation platforms overlooking scenic vistas of the Little Orange Creek watershed.
A dry cypress swamp Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve Meander across an upland pine forest to cypress-filled wetlands on a short loop trail alongside Little Lake Santa Fe.

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Chris Stevens
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