Originally known as Camp McConnell, Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center takes its name from a historic Seminole community once located nearby.
Alachua County purchased the property when it went up for sale in 2017 and turned it into a publicly accessible space while retaining some original features of the camp.
Mural by the lodgeThe park provides options for an overnight stay including primitive camping and cabins, and the lodge can be rented for day use.
The swimming pool is open on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Children’s summer camp programs are still held at this location each year, hosted by Alachua County.
Cabins and camping areaResources
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Overview
Location: Micanopy
Length: 0.9 miles
Trailhead: 29.533917, -82.318139
Address: 210 SE 134 Ave, Micanopy
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Near the parking area
Land manager: Alachua County
Phone: 352-574-2372
Open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From Interstate 75 west of Micanopy, head east on CR 234 for 1.3 miles before turning left onto US 441. In 1.6 miles, make a left onto SE 134 Ave, continuing for 0.8 miles, where the entrance to the park will be on the right side of the road.
Hike
Starting at the northeastern end of the parking area, follow a dirt road leading across the edge of a grassy field, bordered by a dense forest.
After passing the cabins, look for a sign on the left side of the trail indicating the swamp boardwalk.
Enter the woods hereThe pathway enters a deeply shaded oak and palm hammock, cutting a gently winding path through the woods.
With very few directional markers, navigating the nature trail can be tricky, especially at intersections with the disc golf course.
Oak and palm hammockSeveral trailside signs provide information and scientific names of native plants that flank the path.
Venturing further into the hammock, hickory and loblolly pines give evidence of a transition to a lower lying, wetter environment.
Plant identification signsAn impressive wooden boardwalk begins at 0.4 miles, weaving through a wetland filled with tupelo, bay, maple, and cypress trees.
Near the halfway point, a small observation deck juts off the boardwalk, where an interpretive panel describes this blackwater swamp.
Swamp boardwalkReaching junction at the other end, a right turn follows the outer loop trail along a wide two-track back to the field, reaching the trailhead in a half mile.
A historic marker on this path describes a log cabin that was moved to the property in 1998, which has since been removed.
Historic markerTurning left at the end of the boardwalk, follow an elevated causeway with views of the swamp on both sides.
In a quarter mile, this corridor emerges from the woods about two hundred feet from the trailhead.
Alongside the causewayTrail Map
Cuscowilla Nature Center Trail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Paynes Prairie
Paynes Prairie: A North Florida Gem A natural landform between Gainesville and Micanopy, Paynes Prairie is an immense and ever-changing basin.Video
Hiking Cuscowilla Nature Center
Nearby Adventures
Bolens Bluff Trail Walk along a bluff where early explorers and native peoples once looked out over vastness of Paynes Prairie to discover a panorama that invites you to immerse in it.
Ecopassage Observation Boardwalk Providing the easiest-to-reach panorama of Paynes Prairie, the Ecopassage Observation Boardwalk encourages you to stop and take it all in.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Protecting a massive natural basin of prairie between Micanopy and Gainesville, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park combines panoramic views with wildlife watching along its trails.
Serenola Forest Preserve Among shaded woodlands north of Paynes Prairie, a mile of marked trails wind through forested landscapes, passing quiet picnic spots along the way. 
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