Along the eastern shore of its namesake, Lake Alto Preserve spans over 660 acres, protecting an impressive variety of natural communities.
The trail system features two loop trails and an often-wet linear trail that connects with Lake Alto County Park to the south.
The dock also serves as an access point to the preserve from the water.
Pleasant hiking in the pine flatwoodsResources
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Overview
Location: Waldo
Length: 2.6 miles
Trailhead: 29.789778, -82.130000
Address: 14500 NE CR 1471, Waldo
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Alachua County
Phone: 352-264-6868
Open 8 AM-6 PM Nov-Apr, 8 AM-8 PM May-Oct. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From the intersection of University Ave and Main St. in downtown Gainesville, head east on University Ave for 0.8 mile before turning left onto SR 24. In 13 miles, turn right onto SW 2nd Pl, and make another right in 0.2 mile to turn onto US 301. Continue for 2.4 miles before making a left onto NE 114th Ave, then another immediate left onto CR 1471. In 2.2 miles, the trailhead parking area will be on the left side of the road.
Hike
Heading east from the trailhead, stay to the right at the first fork to begin a counterclockwise trek on the Lake View Loop.
Marked with blue blazes, this main trail follows a grassy pathway cutting through a dense covering of shrubs dotted with pine trees.
Trailhead kioskGallberry, fetterbush lyonia, and saw palmettos line the trail alongside several species of blueberry.
In late spring, sandhill laurels produce showy pinkish white blooms that are very reminiscent of a close cousin, mountain laurel.
Sandhill laurel in bloomReaching a half mile, turn right onto the Black Bear Loop to explore the northern portion of the preserve.
This side path traverses wetter habitats where clusters of ferns border the trail and bay trees join the sparse canopy of pines.
Along the Black Bear LoopReturning to the Lake View Loop at 1.5 miles, follow signage pointing to a spur trail leading out to Lake Alto.
In less than a tenth of a mile, the trail ends at a sturdy dock with spectacular views of the water.
Lake Alto dockFollowing blue blazes eastward away from the lake, a slight climb in elevation presents drier, sandier landscapes.
Coastal plain staggerbush thrives alongside tarflowers and winged sumac.
At 2.2 miles, a covered bench sits at an intersection with the Treefrog Trail, a yellow blazed route that leads southward into a cypress swamp.
Covered bench at the trail junctionWhile this trail begins in a dry sandhill community, it quickly descends into wetlands where the path appears to be maintained less and may be flooded for much of the year.
Continuing eastward along the Lake View Loop, the trail curves north for 0.4 mile before concluding at the trailhead.
Yellow blaze on the Treefrog TrailTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Lake Alto Preserve North
Nearby Adventures
LEAFS Preserve North On the North Tract of LEAFS Preserve, explore a forest undergoing longleaf pine restoration along a well-defined loop with scenic views of Lake Alto. 
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.
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. 
Gold Head Branch State Park One of Florida's oldest state parks and notable for its Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park offers a lesson in Florida topography.
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