Acquired in 2011 by the Alachua Conservation Trust, the Santa Fe River Preserve protects over 1,000 acres of land alongside the Santa Fe River in two tracts.
The southernmost hike in the North Tract, the 2.1-mile Gracy Trail immerses visitors within riverine forests with a rich diversity of plants and wildlife.
Bridge over a small streamResources
Resources for exploring the area
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Overview
Location: Alachua
Length: 2.1 mile loop
Trailhead: 29.904073, -82.422256
Address: 27025 North SR 121, Alachua
Fees: Free
Restrooms: No
Land manager: Alachua Conservation Trust
Phone: 352-373-1078
Open sunrise to sunset. Dogs are welcome.
Directions
From the Interstate 75 Alachua exit, head south on SR 441 for 1.2 miles before turning left onto NW 140th St. Stay on the main road in a half mile, where it becomes SR 235. In 1.5 miles, turn left onto NW CR 239 and continue for 5.4 miles before making a right onto NW CR 236. Continue for 1.7 miles, then turn left at SR 121 heading north. In 1.4 miles, the trailhead will be on right side of the road.
Hike
Starting at the parking area, head northward towards an inviting trailhead marked with signs. It has a bicycle rack and picnic bench.
A covered kiosk provides information about the property and local wildlife along with paper maps.
TrailheadThe well-maintained trail quickly delves into a dense, shaded hardwood forest with a rich variety of trees.
Netted chain ferns dot the forest floor alongside Jack-in-the-pulpit, red buckeye, and various small shrubs.
Red buckeyeAn array of fungi clings to old trees and sprout from damp soils, thriving in this dark, humid environment.
Early in the hike, a pair of short boardwalks foreshadow several similar structures built to navigate the sometimes-soggy terrain.
Sturdy boardwalkShortly after a bridge crossing over a swift, clear creek lined with small spruce pines, a sign indicates a fork in the trail.
Turn right to begin the loop in a counterclockwise direction.
Spruce pines along the creekAs the pathway ascends eastward, the habitat becomes drier. Water oaks and bay trees give way to large pines, while saw palmettos cluster alongside deer berries.
As the trail snakes through this heavily forested landscape, red diamond shaped markers lead the way.
Trail marker on a pineReaching the loop’s end, the trail takes a sharp turn westward, descending towards the creek basin.
At 1.2 miles, a trailside bench offers a resting spot among rustling leaves, bird chirps, and the unmistakable sound of woodpeckers beating on distant trees.
Shaded benchFollowing alongside the stream on the western side of the loop, the trail weaves underneath a thick canopy with grassy ground cover.
A persistent flow trickles across small dips and exposed limestone in the creek, creating audible waterfalls.
Meandering streamAt 1.7 mile, the trail passes an area scattered with small violets and elderberry bushes before crossing one final bridge and completing the loop.
Turning to the right, the path returns to the trailhead in 0.3 mile.
Creek bridgeTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking the Gracy Trail at Santa Fe River Preserve
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Santa Fe River Preserve
A relaxed hike in a wooded preserve, the Blue Trail at Santa Fe River Preserve crosses sandhills and shady oak hammocks to reach the bluffs of its namesake river.
Chastain-Seay Park
Discover the beauty of the Santa Fe River and its floodplain habitats at Worthington Springs from the boardwalks of the Riverwalk Nature Trail at Chastain-Seay Park.
Cellon Oak Park
The largest live oak tree in Florida, the Cellon Oak north of Gainesville is more than 30 feet in diameter and shades a space that puts most other oaks to shame.
Mill Creek Preserve
Mill Creek Preserve encompasses 5-plus miles of hiking on nearly 1,200 acres of unexpected delights in an area well-known for its sinkholes and disappearing streams.