Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
Micanopy 0.9 milesA former YMCA camp turned county park offers a swimming pool, disk golf, and scenic loop trail showcasing shady oak hammocks and a blackwater swamp.
Descent into Devils Millhopper
Devils Millhopper State Park debuted a new staircase into the sinkhole June 5, 2019. It has 100 fewer steps and yet is less steep and more broad than the prior version.
Devil’s Millhopper Nature Trail
Gainesville 0.9 milesThe Devils Millhopper Nature Trail circles the lip of an enormous sinkhole before plunging down into it on a series of staircases and landings with views of natural waterfalls.
Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
It's the trickle of water that catches your attention, the steady drip and splash down the rocky rim and into the depths of one of Florida's largest sinkholes at Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Gainesville 1.1 milesFor a ramble through a authentic Florida pioneer homestead, visit Dudley Farm Historic State Park, which interprets the life of the 1800s Florida family that lived here.
Ecopassage Observation Boardwalk
Gainesville 0.1 milesProviding the easiest-to-reach panorama of Paynes Prairie, the Ecopassage Observation Boardwalk encourages you to stop and take it all in.
Five Star Trails Gainesville & Ocala has launched
Announcing the arrival of Five Star Hikes Gainesville and Ocala, our newest title from Menasha Ridge Press.
Florida Trail, North Florida
As the Florida Trail sweeps in a broad arc through North Florida, hikers are introduced to ancient trees, unusual karst formations, and rolling sandhills.
Florida’s Best Urban Parks
When you live in a tightly packed space, you need somewhere green as your go-to place nearby. These are our top picks for parks in Florida's urban areas, chosen for their diversity of outdoor activities and/or their unique green spaces.
Fox Pen Preserve
Hawthorne 1.9 milesIn the forested countryside between Gainesville and Palatka, little-known Fox Pen Preserve features a 1.9 mile loop traversing the Orange Creek basin to Moss Lee Lake.
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
Gainesville to Hawthorne 15.3 milesOne of North Florida’s oldest bike paths, the 15.3 mile linear Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail provides a mostly shaded rural ride.
Gator growl at La Chua
In the heart of Gator Country, a deep sinkhole swallows the waters of Paynes Prairie at its northeastern rim in Gainesville: La Chua Sink. A brand new boardwalk now provides a closer look.