Looking for the best trails around Gainesville?

Explore the best rated trails in Gainesville, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Withlacoochee Bay Trail and Dunnellon Trail . With more than 19 trails covering 263 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail

Good for running

January, 2026 by joenad55

On a recent trip, I jogged the first two miles up and two miles back of the eastern end at Imeson Road. Was a joy as the trail there is straight, no curves, and no elevation changes. Have to occasionally stop for street crossings. The only thing wrong is there are no benches other than at the trailhead.

Withlacoochee State Trail

We rode from Croom to the south end of this amazing trail. Smooth asphalt, shaded by a canopy of trees it was a quiet place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

January, 2026 by ekbw83_tl

We rode from Croom to the south end of this amazing trail. Smooth asphalt, shaded by a canopy of trees it was a quiet place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail

Good Trail for Visitors

January, 2026 by cyclist922

Today I rode about half of the Jacksonville-Baldwin trail in NE Florida. The weather was in the low 70’s and mostly sunny. Much better than my home in Ohio right now.

I was very impressed with the trail. The path is asphalt paved, and appears to be 8 - 10 ft wide. It’s flat enough to calibrate against—not really, but my elevation varied less than 50 ft.

The trail runs beneath a canopy of mostly pine. The air has a wonderful scent. It was pretty busy for a weekday afternoon—if felt like a safe, secure place.

The parking facilities at the Jacksonville trail head were in good shape. There is even a rooster who acts as parking lot attendant—greeting (or perhaps shaking down) each cyclist. All in all a great experience. I’ll ride it again the next time we pass through.

Accordion

Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

Palatka - Lake Butler Trail

January, 2026 by waldohorlacher

I just wanted to provide an update to individuals that have used the trail. Construction to pave the trail west from Hampton has started on January 1st from the CSX railroad crossing west across Highway 301 continuing on the former historic Southern Railway / NS right of way.

Archer Braid Trail

Good trail

January, 2026 by sjf0809

I rode my bike on this trail in November, 2025. The surface was in good shape. The trail did cross may driveways into businesses and homes, as well as crossing some streets into subdivisions, none of which was a problem. The traffic noise did not bother me. I feel that it just comes with the territory of a trail alongside a highway, and then let it go. Since I did get off I 75 to bike this trail, I ended up parking at Publix Super Market, which was about midway on the trail, rather than driving to Archer. I also biked the spur or loop that included the Veterans Memorial Park. I rode a total of 26 miles, which took me about 2 1/2 hours.

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail

Dog issue?

December, 2025 by cseabrooke

Great trail, but had a dog chase me on my bike, closer to the Amazon district parking, just before the trees canopy and you’re done passing houses. Anyone else run into this issue?

Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail

Trail closed at north end

December, 2025 by askrens

Rode from Palatka to where the trail crosses Vermont Rd about 1.5 miles from trail end. In general, the trail was very good to excellent condition, with the usual root protrusions under the tree canopy . My only real complaint is that there was no signage coming out of Palatka, and no mileage signage at all.Lo

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Park Trail

great trail!

December, 2025 by askrens

Loved this trail. Overall, I would rate the pavement quality as being very good. Yes there are some bumps and lumps, but that is to be expected when you’re riding deep under tree canopy. And yes, there are some hills! But this is central FL! expected for Central Florida.

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail

This trail was perfect for a gentle ride with my 11-year-old granddaughter, who has never been on a longer trail. Flat, smooth surface. We parked at Otis Road and went a few miles toward Baldwin.

July, 2025 by bobrogersthd

This trail was perfect for a gentle ride with my 11-year-old granddaughter, who has never been on a longer trail. Flat, smooth surface. We parked at Otis Road and went a few miles toward Baldwin.

Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

Great trail with a lot of shade and smooth surface

July, 2025 by ath5662

I started the trail in Hamilton. It is paved from there. Unfortunately no good parking. Very smooth and a lot of shade. Road just over 40 miles in July. Would definitely recommend. Needs more parking areas and places to take a break.

Suwannee River Greenway at Branford

Nice trail but watch out for the ATV’s

July, 2025 by lhempfling

We live here and love this trail. We walk it and ride our e-bikes on it and it’s been great since they repaved it. They even added a bridge across the river by Ichetucknee Springs State Park that connects this trail to the O’Leno Trail. Hopefully they will repave the O’Leno Trail one day. Be aware that sadly the locals also use the trail with their golf carts and worse, their ATV’s. Even kids younger than 16 drive them on the trail. Most people are respectful of the walkers and bikers but not all so be careful. Hopefully it won’t take someone getting hurt to get the rules enforced.

Withlacoochee State Trail

One of the great trails in Florida

June, 2025 by rockieslights

This 46 mile trail has a little of everything. Parts have nice shade, some areas are rural and some areas go through small towns. There are multiple access points. Highlights for us were Floral City near the midway point, Ft. Cooper State Park access, and Inverness where the trail skirts the water. There aren't many difficult road crossings and not many climbs to get over high intersection bridges. As of our last ride in 2025, the trail was in good shape. Not terribly crowded. An outstanding ride.

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Accordion

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