Find the top rated running trails in Alachua, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I had to add my 2 cents, don’t be discouraged by a previous review talking about steep hills and bumpy pavement in the 5 miles near Gainesville. I rode it in the pre dawn hours and took it really slow so as not to out run my light. Yes there are bumps - I had no issues and my tires are 23s. As far as hills, this path is what we call in the Midwest flat. Maybe some steep hills for Florida, but again not a real issue. Enjoy it - I look forward to riding it again someday!
This trail offers wide smooth pavement. The forest is dense surrounding most of the trail and gives one the feel of isolation. This is a great ride on sunny days as most of it is covered by tree canopies. The only bad part of this trail is lack of parking or easy access at both ends of the trail. A road bike can not manage the sandy dirt trail of a mile to get to trail at the westernmost parking lot.
The west end towards Gainesville is quite a bit different than the east end at Hawthorne. The Hawthorne end offers good cycling with a road bike. The Gainesville end not so much. It has a lot of severe tree root damage, sharp curves, and suprisingly steep hills. Once you get thru that in the first 5 miles the trail straightens out and runs parallel to a busy and noisy road. Great.
We rode it 3 times and finally agreed it wasn't worth the effort. With the 2 overlooks onto Paynes Prairie and the Al Lucha trail within the first 3 miles, this end of the trail lends itself to walking or riding an ebike. The ebike negates the hills and would have larger tires that would absorb all the bumpiness.
The east end was rural with fewer people and was more suitable for someone wanting to actually bike.
Agree with all the comments on beauty. No place to buy food or beverages on the trail. Several picnic sites. Only use bottle water dispenser not hoses for water
I agree with another post, women should be very aware of areas of this trail. Many young men on drugs it appears in areas where things could go bad in a hurry
I distance skate on quads and I actually had finished the full Withalacooche and decided to do this one too. AMAZING SURFACE AND PERFECT FOR SKATES. Flew through this trail. Loved the bridge. Beautiful marsh area. Lots of people walking but still very enjoyable and beautiful.
K and K rode from Cross City to Fanning and had BBQ The first part is along the road and open and loud with truck noise Long and straight following the overhead power lines Paved and in good condition
This trail is just outstanding. There is just not enough you can say about it. We road only the paved part but it is beautiful. We saw deer and wild turkeys and even heard an owl. The trail is smooth and wide and everyone was very respectful. We liked the fact that has a nice mix of shade and sun. Also the fact that it has some moderate hills and how it winds through the forest is great. Highly recommend!!
My wife and I just did a 24 mile ride there on our ebikes. Beautiful wide and SMOOTH trails through the Florida woods. Many gentle hills and plenty of curves. Nice trail head with restrooms.
We rode this trail on January 30, 2024 from the Vermont Heights Bike St. Augustine Trailhead to where the trail crosses 207 between the Cora C. Harrison Preserve Trailhead and the Bull-Hit Ranch. The trail is the best when it is away from 207 and there are stretches that are very bumpy where tree roots have pushed up the asphalt. There are several roads to cross as well.
Rollerskates this entire trail in October of 2023. Sadly, not great quality always in surface. Lots of homeless tents along the trail. Ends by airport. Busy road next to it. No cool scenery. Glad I did it but not planning to ever do it again.
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