Find the top rated birding trails in Gainesville, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
It has been a week since the storm came thought, The Trail is a Mess!!! Needs to be cleaned up right away.
Doctors Lake bike Trail was my first bike ride since I started biking again. It’s not very scenic except for the animated faces on some of the trees that line the trail. The people that were out either bike riding or jogging or just walking were all very friendly. It was nice to see other people out doing activities.
Trail closed, drove to get here and found out with signs up at all the crossings in our area.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/withlacoochee-state-trail
This is a great trail. If you don’t have all day to get a work out. It goes along a beautiful canal that leads to the Gulf of Mexico. The complete stretch round-trip is a little over 13 miles. There are areas where there’s beautiful views and several places to stop to take in the scenery. We also saw a lot of wildlife. Well maintained. Good for riding bikes, horseback riding, or walking.
I rode this a couple of weeks ago, starting at the Florahome Trailhead, approximately 10.5 miles east of the Keystone Heights Trailhead. This segment is in real good condition, although there are quite a few tree limbs hanging down that need to be trimmed back. Even with an early start, most of the trail was under the Sun. It is approximately 12 miles from Florahome to the end of the paved trail, a few miles west of Palatka. I've now ridden the entire paved section from Hampton to Palatka, approximately 31.5 miles. Surprised at how lightly traveled this trail is compared to the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail which is only 14.5 miles in length.
Did not ride the complete trail but it’s August in Florida so… We did enjoy the part we rode from the nice little park in Elkton to East Palatka. I wish we could have crossed the St John’s River but it was just a bit too far. The next time we’re in the area we can complete the journey!
You will see parking area just a little ways past the Palatka airport Wonderful trail quiet, smooth, shady Beautiful old oaks and gentle streams No major road crossings
Drove to south entrance of Ichetucknee State park and it was not clear where the trail began, so we went to the north entrance, which is NOT the right place. Drove to O’Leno State Park and noticed a paved trail along the high meat again.
Did the entire trail and came in with 64 miles overall on roller skates. Started Trenton. The Trenton asphalt isn’t too great quality but it is doable. The Suwannee River Bridge is beautiful but usually where the traffic of the trail is. Skated to the end in Cross City. It’s very open in this section which can be difficult with wind. I will say the surface is better in this leg. Skated back from Cross City and took the Wilcox Junction to Chiefland. The Chiefland leg is shaded and has a good quality surface for most of it. All three of the depots are cute. I think Chiefland’d depot is the prettiest….but also getting to it sucks since you must cross a busy road. Overall, this trail is quiet and a beautiful tel. Saw a garter snake and lots of rabbits
We went last week and the Imeson lot was under construction. Had to go to the one near Camp Milton. Too bad this isn't listed on any site. Otherwise the trail is in great shape. Nice smooth asphalt.
I had an appointment in the area so decided to combine a ride. Not worth the trouble. The trail is poorly maintained and the long section of wooden bridge is old, warped and teeth-chattering. Traffic noise made conditions worse. Overall an unpleasant ride. I hope NE Florida will up its trail game some day.
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