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The Archer Braid Trail runs for over 12 miles between Archer and Gainesville in north-central Florida.
About the Route
The Archer Braid Trail is paved along most of its route and offers an 8-10 ft wide flat surface. While most of the route does parallel busy FL 24, the trail features some wooded sections and is known for bright wildflower blooms on the sides of the trail in the springtime.
The small town of Archer anchors the southern end of the route. The southernmost two miles of the trail parallel Archer Rd. and are more wooded than the rest of the route and offer nice respite from the heat.
The next large chunk of the trail parallels FL 24, although there is a wide berth between the trail and the roadway.
At the intersection of SW 91st St., the trail splits in two directions. The spur trail heads up SW 91st St. and meets Veteran's Memorial Park. The rest of the trail continues north along FL 24 until reaching SW 41st Blvd, although trail users can access the spur trail once again at the intersection of SW 75th St.
The Archer Braid Trail runs between FL 24 and SW 41st Blvd. (Gainesville) and Maddox Field (Archer), with available parking at the southern end of the trail.
Additional parking is available at:
See TrailLink Map for more parking options and detailed directions.
The asphalt surface is in good condition. Most of the trail runs along a highway. The scenery is nothing to get excited about.
The trial is very nice, shady and wide. However, the noise from the traffic on Archer Road is extremely loud, and the only parking anywhere in Archer is in the sun. My dog can't be in the sun; the car gets too hot.
Trail had a great surface for biking, but not much for scenery. 3/4 of the trail runs out in the open along a highway. The rest was through a nice wooded area.
At the east end, the paved trail continues north to Haile Plantation at SW 46th Ave/Haile Blvd. and east to SW 75th street. Plans are for it to continue through Celebration Pointe, a shopping area next to I-75. That area is under construction now.
Nice straight trail, the part through Haile Plantation is shaded and attractive.
This is not the most scenic trail around but if you're looking for a smooth, well maintained asphalt trail with little to no interaction with cars; this is the one. Great for fitness/speed rides!! I'm a fan.
Pros: - pavement is pretty smooth for the most part, wooded portion not well kept (leaves etc) - pretty sunset - parking that won't Gaye you in overnight (end furthest from SHANDS hospital) - no swerves - adequate width - nice balance of flat and hilly - cows are awesome Cons - no water fountains - can be boring at times - pine needles - non-wooded portion w/ several interruptions w/ crossroads/speed bumps
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