Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park

The Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail extends 16 miles through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, featuring a 10-foot-wide paved path with parallel equestrian track.

The trail follows a former railroad corridor that connected small towns, with concrete mileage markers and whistle posts still visible along the route.

The pathway connects urban Gainesville to rural Hawthorne, passing through diverse Florida landscapes including citrus groves, marshlands, and prairie ecosystems.

Four trailheads with parking facilities are located at Boulware Springs City Park, Prairie Creek Preserve, west of Hawthorne, and southeast Hawthorne.

The western section near Gainesville includes elevation changes and curved sections, contrasting with Florida's typical flat terrain characteristics.

Location: Florida

Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gainesville-hawthorne-state-trail

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gainesville-hawthorne-state-trail

GPS coordinates: 29.59110,-82.18920

Latest update: April 6, 2025 21:34