Welcome to Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park stretches 16 miles from the City of Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. The recreational trail is designed for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Parking is provided at three trail heads:
3300 SE 15th Street in Gainesville, at Boulware Springs City Park
7902 SE 200th Drive, off of CR2082 west of Hawthorne
2182 SE 71st Avenue in Hawthorne
Primitive restrooms are located at mile markers 1.0 and 6.6.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, please call 352-466-3397.
Hours of Operation
The starting point for the trail, the Boulware Springs trailhead, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through April and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through October. The Paynes Prairie portion of the trail is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park starts on S.E. 15th Street and extends to Hawthorne near U.S. 301.
To reach the Boulware Springs trailhead from Gainesville, intersection of University Avenue and Main Street: Travel east on University Avenue and take the right fork onto SR 20. Almost immediately, go south onto SE 15th Street. Travel until you find Boulware Springs City Park on the right. If the road makes a 90 degree left turn, you've passed the park and need to turn around.To reach the Hawthorne trailhead from Hawthorne: Follow the signs posted on US 301 or CR 2082.
Park Fees
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park use is free.
Activities at Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
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BicyclingBicycling and rollerblading are permitted the entire length of the Trail.
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Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Prairie Creek and Lochloosa Creek from the trail bridges. |
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Horse TrailsHorses are allowed on the trail except east of the Lochloosa trailhead. For most of the distance, a grassy equestrian pathway is available. Horse riders are required to have proof of negative Coggins on their person or in their saddlebag.
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Nature TrailsHiking is permitted on the entire length on the trail.
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PetsWell behaved dogs are allowed on a six foot hand-held leash on the Gainesville to Hawthorne State Trail. |
ADA accessible composting toilets are located at mile marker 1 and mile marker 7.
Special Events for Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
- There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail Ranger Programs
Frequently Asked Questions about Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Question: What activities are allowed on the trail?
Answer: The Gainesville Hawthorne Trail State Park supports hiking, bicycling, rollerblading, and horseback riding.
Question: Can I bring my dog on the trail?
Answer: Well behaved dogs are welcome on the Gainesville/Hawthorne State Trail. They must be kept on a hand held 6-foot leash at all times and cannot be left unattended for more than a half-hour.
Question: Why do I see rangers with a noisy machine on the trail?
Answer: Because the trail is open for some activities which are enhanced by smooth, debris-free pavement (rollerblading and bicycling), the Park Rangers use a leaf blower on the trail periodically. However, every attempt is made to minimize the disturbance to trail users.
Question: Where can I access the trail for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling?
Answer: Although all of these activities are allowed some parts of the trail, there are certain sections where activities are restricted. Horses are not permitted east of the Lochloosa trailhead and only hikers may use La Chua Trail. The following list shows all access points and allowed uses:
Boulware Springs Park
3300 SE 15th Street, Gainesville
Uses: Bikes, Pedestrians, & Horses
La Chua Trail
4801 Camp Ranch Road, Gainesville
Uses: Pedestrians only
Lochloosa
7209 SE 200th Drive, Hawthorne
Uses: Bikes, Pedestrians, & Horses
Hawthorne
300 SW 2nd Ave, Hawthorne
Uses: Bikes & Pedestrians only
Question: How long is the trail?
Answer: The entire trail is 16 miles long.
Question: Can I use the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail to access the La Chua trail on holidays and weekends?
Answer: Yes, as a matter of fact, the only access point for La Chua trail on holidays and weekends is from the Boulware Springs Trailhead (Gainesville City Park). You must travel through the initial part of the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail. All entry through the gate at Camp Ranch Road is prohibited when the gate is locked. This law is strictly enforced.
Question: What are the trail hours?
Answer: The starting point for the trail, the Boulware Springs trailhead, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through April and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through October. The Paynes Prairie portion of the trail is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round.
Question: Which users have the right of way?
Answer: Equestrian riders have the right of way over all other trail users. Pedestrians yield only to equestrian users. Cyclists and skaters yield to all other users.
Question: What is the level of difficulty?
Answer: The trail varies from moderately strenuous in the hills and hammocks to easy in level areas. Most of the trail is quite level.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail History
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail Volunteer Information
Visit the Main Volunteer page for information on volunteering in Florida State Parks
Visit the Main Volunteer page at http://www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/default.cfm for more detailed Information
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
3400 SE 15 Street, Gainesville, FL
Gainesville, Florida 32641
Phone: 352-466-3397
Fax:
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
P.O. Box 357841
Gainesville, FL 32635-7841
