Manager's Message
Starting October 1st the La Chua Trail will have a slightly altered route when entering the Prairie. This is due to the construction of a 1000 foot boardwalk from the edge of the Prairie to Alachua Sink. Estimated to be completed after the first of the year, this boardwalk will enhance wildlife viewing by allowing access during high water events and increase visitor safety.
The walk will remain open during the construction. Please bear with us as we complete this new addition to the park.
If you have questions please contact the Ranger Station at
352-466-3397.
09-22-08
Passing by native plants and wildlife, unique scenery, and backyard Florida culture, the old railbed turned greenway is both a paved multi-use recreational surface and a grassy path for equestrians. As you make your way down the trail, trade your modern life for the days of citrus groves, small railroad towns, and coal burning locomotives. The Gainesville Hawthorne Trail, a "Trader's Path," stretches back even further in time to the days of William Bartram, Seminole Indians, and Florida's first people. We invite you to take a look at the self-guided tour brochure at one of the many kiosks along the trail and learn more about this unique piece of the Real Florida. The brochure can also be downloaded - Gainesville to Hawthorne State Trail Self-Guided Tour
- David Jowers, Park Manager
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.
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
