Main Page - Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

Photo of a mother sandhill crane in the grass with two of her goslings

Manager's Message

Thanks for visiting our website, Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and smell fresh air while cycling, walking, roller blading, or horse back riding through a variety of plant communities full of Florida history. Pick up a self guided tour brochure from one of our kiosks, or listen to one of our recently added cell phone tour stops.
For more information, please visit Friends of Paynes Prairie or call the Ranger Station at 352-466-3397.

- David Jowers, Park Manager

Welcome to Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail stretches sixteen (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.

Well-behaved dogs are allowed on the Gainesville to Hawthorne State Trail. They must be on a hand-held leash that is no longer than 6 feet long.

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 State Trail 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.