There is nothing like getting booted up, packing a few goodies to nibble on and going out hiking. Hiking is a fantastic pastime to enjoy alone or with friends and family – if they can keep up with you of course.
There is nothing more satisfying than setting your pedometer to zero and then watching the app tally up the steps by the end of your hike and feeling fulfilled at the calories you’ve burned and stamina you have built up.
But of course, one of the most enjoyable things about hiking – besides getting closer and closer to that summer body you’ve been working on since… well, forever, is the sights you get to see along the way. Nothing compares to the sound of the birds in the trees, peering up at majestic wooden oak trees while breathing in fresh pine air, glancing at delicate wildflowers in bloom and being astonished at the sight of the perfect sunrise over the hills.
But in order to enjoy some of the best sights out there, you’ve got to know the right places to go hiking. Not sure about where to go hiking in Gainesville Florida? Are you new to the area and are looking for some of the greatest and untouched hiking spots in town? Then you have come to the right place. Take a look at the following article that will give you an inside peek at the top 5 hiking spots in Gainesville.
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Hawthorne Trail
Are you ready to take in the sights of the most breathtaking scenery, to spot some native wildlife and catch a glimpse of Gainesville’s famous railroad history? Then you will love the 16 mile Hawthorne Trail located in Gainesville Florida. The trail has an asphalt paved surface making it a dream for both bike riding and hiking.
Loblolly Woods Nature Park
Are you looking to immerse yourself in the woods this weekend and set off on an adventure with the kids? If so then you will love the windy trails at Loblolly Woods Nature Park. The park is stretched over a whopping 159 acres of forested open space and is the ideal venue for the whole family to spend an afternoon. Because of the vast number of trees in this park, it is the home of many birds, making this park a popular spot for bird watchers.
Do you fancy taking the dog with you? – then do I have good news for you as these trails are dog friendly as long as you keep them on a leash.
Get down to the beach without getting in the car! This park also has some sandy areas and features crystal clear water from the creek making it the best place to sit back and unwind to the peaceful sounds of trickling water.
La Chua Trail
If you are looking for a great place to spot some wildlife with the kids then the very best location to be is along the La Chua Trail. The La Chua Trail has an elevated boardwalk and an observation tower that sticks out over Paynes Prairie. There are many banks and pools of water at the trail making it the perfect place to spot alligators. Don’t forget your camera!
Unfortunately due to the alligators, dogs are not permitted on the trail, but this is a great location for a family outing to show your kids something really exciting. The trail makes up a 3.1 mile round trip and is a great place to go for a stroll and spend some quality time with the family.
Sweetwater Preserve
The area down at the Sweetwater Preserve has a little something for everyone. There is a hiking trail on the east side perfect for those looking to whip out their pedometer and start burning some calories thanks to the deep forest providing lots of shade and some great wildlife spotting. There is also a bike trail on the west side that is paved and ideal for whizzing around on two wheels. The preserve is also dog friendly so that you can take Rover out for a run, as long as he is on a leash of course.
Devil’s Millhopper
Have you been dying to visit the rainforest but don’t quite fancy the long flight to Brazil? Then you will love the Devil’s Millhopper geological state park in Gainesville Florida as it will lead you down sandy paths and through epic pine trees until you reach Gainesville’s very own mini geological rainforest.
You can also follow the streams into the limestone sinkhole and learn more about the marine shells and fossilized sharks’ teeth that were found there.
Are you looking for a new place to work out? Then you should join the local yoga and tai chi group down at the Devil’s Millhopper and swap the artificial environment of the inside of a gym for the cool breeze and fresh pine air of the great outdoors.
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