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amilies regularly head for any of the 40 nature parks within 50 miles of Gainesville to
picnic, swim, hike, camp, or enjoy some boating or fishing. The Gainesville Recreation and
Parks Department maintains 30 municipal parks and plans a year-round schedule of
recreational activities and competitive sports for Gainesville residents of all ages.
City Parks
 Bivens Arm Nature
Park
3650 S. Main Street, Gainesville
Information: (352)334-2056
A 1,200-foot boardwalk leads visitors through this peaceful oak hammock and marsh
preserve. Wildflowers, wildlife and quotes by poets, authors and naturalists add to the
beauty and interest of the park. Picnic tables and pavilion available. Open 9 a.m. - 5
p.m. daily. Free admission.
 Kanapaha Botanical
Gardens
4625 S.W. 63rd Blvd., Gainesville
Information: (352)372-4981
The 62 acres of the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens can best be discovered from its
mile-long walking trail that guides visitors through a variety of plant life including
herb gardens, lily ponds, desert cactus and bamboo forests. Plenty of gazebos and benches
grace the park for visitors to stop and enjoy the flowers. A gift shop is located at the
entrance. Open Monday, Tuesday & Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Saturday
& Sunday from 9 a.m. - dusk. Admission $2 adults, $1 children 6-13, children under 6
are free.
 Morningside Nature
Center
3540 E. University Ave., Gainesville
Information: (352)334-2100
Run by the City of Gainesville's Department of Cultural Affairs, the Morningside Nature
Center features an 1840's cabin and barnyard animals in its Living History Farm. Seven
miles of trails and boardwalks wind through the 278 acres of forests that serve as the
home for dozens of species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
Free. Children and adults may take part in farm chores daily at 4 p.m. Charge is 50 cents.
Palm Point Park
7401 Lakeshore Drive, Gainesville
Information: (352)334-2170
Stately cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and the Sabal palm, Florida's State Tree,
share the view at this point on Newnan's Lake. This small park provides a lovely lakeside
access. Wildlife watching includes wading birds and nesting bald eagles and osprey. Native
trees, shrubs and wildflowers are of interest, or visitors may fish along the lake edge.
This undeveloped natural park is available for picnics, fishing and wildlife viewing from
dawn to dusk every day of the week. Open 7 days a week, 8 am to dusk, free admission, no
facilities available.
 Gum Root Park and
Swamp Conservation Area
Gum Root Park and Gum Root Swamp Conservation Area, which were recently opened in April
of 1994, represent 741 acres of conservation area, protecting a vital floodplain which in
turn cleanses the waters draining from it into Newnan's Lake. Bivens Arm Nature Park also
serves to protect a marsh whose waters drain into Paynes Prairie. All of these nature
parks also provide a sanctuary for wildlife and plants, which are strictly protected. For
more information on any of these nature parks refer to Facilities Management on Freenet,
or contact Steve Phillips, Nature Operations Manager at 334-2197.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Rail Trail
Boulware Springs Park, off S.E. 15th Street, Gainesville
Information: (352)334-2197
Seventeen miles of abandoned railways that stretch from Gainesville to Hawthorne have
been converted to public trails ideal for walking, jogging, bicycling and horseback
riding. The trail begins at Boulware Springs Park wildlife sanctuary and passes through
Paynes Prairie. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Free admission.
Alfred A. Ring Park
N.W. 22nd St., off N.W. 16th Ave., Gainesville
Information: (352)334-2197
Located in the midst of one of Gainesville's residential neighborhoods, the Alfred A.
Ring Park features a mile-long trail that follows the Hogtown Creek. At the north end of
the trail visitors find a picnic area, playground and the Emily Ring Wildflower Garden
that features a pond and waterfall. Open daylight hours daily. Free admission.
Gainesville
Area Parks
 Devil's Millhopper
4732 N.W. 53rd Ave., Gainesville
Information: (352)955-2008
Visitors walk down 232 wooden steps to the floor of this large, bowl shaped sinkhole
known as the Devil's Millhopper. Filled with lush flora and plant species, the sinkhole
echoes the persistent trickle of dozens of tiny waterfalls. A visitors center exhibits
fossilized teeth, bone and marine shells from eras long ago. A nature trail winds its way
around the sinkhole. Open 9 a.m. to sunset daily. Admission $2/car or $1 pedestrian or
bicyclist.
Gold Head Branch State Park
State Road 21 (6 miles northeast of Keystone Heights)
Information: (352)473-4701
This 1,500-acre state park is a popular spot for many water sports, including swimming,
canoeing and fishing. The park also features camping, picnic tables and pavilion, bath
houses, nature trails and a softball field. A small store is open for visitors'
convenience during the summer months. Canoe and bike rentals also are available. Open 8
a.m. - sunset daily. Admission $3.25/car.
 Lake Alice
Off Museum Road, University of Florida, Gainesville
One look at Lake Alice on the Florida campus will tell you why the University of
Florida athletic teams go by the name of the Gators. Numerous alligators reside in this
large lake and wildlife sanctuary. Lovely botanical gardens grace its east side. Open all
day, every day. Free.
Lake Wauburg
U.S. 441 (8 miles south of Gainesville)
Information: (352)466-9287
Open only to UF students, faculty, staff, and their guests, Lake Wauburg is a beautiful
lake with a wide range of water activities including swimming, skiing, sailing, canoeing,
and fishing. Also available for visitors is a beachfront, pier area and picnic grounds.
Open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to
7 p.m. Closed Monday. Free.
O'Leno State Park
Off U.S. 441 (10 miles north of High Springs)
Information: (352)454-1853
The natural bridge and sinkholes of the Santa Fe River highlight the deep hardwood
forest of historic O'Leno State Park. There are scenic spots available for picnicking and
two nature trails run through the woods and across the swamps. Open 8 a.m. - sunset daily.
Admission is $3.25/car.
 Paynes Prairie State
Preserve
U.S. 441 (10 miles south of Gainesville)
Information: (352)466-3397
Bison, wild horses, alligators and nearly 300 other kinds of animals and birds inhabit
this vast 19,000-acre preserve. Bicycling and hiking are popular along Paynes Prairie's
many roadways and trails. Boating is available at Lake Wauburg and camping and picnic
facilities are nearby. A panoramic view of the prairie can be seen from the observation
tower at the Visitor Center and museum. The preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The
Visitor's Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission $3.25/car (limit 8 people
in car).
San Felasco Hammock
Millhopper Road (3 1/2 miles west of Devil's Millhopper)
Information: (352)462-7905
Nine miles of nature trails weave through a dense hardwood forest on this 6,034-acre
state preserve. Indian mounds are located in the park and deer, bobcats, foxes, turkeys
and other wildlife are often sighted. Guided horseback riding tours and orientation
classes are held on selected Saturdays each month. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Admission
$2/vehicle or $1/pedestrian.
Facilities
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