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Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail |
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
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Manager's Message
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, Boulware Springs Park (3500 SE 15th Street) in Gainesville;
near C.R. 2082 west of Hawthorne at 7209 SE 200th Drive; and at 300 SW 2nd
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:
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