Outdoor enthusiasts love visiting Gainesville, Florida! Delightful weather year-round means ample opportunity to explore the outdoors. One of the most popular activities guests will partake in during their stay at Sweetwater Branch Inn is hiking in Gainesville, FL. You’ll love trekking through dense forests and unique geological features!
Are you looking for other outdoor activities like hiking in Gainesville, FL? Check out our free Vacation Guide! We realize that knowing what to do in an unknown area can be challenging, so we created our free guide to save you from hours of research. In it, you’ll find more adventures, date night ideas, family-friendly activities, and more! Enjoy!
4 of the Best Spots for Hiking in Gainesville, FL
1. Devil’s Millhopper State Geological Site
We can assure you that you have never experienced anything like the Devil’s Millhopper State Geological Site! This bowl-shaped crater is one of the most unique spots for hiking in Gainesville, FL; it is estimated that this sinkhole is over 10 thousand years old. Visitors can trek through the trail that runs along the edge of the cavern then down the stairs to the bottom. When you reach the end, you will be rewarded with views of a mini rainforest that thrives due to the water cascading down the limestone walls. It is the perfect environment for moss, ferns, and fungi to grow, covering everywhere possible in shades of green.
2. San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
The San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is a rare example of mature hammock woodland located less than a half hour away from Sweetwater Branch Inn. It’s a popular spot for hiking in Gainesville, FL, as well as off-road biking and horseback riding. There are 4 trails for nature viewing and hiking that weave through the park. Each trail is well-marked with different colors, so you should not have a hard time navigating!
3. Loblolly Woods Nature Park
Loblolly Woods Nature Park in Gainesville, FL is 159 acres of lush forest. Here, you will find tall pines, dense vegetation, and stunning wildlife. The creek running through is known for having shark teeth, so visitors can frequently be seen searching the bottom for these little treasures. It’s a favorite place for hiking in Gainesville, FL, of both locals and visitors!
4. Sweetwater Preserve
You should definitely visit Sweetwater Preserve in Gainesville, FL, during your stay at Sweetwater Branch Inn! This 125-acre preserve is split into two sections by a waterway. The western half of this area is a popular spot for mountain biking, but the eastern half has great hikes the whole family can enjoy!
Come Back and Relax at Sweetwater Branch Inn
After hiking in Gainesville, FL, come back and relax at Sweetwater Branch Inn. Lay by the saltwater pool, enjoy the fresh air in our Florida-style gardens, or join us for our Wine & Cheese Hour to rejuvenate. Browse through our tastefully decorated rooms and fully equipped cottages ideal for extended stays to start planning your stay. All of our accommodations combine Southern elegance with comfort!