Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail stretches 16 miles from the city of Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and other local and state conservation lands.

On this historic railbed turned greenway you will pass by native plants and wildlife, diverse scenery and backyard Florida culture. Overlooks and stops of interest tie together a rich story of small railroad towns, locomotives and human activity along this corridor.

The recreational trail is paved with a grassy equestrian trail running alongside. Parking is provided at four trail heads:

Boulware Springs City Park, 3300 S.E. 15th Street in Gainesville
At the intersection of CR 234 and CR 2082 in Rochelle at Prairie Creek Preserve
7902 S.E. 200th Drive, off of CR 2082 west of Hawthorne
2182 S.E. 71st Avenue in Hawthorne

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling and rollerblading are permitted the entire length of the Trail. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.

Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Prairie Creek and Lochloosa Creek from the trail bridges. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.  A fishing license may be required.  More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Hiking
Hiking is permitted on the entire length on the trail.

Amenities

Pets
Well behaved dogs are allowed on a six foot hand-held leash on the Gainesville to Hawthorne State Trail.

Horse Equestrian Trail
Horseback riding is allowed along the entire recreational trail.