The San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is a rare example of mature Florida hammock woodland. Sixty-five percent of the 7000 acre park is designated for hiking, providing quiet solitude for a true wilderness experience. The other 35% comprises one of Florida’s top mountain biking destinations. Trails include a 1-mile beginner's trail near the north entrance, a 4-mile intermediate trail through rolling terrain and across small log jumps, and an 8-mile advanced trail with strenuous hill climbing, steep switchbacks, log bridges, and breathtaking views.
Days Open: Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday
San Felasco has two separate entrances:
• one for hiking and jogging to the south off of CR 232/Millhopper Road
• one for mountain biking and horse riding to the north
While hiking through San Felasco Hammock Preserve you will see changes in elevation and limestone outcrops that create 18 different biological communities, including sinkholes, sandhills, creeks, ponds, and upland longleaf pine forests. The preserve also hosts rare plants and a several recognized hardwood “champion trees”.
You may see white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys, and perhaps even the elusive bobcat, along with many species of songbirds. Summer breeding birds include wood thrush and various species of warblers, with fall and spring migration bringing another host of warbler species. The winter months also bring in migratory waterfowl. It’s no wonder that San Felasco is a Great Florida Birding Trail site.
Recommended website: Friends of San Felasco.
Park hours: 8 until sundown, 365 days per year. Admission: $2 per vehicle.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is 14 miles northwest from Gainesville. The map below shows hiking trailhead, which is separate from the biking trailhead.
The northern 2,000 acres of the preserve are designed for multiple-use, including horseback riding and off-road bicycling. Nearly 20 miles of singletrack bicycle trails wind their way through a variety of terrain, including grassy woodland, cool canopied old-growth forest, and terrain sculpted with ravines and sinkholes.
The main mountain bike trail features a number of connecting trails, some of them dramatic and difficult, especially the ravine trails. In summer bring plenty of fluids and be carefully to avoid heat exhaustion which can leave you stranded far from the trailhead. Those riding the advanced trails should carry repair tools.
Night mountain bike rides are held on the Wednesday closest to the full moon, with a break during the hottest summer months of July, August, and September. Your bike should have primary lights, and you should carry a back-up light. A small donation is requested from each rider.
Hours: 8am until sunset. Night rides leave 7:30p from Park Headquarters 12720 NW 109th Lane, Alachua. Admission: $2 per car.
The mountain biking trailhead is at the northeast corner of the preserve shown on the map below.
