Rail trail · Florida
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
A 16-mile paved rail-trail stretching from Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park through Paynes Prairie Preserve to Hawthorne, threading wetlands, prairies, and former railroad history through north-central Florida.
Length
16 miles
Surface
Paved
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Boulware Springs Park, Gainesville to Hawthorne
Season
Year-round; fall through spring is most comfortable, with hot and humid summers and frequent afternoon thunderstorms
Plan your ride or walk
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail follows 16 paved miles of a historic rail bed through some of north-central Florida's most varied terrain, from the urban edge of Gainesville into the broad wetlands and prairies around Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and out to the small railroad town of Hawthorne. The trail is 10 feet wide and free to use, with four trailheads offering parking at Boulware Springs, Rochelle, and two points near Hawthorne. Wildlife sightings are a highlight: sandhill cranes, herons, gopher tortoises, and occasional deer are commonly spotted along the route. A parallel grass equestrian trail runs most of the length for horseback riders. Fall and winter are the most pleasant seasons, though the trail is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Getting there
The western trailhead at Boulware Springs City Park is at 3300 S.E. 15th St. in Gainesville, about 1.5 hours southwest of Jacksonville. Three additional trailheads with parking are spaced along the route near Rochelle and Hawthorne, so you can access any segment rather than riding the full length.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Florida State Parks: Gainesville-Hawthorne State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail?
The trail runs 16 miles point to point, from Boulware Springs Park in Gainesville east to Hawthorne. It is paved the entire length and flat throughout as a former rail corridor. Most users ride out and back from whichever trailhead is most convenient.
Is there a fee to use the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail?
No. The trail is free to enter and use, and is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to sunset. Parking is provided at four trailheads along the route at no charge.
What wildlife can you see on the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail?
The trail passes through Paynes Prairie Preserve and adjacent conservation lands, so wildlife sightings are common. Sandhill cranes, great blue herons, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and a variety of shorebirds are regularly spotted. The Alachua Lake and Sweetwater overlooks offer the best panoramic views into the prairie.
Can you ride horses on the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail?
Yes. A separate grassy equestrian trail runs alongside the paved path for most of the route, keeping foot and bike traffic separated from horseback riders. The trail is also ADA accessible on the paved surface.
More Florida trails
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