J. Wayne Reitz Union
Educating Leaders for a Global Community
Local Areas
Bolens Bluff Trail at Paynes Prairie State Park
This 2.6 mile loop trail is located south of Gainesville, on 13th St (US-441). To get there, drive past Paynes Prairie, and it will be a quarter mile from where the trees start again on your left. The trail is open from 8 am to sunset daily for hiking and biking, but pets are not allowed.
Much of the trail winds through oak forest, with the northern half also taking you along the swampy Paynes Prairie. The halfway point of the trail features a wide grassy bluff, which the trail is named after. Also, theres a spur trail that takes you out onto Paynes Prairie, to a platform deck that provides a beautiful 360 degree view. Sadly, this section of the trail is underwater at the time. The abundant wildlife seen often on the Bolens Bluff Trail includes a variety of birds, including wild turkeys, along with squirrels, rabbits, snakes (be careful not to step on the water moccasins that sunbathe on the grassy section of the trail) deer, and wild horses that live on the prairie.
Loblolly Environmental Facility and Woods
This park area close to campus is open sunrise to sunset for hiking and biking. To get there from University, turn north onto 34th St. Just after the four lanes become two, youll see a green sign, pointing to the right, which says Loblolly. Turn at the sign and youre there.
Loblolly is a nice place to go if you have a break between classes and want to get into nature, even if only for a short time. There are rarely many people on the trail and pets are allowed, so its also a great change of scenery to take your dog for a walk. This small park takes you along through an oak forest and along a swamp. A highlight is the chance to see the Hogtown Creek in its natural state, before its paved over when it hits 34th St. Theres an observation platform over a swampy area, and a wide boardwalk.
Big Oak Loop of the Florida Trail
This 11 mile loop trail is located less than 1 hours north of Gainesville, where the Suwannee and Withlacoochie Rivers merge together. To get to the trailhead in the Suwannee River State Park, take I-75 North to Exit 435. Go west on I-10 about 20 miles to US 90 at Exit 275. Turn left from the exit ramp and proceed west on US 90 for 5 miles. The park office will be on the right but requires an entrance fee. To avoid this fee, continue on US 90 and park at the Florida Agricultural Inspection Station, or the DeSoto Trail exhibit parking lot just west of the river.
This loop can be hiked in a day, or is a perfect overnight backpacking trip. The trail follows the banks of the Suwannee and Withlacoochie Rivers, crossing both on bridges. The two rivers meet at the halfway point of the trail, with a small beach and scenic overlook. A large campsite with tables and a fire ring is located at this point on the Big Oak Loop. The trail is dotted with sinkholes and lined with large oak trees, including Big Oak
Croom Hiking Trails
The trailhead of the Croom Tract is about 1 hours south of Gainesville on I-75. Get off on Exit 301 to US 98/SR 50. Go east (away from Brooksville) for nearly one mile and turn left at the light at Croom Rital Road. Follow signs to the Withlacoochie State Forest Silver Lake Recreation Area. Turn right onto Silver Lake Road, leading to the Day Use Area, which is open from 8 am until sunset. Look for the Florida Trail sign near the boat ramp for the start of the trail and make sure to pick up a map at the information kiosk.
The hiking trails of the Croom Tract consist of three connected loops, providing many different options of hike lengths and routes. A map is necessary due to the many connecting trails and because the area also contains a number of excellent off-road bicycle trails which cross the hiking trails in many places and can making staying on the right path confusing at times. Some highlights of the area include the cypress ponds that are crossed near the Silver Lake trailhead, numerous deep ravines and grassy prairies encountered along the way, abandoned rock mines, and the Tucker Hill Fire Tower. There is a campsite near the fire tower, and another located near Nobleton Road, just a couple of miles from the trailhead at Silver Lake.