Prairies, Forests, and Swamps
Now at 7,000 acres (with the newly acquired Fox Pond site), the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is one of the finest examples of the climax mesic hammocks remaining in Florida. The park is located to the northwest of Gainesville, in north Florida's Alachua County. The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide conditions for at least 18 biological communities within the hammock, including areas of sandhill, hydric hammock, upland pine, and swamp. Thanks to the region's karst topography, sinkholes, steephead springs, ponds, and small lakes dot the landscape. Blues Creek, Turkey Creek, and Cellon Creek all enter San Felasco from outside the park boundary and flow through the park, finally dropping into swallows, which drain back into the aquifer. The Friends of San Felasco Citizen Support Organization (CSO) created this Web site to provide you with information about the many activities available within the San Felasco park. If you enjoy using the trails in this amazing preserve, we encourage you to become involved with the CSO to help maintain existing facilities and to help plan for its future. To learn more about the CSO, see CSO.
Recreational Opportunities
San Felasco has two entrances: one for hiking and trail running to the south, and one for mountain biking and horse trails to the north. The southern two-thirds of the park is designated for hiking only. The northern most 2,000 acres are designated for multi-use purposes including horseback riding, off-road bicycling, and hiking. Trails in this section were built by The Friends of San Felasco, Inc. and other interested volunteers. For a description of the trails, see Trails.
Directions
To the hiking trailhead: Take CR 232/Millhopper Road and drive approximately four miles west of Gainesville.
To the equestrian and mountain bike trailhead: Take I-75 to U.S. 441 (Milepost Exit 399 - Old Exit 78) and drive south 2.8 miles (through the city of Alachua). Turn right onto Progress Blvd. Drive 0.7 miles to the park entrance. (Continue past the end of the pavement and onto the grade road.)
Web Sites
Florida State Parks Home Page
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park Home Page
Map of Hiking Trails North of Millhopper Road
Map of Hiking Trails South of Millhopper Road
Gainesville Cycling Club
