Top 5 Gainesville Outdoor Adventures: Your Guide

Thinking about what to do in Gainesville, Florida that doesn’t involve being cooped up inside? Well, you’re in luck! Gainesville, just so you know, isn’t only a college town; it’s really also got tons of super opportunities to explore some fantastic outdoor spots. From lush trails for hiking to crystal-clear springs for a refreshing swim, it pretty much has it all. Here, you get a rundown of five seriously great outdoor activities that should really be on your list the next time you’re in town.

1. Hiking and Biking in San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

You like forests, I mean, really big, expansive forests? San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park has like, over 7,000 acres of seriously amazing nature to, you know, just lose yourself in! It’s often thought of as, just so you know, a gem for hikers and bikers near Gainesville. So too, you’ve got miles and miles of trails weaving through different scenes. Some are often pretty smooth, like the old railroad lines, great for easy biking, and you can find information for your biking at https://www.railstotrails.org, and then there are other ones are twisting and turning with seriously fun climbs and bumps!

If you want, you can check out a place to find a pretty relaxing hike, I guess you can just kind of amble along, drinking it all in, as a matter of fact. And those who are a bit more sporty or fit can hit the mountain bike trails. The views of huge trees dripping with Spanish moss gives off almost like a feeling that takes you a step back in time and almost looks super, mega-beautiful.

I actually remember going there, to San Felasco, it was definitely awesome! We just set off with water bottles and just kept wandering, you know? What’s more, it feels like something out of a movie or whatever, being under those massive trees that blocked out the sun, kind of thing, so that even though it was hot as anything that day, it was, like, actually cooler and seriously pretty peaceful on the trails. You also should really remember your bug spray, of course!

Tips for Visiting San Felasco

Bring water, obviously. Staying well hydrated, too, makes everything way more enjoyable.
Wear comfy shoes because walking so that your feet don’t hurt you!
Go super early or later in the day when you’re looking to go, or any time really. Just be aware of the weather if the tempature seems odd, because maybe there’s bad weather brewing.

2. Swimming and Tubing at Ichetucknee Springs State Park

When things heat up, which does happen a lot here in Florida, it’s a pretty smart move to go to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. This spring is, just so you know, one of the most insanely popular spots around to cool down. The Ichetucknee River is like a six-mile stretch, so it is seriously perfect for tubing. Also, the water’s generally clear and usually remains a lovely 72 degrees all year long.

Grab an inner tube— you know, that rubber donut people float down the river with—from one of the park vendors or you can get one yourself. The float is super peaceful because that river glides really slow. Watch super closely for things like turtles and fish. This spring, which you can find information on the rivers state parks in the state of Florida at https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails. is, well, it’s an adventure in nature!

I took some international students out there tubing one time. So, basically, none of them had seen anything like that before! So, seeing them freaking out because turtles were coming up next to their tubes? Amazing! And yes, the expressions on their faces were really special to see!

Essential Ichetucknee Tubing Tips

Get there seriously early! Tubing spots can get claimed super early, and when the place gets full, there is no way you’ll get on the river at all.
Sunscreen and a hat are actually super essential!
No disposable containers so just you know, bring a refillable water bottle.

3. Kayaking or Canoeing on the Santa Fe River

Thinking about doing more paddling? Well then, the Santa Fe River should be next on your list! Launch your kayak or canoe from any number of spots for like a leisurely day of exploring. The river has a lot of smaller springs that feed into it, along with tons of beautiful limestone banks covered in wild greenery. Basically, you might feel like you are canoeing or kayaking down an jungle stream.

As you meander down the river, it feels that way. Also, you can find smaller trails so that you can, pull over, then explore! Make sure you are aware that there are critters that wander there like alligators and water moccasins!

I always love paddling the Santa Fe since it seems so very secluded! Basically, there’s often not much traffic. Just like, sometimes a few other boaters who wave as you go. This one time, my buddy and I were just kinda coasting, really paying no attention. When, we turned a corner, almost, like, a mother manatee with her calf swam right in front of us. That experience? Seriously unforgettable. Keep updated to new safety guide and know the latest regulations regarding safety and environment impact from here.

Santa Fe River Paddling Tips

Scope out different spots to see if any would be useful for getting onto the water.
A waterproof bag? Pretty useful for electronics and other stuff!
Pack snacks that don’t weigh too much or require refrigeration because who wants a leaky mess.

4. Exploring Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

If you want like, something kinda weird and wonderful, head over to Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park! This park centers, in a way, on like, this huge sinkhole – about 120 feet deep, where a miniature rainforest basically has taken root. You know, just kind of unique considering the general ecosystem.

There’s often, like, a pretty long set of stairs you need to use. Because going down the stairs is really like entering into another universe, the temperature immediately shifts and it gets cooler, also? As well, this tiny little stream leads all the way to the bottom. All the trees around are all drippy with stuff, it’s almost like seeing the inside of earth which you can read about, from science blogs, itself.

One fall a long time ago, I, like, brought my niece to see the Millhopper. She was pretty small, so seeing all those steps looked kind of like climbing Mount Everest. So too, when we arrived at the end? Seriously worth it because the way the water trickled and just the quiet… amazing! And those stairs? Well worth the work it takes to see such a treasure.

Tips for a Great Millhopper Visit

Watch how many steps there are. All those steps back up!
Photography tips! Just imagine playing with angles. All the angles.
Just plan on it taking a bit because a little extra time? It pays to take.

5. Bird Watching and Nature Trails at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Are you into, like, nature at all? Also seeing crazy wildlife? That you will talk about for weeks on end? Then visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park! Because you have an experience where you can drive to, almost, see things like bison, alligators, a load of birds just all mingling in one space.

Get there. Stop at the visitor center for info about sightings. They’re actually super important. Then check out the trails for some awesome views. As you walk or ride bikes around, the alligators love to sun themselves, so that often seems to happen. Seriously a photo-op moment!

Paynes Prairie? A place that my wife just super adores and she almost always sees a new species. We went with a big spotting scope so as to just catch crazy glimpses of super shy birds! If you’re lucky you get, almost like, some close encounters in that place.

Making the Most of Paynes Prairie

Scope that place out at different points to make sure you can actually learn where the great spots hide!
You want something? Check out the observation tower for great views.
Binoculars? Pack those binoculars! The birds are a little bit smaller and hard to spot.