Depot Park – Sweetwater Preserve loop from Gainesville

Hiking trails & Routes

Depot Park – Sweetwater Preserve loop from Gainesville

Moderate

3.5

(28)

hikers

Depot Park – Sweetwater Preserve loop from Gainesville

04:16

16.6km

80m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

885 m

Depot Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Depot Park is a recreational park complex set around a scenic lake. It has two nearby museums, lawns, picnic areas, trails, and play areas, and is a popular place in …

Tip by

3.84 km

Sweetwater Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Sweetwater Preserve provides a network of well-maintained, clearly marked trails that wind through beautiful American beech and oak forestry.

There is lots of shade on the paths, and you'll pass …

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7.28 km

Alachua Sink

Lake

7.57 km

Birdwatching Viewpoint at the Stream

Highlight • Viewpoint

8.49 km

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – La Chua Trail

Highlight • Trail

Designated as a U.S. National Natural Landmark, this state park is truly a natural wonder. As you explore the park you won't be surprised to see alligators and a dizzying …

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9.96 km

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a 16.5 mile that runs from Gainesville to Hawthorne. It is fully paved and although there is a hill or two, it is not too challenging a trail.

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12.8 km

The Downtown Connector Rail Trail runs from downtown Gainesville to the Ganesville-Hawthorne State Trail. Together the two trail make a fully paved pathway between the two cities that allows cyclists …

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16.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.8 km

2.41 km

994 m

443 m

Surfaces

8.40 km