Enjoy the peace and quiet of one of Florida’s largest mature hardwood forests on the trails of San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. The 7,360-acre preserve provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is divided into two sections. The southern entrance to the park (located four miles northwest of Gainesville on State Road 232 at 11101 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL 32653) is only for hiking in order to preserve a quiet experience on the trails. The northern portion of the park (located just south of Alachua, off U.S. 441) has trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Map of all trails 
Map of hiking trails
Hiking at San Felasco
At the Millhopper Road entrance, you’ll find the Moonshine Creek Trailhead (1 mile loop) which leads to the Creek Sink Trail. Hiking both trails together is approximately a 2.3 mile loop. We found these trails fairly easy to hike and well-marked. Note that there are some mild elevation changes and areas where roots cover the paths.
The majority of the trails are shaded beneath the hardwood hammock, but there are a lot of bugs so be sure to bring bug spray and prepare for ticks (wear high socks and bug spray around the ankles).
You’ll see lots of interesting plants and fungi, birds, and butterflies. If you’re lucky you might even see deer.
In order to access the Spring Grove Trail and Old Spanish Way Trail, you will need to cross Millhopper Road across from the parking lot. These trails offer another nearly 10 miles of hiking.
Hikers are also welcome to use any of the trails at the park’s north entrance, but these are shared with bikers and equestrians.
There is a nice picnic pavilion located at the Millhopper Rd parking area. There are not many other good spots for stopping along the trails, so we recommend saving your picnic for before or after your hike.
Note that there are porta potties located at the entrance to the trail, but no actual restroom facilities.
Along the Moonshine Creek Trail you’ll see one of the state’s largest remaining hardwood hammock forests, Moonshine Creek, sink holes, ponds, elevation changes, and more.
The trails are beautiful during the fall when the leaves are orange.
Biking at San Felasco
Mountain biking is very popular at this state park. There are almost 20 miles of biking trails at San Felasco ranging from beginner to advanced. All bike trails are located at the north entrance of the park.
Many of the bike trails interconnect and lead to other trails. Be sure to download the trail maps before heading out!
Due to the remote nature of the trails beyond the Cellon Creek Trail, you should consider bringing basic bike tools such as a pump, replacement inner tube and multi-tool kit. The mountain bike and equestrian trails are separate trails and meet only at well-cleared intersections.
San Felasco Information
Entrance Fee: $4 per car
Location:
North entrance: 13201 Progress Blvd., Alachua FL 32615
South entrance: 11101 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL 32653
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed only on the south entrance hiking trails.
In the Gainesville area?
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