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Alfred A. Ring Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 667 Google reviews · Running trail in Gainesville, Florida · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Alfred A. Ring Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

A hiking trail runs through this densely forested park with a wildflower garden & play area.

What runners say about Alfred A. Ring Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (667 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“Please keep the park clean don't throw garbage on the park.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Today was the second time I was here, this park is beautiful, a lot bird ,flowers, insects and a dense forest , I planning to walk here every morning.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“It’s very peaceful and I highly recommend coming here if you’re looking for a relaxing time.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 3 mentions

“We visited this dog and child friendly park while waiting for our car's 5000 mile maintenance checkup at the Toyota dealership.”

Stopped by here and walked the whole thing in about an hour and a half. Peaceful, quiet, and easy to walk. It wasn't too busy either. My only concern is how slippery the plywood(located on some parts of the bridge at the entryway of the parking area at Elk Lodge on 23rd) was--be careful walking on it(especially if…

★★★★★ — Omega , Oct 2023

#redfox I went hiking here in December 2023, and it was the only time in all my nature hikes that I actually saw a red fox while hiking. It was a wonderful experience. I walked past an area and heard something in the bushes so I turned around and froze and the red fox cross the path.

★★★★★ — Marie , Jan 2025

I love coming to this park. I bring my dobie with me and he enjoys it as well (must be leashed). It’s all nature beautiful; lots of birds, plants, trees to admire. The trail is perfect for a stress relieving walk or getting a nice workout (it has some nice inclines).

★★★★★ — Dari’S , Jul 2022

Today was the second time I was here, this park is beautiful, a lot bird ,flowers, insects and a dense forest , I planning to walk here every morning. PLEASE DON'T MAKE NOISE , if you do ,you not going to see the animals and you will scare them. Please keep the park clean don't throw garbage on the park.

★★★★★ — Francisco , Mar 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 667 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“Today was the second time I was here, this park is beautiful, a lot bird ,flowers, insects and a dense forest , I planning to walk here every morning.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 7 mentions

“We visited this dog and child friendly park while waiting for our car's 5000 mile maintenance checkup at the Toyota dealership.”

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🚻 Restrooms 5 mentions

“Super nice large pavilion with a men and women' bathroom and play area .”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“Nice park divided up into separate areas: parking, playground/picnic area, garden, hiking.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“It’s very peaceful and I highly recommend coming here if you’re looking for a relaxing time.”

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Plan your run at Alfred A. Ring Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitegainesvillefl.gov
  • Phone(352) 334-5067

Hours

Monday 7 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–8 PM
Thursday 7 AM–8 PM
Friday 7 AM–8 PM
Saturday 7 AM–8 PM
Sunday 7 AM–8 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Alfred A. Ring Park

1801 NW 23rd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605

Get directions

Running trails near Gainesville

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park

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Loblolly Park

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Loblolly Woods Nature Park

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This 159-acre forested open space featuring paths & boardwalks is popular for bird watching.

2.0 miles away

Depot Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 4,715 reviews

Gainesville, FL

ShadedScenic

This large park features a playground & splash pad, lawns, a large pond with a promenade & more.

2.5 miles away

John Mahon Nature Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 57 reviews

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Natural surfaceShadedScenic

Park featuring a trail that's well-suited for kids.

2.8 miles away

Cofrin Nature Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 448 reviews

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ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Forested area with a half-mile hiking trail & wetlands fed by Beville Heights Creek.

3.0 miles away

All running trails in Gainesville, FL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.