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Blues Creek Ravine Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Running trail in Gainesville, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Blues Creek Ravine Preserve'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.
What runners say about Blues Creek Ravine Preserve
“Once you've cleared the beginning of the trail, the park opens up to a beautiful upland habitat and elevated views of the creek.”
“Well-marked trail, sturdy wooden bridge.”
Access to this property requires that you park on the right-of-way of NW 71st street. You will then need to walk down NW 69th Avenue to the trailhead. This park begins with a narrow entrance sandwiched between two properties.
A really beautiful park, that's semi-hidden. To get to this park, drive to the intersection of NW 71st St and NW 69th Ave. Park along NW 71st St and walk up NW 69th Ave until you see the entrance to the park. As of 2022 there are two trails.
Park in the grass on the side of the road on 71st Street and walk down the road that has a sign saying “Private Road”. Don’t worry about the sign; you’re permitted to walk down the road to get access to the preserve entrance.
Its a nice little hike. I would recommend it for the views of blues creek alone. The drawback is the location. There really isn't any parking at the trail head. You need to park on the shoulder of the road and walk in. It's not far or anything, just inconvenient.
Trail conditions & character
“Once you've cleared the beginning of the trail, the park opens up to a beautiful upland habitat and elevated views of the creek.”
“It features loop trails with some elevation changes, sturdy bridges, and is open sunrise to sunset, welcoming leashed dogs but prohibiting drones and motorized vehicles.”
“Parking is available on the shoulders of NW 71st Street, with a short walk to the trailhead on NW 69th Avenue.”
“It features loop trails with some elevation changes, sturdy bridges, and is open sunrise to sunset, welcoming leashed dogs but prohibiting drones and motorized vehicles.”
“Both trails are mostly level and wonderful walks.”
Plan your run at Blues Creek Ravine Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitealachuaconservationtrust.org
- Phone+1 352-373-1078
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6:30 pm |
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