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Loblolly Woods Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 822 Google reviews · Running trail in Gainesville, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Loblolly Woods Nature 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.
This 159-acre forested open space featuring paths & boardwalks is popular for bird watching.
What runners say about Loblolly Woods Nature Park
“The trail is very well kept and though it doesn’t run for long, it branches out so you can venture through a lot of the area.”
“Such a wonderful trail, beautiful scenery including some creeks/rivers, lots of wildlife and a lovely place to visit.”
“There is a shaded, sandy trail that is relatively flat.”
“Quiet little area with lots of spots to see the creek.”
“Looks like a great place to bring your dog for a walk as well.”
Loblolly Woods is amazing! The trail is very well kept and though it doesn’t run for long, it branches out so you can venture through a lot of the area. Walk by the river and try to spot fishes or otters, there’s even a swamp/moat area I thought was pretty cool.
We were visiting the University of Florida and wanted to take a short hike. Loblolly Woods a a great place for a picnic or a short nature walk. There is a shaded, sandy trail that is relatively flat.
First time visit to this nature park. It was a pleasant short walk along the creek. The water was low enough that some visitors were walking through it. Looks like a great place to bring your dog for a walk as well. It's about 0.5 mile total each way.
5 star experience. There is a board walk that runs through the woods on onto a trail. The trail ultimately leads to the other end of the park where there is a monument and parking. Not sure of the intended rules but dogs were present. A creek runs through the area creating opportunity for scenic picture taking.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking lot is quite small but there is a children's playground nearby that you could park at and use the crosswalk to cross in.”
“Looks like a great place to bring your dog for a walk as well.”
“Such a wonderful trail, beautiful scenery including some creeks/rivers, lots of wildlife and a lovely place to visit.”
“Quiet little area with lots of spots to see the creek.”
“There is also a nice boardwalk in the middle of the trail, a large lookout area, a picinic table and a bathroom at the trail entrance.”
“There is a shaded, sandy trail that is relatively flat.”
“It is a great place for kids and older adults but the trail is not wheelchair friendly.”
“There is also a nice boardwalk in the middle of the trail, a large lookout area, a picinic table and a bathroom at the trail entrance.”
Plan your run at Loblolly Woods Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofgainesville.org
- Phone(352) 334-5067
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
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