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Mill Creek Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Running trail in Alachua, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mill Creek 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.
Secluded, kid-friendly preserve for enjoying nature and wildlife via hiking trails, plus waterfalls.
What runners say about Mill Creek Preserve
“There are several trails well marked and a good number of unmarked roads and fire breaks.”
“Nice walk through the woods and very quiet.”
“Easy trail with beautiful wildlife.”
“This was a nice place to walk the dog and take a break from driving on a road trip.”
This place has four conjoined trails. But it's a relatively flat hiking trail. The longest trail is about 3 MI. But enjoyable. The trails are decently cleared. it looks like they've been maintained and mowed. Just be careful with banana spiders. Because there are a couple here and there that stretch across the trails.
What a nice place to hike around. Found the creek with rushing waterfalls.
The Mill Creek is a very nice place although, if its trained the day before, either wear water shoes or wait a few days. It has a few small waterfalls and a rather well taken care of trail system.
This is normally a great place to walk and see nature but not a lot. I normally go to this park during the colder times as to not encounter any hostile wildlife. The trail on this particular day was extremely wet and it was hard to navigate a lot of the trails due to excessive amounts of water on the trails.
Trail conditions & character
“This was a nice place to walk the dog and take a break from driving on a road trip.”
“It has a few small waterfalls and a rather well taken care of trail system.”
“Nice walk through the woods and very quiet.”
“There are several trails well marked and a good number of unmarked roads and fire breaks.”
“A few mucky areas but nothing that can’t be walked around if you have an aversion to getting muddy or wet.”
Plan your run at Mill Creek Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitealachuacounty.us
- Phone+1 352-264-6800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Alachua
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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