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San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 395 Google reviews · Running trail in Gainesville, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from San Felasco Hammock Preserve State 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.
Park featuring mature trees & wildlife, plus hiking, biking & horseback riding trails.
What runners say about San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
“The trees here are so big and beautiful, the roots are huge and act as a staircase in many instances.”
“The trails are a nice and easy hike through an amazing shaded canopy.”
“Trail was wide, clear of obstacles, and well marked.”
This is a top-notch hiking location in Gainesville! There are several miles of trails to enjoy with a large variety of ecosystems. The Moonshine Creek and Creek Sink trails are sadly both impeded by storm damage - they are usually loops, but currently you can just go out-and-back.
You can park here and try the trails on both sides of the road. On the same side as the parking lot are two trails: Moonshine Creek trail and Creek Sink trail. Both loop back to where the trails start; however, depending on any recent rain, it may be hard or impossible to make the full loop since the big bridge in the…
There are two sides of trails to take. Range from half mile to 2.5 miles. Really pretty scenery. Creeks, marshes, sinkholes. Right now one of the trails is under maintenance . Dog friendly, on leash. There are two porto-potties at the trailhead. No bikes on these trails. Parking availability can vary from time to time.
The hiking trails at San Felasco are top notch. Accessed from either Millhopper Rd. or Highway 441, there are trails for every skill/activity level. A mixture of flat woods and wetlands and abundant wildlife makes for a highly enjoyable outing.
Trail conditions & character
“There are plenty of trails that loop around or go out to the powerlines for more habitats to explore.”
“On the same side as the parking lot are two trails: Moonshine Creek trail and Creek Sink trail.”
“Lots of deer hang out in the woods, which is a nicer way to view them as opposed to the way you normally encounter deer (i.”
“Small but decent parking lot, 2 portable restrooms and covered bench next to it.”
“The trails are a nice and easy hike through an amazing shaded canopy.”
“Trail was wide, clear of obstacles, and well marked.”
“The trees here are so big and beautiful, the roots are huge and act as a staircase in many instances.”
“or Highway 441, there are trails for every skill/activity level.”
Plan your run at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
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
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitefloridastateparks.org
- Phone(352) 955-2008
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.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve Hiking Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 67 reviews
Serene wildlife reserve featuring miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
Turkey Creek Preserve
4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
Peaceful nature preserve featuring maintained trails for walking and biking, plus wildlife sightings.
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,414 reviews
Lush park where visitors can hike to view small waterfalls, thick foliage & a 120-ft. cavity.