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Santa Fe River Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Running trail in Alachua, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Santa Fe River 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 Santa Fe River Preserve
“This a very beautiful Florida woodland with a scenic meandering stream.”
It is a new preserve and the trails still need a little more wear before it becomes a full 5 star hike, however the views of the Santa Fe River are fantastic and there are plenty of opportunities to see all sorts of birds. I also didn't get up to the north entrance.
Great trail. Love the meandering stream. Only drawback is the xloseness to 121. Can hear traffic the whole time.
What a treat! Orb weaver and a snake. My only company on the trail. Always enjoy wild life
You could almost get lost here, but there are signs that mark the trail so you won’t!
Trail conditions & character
“This a very beautiful Florida woodland with a scenic meandering stream.”
“There isn't parking there and I didn't feel like walking a mile and a half next to the road to get there from the southern entrance.”
Plan your run at Santa Fe River Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitealachuaconservationtrust.org
- Phone+1 386-362-1001
- 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.
Mill Creek Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
Secluded, kid-friendly preserve for enjoying nature and wildlife via hiking trails, plus waterfalls.
San Felasco Conservation Corridor Trail
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
O'Leno State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,030 reviews
State park on the Santa Fe river featuring a historical suspension bridge, plus camping & hiking.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
State park with well-maintained trails that appeal to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
