Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this trail
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
Florida
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
15.9 mi
Distance
999 ft
Gain
5h 34m
Time
Conditions: Caution
for hike, todayWeather is marginal
1 factor · 1 source
Observed 19 h ago
caution: Weather
Rain, high 85°F / low 78°F, 100% precip — 60/100 for hike
OpenWeather19 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Why you'll love it
Here's your day, mapped
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Meals
Gear for the day
Elevation & route
- Distance
- 15.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 999 ft
- Elevation loss
- 999 ft
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
- Managing agency
- State Park and Recreation
About this trail
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a scenic 15.95-mile out-and-back rail trail that connects two charming North Central Florida communities through a flat, well-maintained corridor. This popular multi-use path winds through rural landscapes, passing through small towns and offering a peaceful escape for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The trail's gentle terrain and accessibility make it an excellent choice for families and those seeking a leisurely day outdoors in Florida's natural setting.
Add to a trip & share
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
Newnans Lake Conservation Area Trail
~6 min drive
Scenic out-and-back trail around Newnans Lake with wetland and wildlife views.
Penner Pond Loop
~44 min drive
Easy 2.15-mile out-and-back pond trail with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Cone's Dike Trail
~9 min drive
Scenic 3.98-mile out-and-back dike trail through Florida's natural habitats.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Trail
~9 min drive
Out-and-back prairie trail with wildlife viewing and wetland vistas.
Jackson's Gap Trail
~9 min drive
Easy 1.08-mile out-and-back trail in Florida.
Chacala Trail
~9 min drive
Easy 1.72-mile out-and-back Florida nature walk.
Gainesville Hawthorne Downtown Connector
~11 min drive
Easy 1.3-mile urban connector between downtown Gainesville and Hawthorne Trail.
Gainesville Depot Avenue Trail
~12 min drive
Historic 5.8-mile out-and-back urban trail through Gainesville's downtown corridor.
Little Hatchett Creek Trail
~12 min drive
Short lollipop trail along Little Hatchett Creek in Florida.
Archer Road Trail
~13 min drive
Easy out-and-back trail near Archer Road in Florida.