Florida · Hiking

John Mahon Nature Trail

0.3 mi
loop
77 ft
high point
Loop
route
Easy
difficulty
Oct–Apr
best months

John Mahon Nature Trail is a short, easy walk in Florida, about a third of a mile long and nearly flat, with no elevation gain. The trail runs between a low point of 64 feet and a high of 77 feet, and the steepest stretch is a 2% grade at about 0.09 miles in. It sits roughly 0.8 miles from Beville Heights, making it an easy addition to a day spent exploring the surrounding area. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Gainesville show March highs around 77°F and October highs around 83°F, while summer highs climb to about 91°F. The trail takes about half an hour to complete. Cofrin Nature Park Trail is about 0.7 miles away, and Main Trail and Split Rock Conservation Area Trail are each about 1.9 miles off. Climbers can find the University of Florida climbing area about 2.5 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Oct–Apr

    Best time to visit John Mahon Nature Trail

    Best months: October–April. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      67° / 43°

    2. Feb

      71° / 45°

    3. Mar

      77° / 50°

    4. Apr

      82° / 55°

    5. May

      88° / 62°

    6. Jun

      91° / 69°

    7. Jul

      92° / 71°

    8. Aug

      92° / 70°

    9. Sep

      89° / 69°

    10. Oct

      83° / 60°

    11. Nov

      76° / 51°

    12. Dec

      69° / 46°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gainesville 11 Wnw, FL, 6.7 mi away at 95 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors