SAN FELASCO HAMMOCK PRESERVE STATE PARK
This preserve has one of the few remaining mature forests in Florida. The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys, and many species of songbirds make their homes in the 18 natural communities found in the preserve. The park offers outdoor adventure to hikers, off-road bicyclists, horseback riders, and nature lovers. To ensure solitude and quiet for a true wilderness experience, the southern two-thirds of the park is designated for hiking only. The northern third of the park has horse trails, off-road cycling, and hiking. Equestrians must carry proof of a negative Coggins test. The hiking trailhead is located four miles northwest of Gainesville on State Road 232. The horseback and bicycle trailheads are located off U.S. 441 just south of Alachua.
San Felasco is the mispronunciation by settlers and Indians of the name of a 17th century Spanish mission,San Francisco de Potano, which was located in the southeastern section of the preserve.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is located near Alachua, Gainesville and High Springs
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park offers the equestrian the opportunity to ride through a variety of outstanding natural areas. The 3.6-mile Cellon Creek Trail winds through shady woods and along the Cellon Creek. Enjoy the open fields and pinewoods by riding the 4.4-mile Turkey Creek Trail. For a shorter ride there are two 1-mile single-track trails. The Sanchez Trail follows the flow of the Turkey Creek and the Sidewinder Trail winds around wet-weather ponds and along slopes. Both of these trails interconnect to the Turkey Creek Trail.
Horse drawn carriages are welcome on both the Cellon and Turkey Creek trails. The two single-track trails (Sanchez and Sidewinder) are not wide enough to accommodate carriages. Please call at least one day in advance to obtain entrance to the carriage gate. On Monday through Friday call 386-462-7905. If calling on Saturday or Sunday, 352-955-2008.
The mountain bike and equestrian trails are separate trails and meet only at well-cleared intersections. Hikers are welcomed to use both trials. Pets, except for horses, are not allowed. Horses are not available for rent at the park. All horse riders are required to have proof of negative Coggins on their person or in their saddlebag. An additional eight-mile equestrian trail is currently under development. Check back for updates on it's progress and anticipated opening.
Unmatched for its quality of cross-country biking in the state of Florida, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park offers almost 20 miles of single-track trails. Access these wonderful trails from the bike trailhead located off of U.S. 441, south of Alachua. Trails are available for all biking levels, be sure to pick up a map showing their locations.
The Cotton Tail Trail gently winds around the perimeter of the north entrance. This is a 1-mile beginner's level trail.
The Cellon Creek Trail traverses both sides of Cellon Creek as it winds through rolling terrain and across small jog jumps. This is a 4-mile intermediate level trail.
The Tung Nut Loop Trail connects to the back of the Cellon Creek Trail and offers strenuous hill climbing, steep switchbacks, log bridges, and breathtaking views of the north rim of Sanchez Prairie. This is an 8-mile advanced level trail.
The Hammock Hub can be accessed from the Tung Nut Loop. This is a 2-mile loop with challenging climbs and large log bridges.
Access the Sweet Gum Loop from the Hammock Hub. This is a short 1.6-mile moderate level trail. The following trails can be accessed from Sweet Gum Loop. All of these trails are for the more advanced level rider and feature short, steep drops, strong climbs, and many log crossings.Ravine Creek Trail - 1.3 miles.Cane Break Trail - 1 mile.Live Oak Loop - .6 mile.
Due to the remote nature of the trails beyond the Cellon Creek Trail, you should consider bringing basic bike tools such as a pump, replacement inner tube, and multi-tool kit. The mountain bike and equestrian trails are separate trails and meet only at well-cleared intersections. For safety concerns, we ask that bikers not use the equestrian trails. Hikers are welcomed to use both trials. Pets, except for horses, are not allowed. No rental bikes are available at the park.
The San Felasco hiking trailhead, located on CR 232 (Millhopper Road), offers 3 trails for nature viewing and hiking. The distances of these trails are 0.9 mile, 4.8 mile, and 5.6 mile. Color markers are used to distinguish each trail. Dogs on a hand-held 6-foot leash are welcome. No bicycles or horses are allowed on these trails.
Dogs on a hand-held 6-foot leash are welcome on the San Felasco hiking trailhead, located on CR 232 (Millhopper Road). Pets, except for horses, are not allowed on the Biking Trails or Equestrian Trails.
To the Hiking Trailhead: Take I-75 to C.R. 222 (Milepost Exit 390 - Old Exit 77) and drive west 2.9 miles to C.R. 241. Turn right onto C.R. 241 and drive 2.0 miles to C.R. 232. Turn right onto C.R. 232 and drive 2.2 miles. The park entrance is on the right just east of the I-75 overpass. (No interchange at this overpass.)
To the Equestrian and Mountain Bike Trailhead: Take I-75 to U.S. 441 (Milepost Exit 399 - Old Exit 78) and drive south 2.8 miles (through the city of Alachua). Turn right onto Progress Blvd. Drive 0.7 miles to the park entrance. (Continue past the end of the pavement and onto the grade road.) Pets, except for horses, are not allowed.
Share Your San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park Photos (click here)