Kevin Patton, Park Manager
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy cycling, walking, inline skating or horseback riding through a variety of plant communities. The trail makes for a great way to spend your day, complete with a hill or two and plenty of wildlife. If you see a volunteer, thank them for their efforts in all aspects of our operation. We truly could not provide the level of visitor service that we do without them.
After you explore the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, why not stay awhile and camp just down the road at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park?
There is so much to explore in this centrally located area – take a tour at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park or head to a springs park to enjoy cool, clear water. Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, Gilchrist Blue and Ichetucknee Springs are all less than an hour away.
