
Loblolly Woods Nature Park
A 159-acre forested park in Gainesville with shaded trails along Hogtown Creek, perfect for walking, bird watching, and creek exploration.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Loblolly Woods Nature Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 159-acre forested park in Gainesville with shaded trails along Hogtown Creek, perfect for walking, bird watching, and creek exploration.
"It does not even feel like your in Gainesville as you walk down the trails."

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the well-maintained and branching trails. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Small Parking Lot Alert
The main lot fills up fast! Consider the nearby playground parking if needed. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hogtown Creek Trails
Throughout the park
Wander along peaceful trails and boardwalks beside Hogtown Creek, enjoying the lush Florida scenery.

Shaded Loblolly Pines
Park-wide
Experience the tranquility under the canopy of some of the largest loblolly pines in the area.

Creek Exploration
Along the creek beds
Discover shallow creek beds perfect for wading and exploring, with some visitors even finding shark teeth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the well-maintained and branching trails. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Small Parking Lot Alert
The main lot fills up fast! Consider the nearby playground parking if needed. :car:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Bring your furry friend along for the walk! Dogs are welcome on the trails. :dog:
💧 Creek Wading Fun
Water levels are often low, making it perfect for kids (and adults!) to splash around. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the well-maintained and branching trails. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Small Parking Lot Alert
The main lot fills up fast! Consider the nearby playground parking if needed. :car:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Bring your furry friend along for the walk! Dogs are welcome on the trails. :dog:
💧 Creek Wading Fun
Water levels are often low, making it perfect for kids (and adults!) to splash around. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Magic
Sunlight filtering through the trees creates a magical atmosphere for photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Loblolly Woods Nature Park for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery, especially the trails along Hogtown Creek. Many appreciate it as a serene escape from Gainesville, with the shallow creek being a highlight for families and those looking to cool off. Some note the limited parking as a minor inconvenience.
"This park is so much fun to follow the trails and see the creek. Lots of sharks teeth can be found right by the edge of the water. My kids love going here because they have so much fun. It does not even feel like your in Gainesville as you walk down the trails"
Eric Borkowski
"A peaceful walking trail along Hogtown Creek. The main trail is very well maintained and there are several smaller ones branching out to the creek. The parking lot is quite small but there is a children's playground nearby that you could park at and use the crosswalk to cross in."
Christina M
"First time visit to this nature park. It was a pleasant short walk along the creek. The water was low enough that some visitors were walking through it. Looks like a great place to bring your dog for a walk as well. It's about 0.5 mile total each way."
Daniel De Arazoza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Loblolly Woods Nature Park is located at 3315 NW 5th Ave in Gainesville, Florida. It's easily accessible by car and is situated right off of 34th Street.
The main parking lot is quite small. If it's full, visitors suggest parking at the nearby children's playground and using the crosswalk to access the park's trails.
Yes, the park offers shaded trails suitable for biking, jogging, and walking.
Absolutely! It's described as a perfect quiet oasis and a great spot for a solo date or peaceful exploration.
The main trail is well-maintained, with several smaller paths branching out towards the creek, offering various exploration options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Loblolly Woods Nature Park is a public park and generally does not require an admission fee. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
While specific hours aren't always listed, nature parks are typically open from dawn until dusk. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the safest and most enjoyable experience.
Based on typical public park access and user reviews, there is no mention of an entrance fee for Loblolly Woods Nature Park.
There is no information readily available about guided tours. However, the park is perfect for self-guided exploration and enjoying the natural surroundings.
While not a primary focus, photography groups have organized photowalks at the park, suggesting potential for organized nature activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park is known for its lush forest, including large loblolly pines, and features Hogtown Creek and Possum Creek. Visitors have spotted curious squirrels and mention wildlife sightings.
Yes, the park has Hogtown Creek and Possum Creek running through it. The water is often shallow enough for wading and exploring.
The park's description mentions it's popular for bird watching, and its natural setting with creeks and trees provides a good habitat for various bird species.
Some visitors have reported finding shark teeth along the edge of the water in the creek beds.
The trails are generally well-maintained, with some sections featuring boardwalks over the creek. The terrain is mostly natural forest floor.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities or restaurants within Loblolly Woods Nature Park itself. It's a nature preserve focused on outdoor activities.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food and find a quiet spot along the trails to enjoy a picnic, keeping in mind park etiquette.
Since the park is located in Gainesville, FL, you'll find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes in the surrounding areas, from casual eateries to more upscale dining.
Typically, public nature parks like Loblolly Woods do not have food vendors on-site. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Yes, it's generally acceptable to bring food and drinks for personal consumption. Please ensure you pack out all trash to keep the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The trails along Hogtown Creek, especially where sunlight filters through the trees, offer magical scenes. The bridges over the creek are also popular subjects.
While known for bird watching, the natural habitat may offer opportunities for photographing other local wildlife, like the curious squirrel spotted.
Late afternoons can be ideal for capturing the 'golden hour' light as it streams through the loblolly pines, creating a beautiful, ethereal effect.
University of Florida groups have organized photowalks at Loblolly Woods Nature Park, indicating it's a favored location for photographers.
A versatile camera with a good lens for nature shots would be ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens if you hope to capture wildlife from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main parking lot is small, the nearby playground parking offers a convenient alternative. It's a great place for a 'solo date' with your child or a family outing where everyone can enjoy the natural beauty and the simple joy of exploring the outdoors together.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
Whether you're looking to jog, walk, or simply sit by the creek, the park provides a serene environment. Photographers will also find inspiration in the dappled sunlight and natural landscapes.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Creeks and Trails
For those who enjoy a more active exploration, the trails are suitable for jogging and biking. The presence of large loblolly pines provides ample shade, making it a comfortable place to spend time outdoors, even on warmer days. The park's natural beauty has also attracted photographers, with some noting the magical scenes created by sunlight filtering through the trees.
Wildlife and Nature Spotting
The park's ecosystem supports a variety of plant life, with the prominent loblolly pines contributing to the serene, shaded atmosphere. The combination of water features and dense foliage creates a rich environment for both plant and animal life. It's a great place to connect with nature and observe the local ecosystem in action.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit