Loblolly Woods Nature Park
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Loblolly Woods Nature Park

4.6
·789 reviews·Gainesville, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
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Loblolly Woods Nature Park

Loblolly Woods Nature Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(789 reviews)

"It does not even feel like your in Gainesville as you walk down the trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hogtown Creek Trails

Hogtown Creek Trails

Throughout the park

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

Shaded Loblolly Pines

Shaded Loblolly Pines

Park-wide

Experience the tranquility under the canopy of some of the largest loblolly pines in the area.

Creek Exploration

Creek Exploration

Along the creek beds

Discover shallow creek beds perfect for wading and exploring, with some visitors even finding shark teeth.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Loblolly Woods Nature Park boasts 159 acres of shaded trails, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Explore the paths along Hogtown Creek and discover its natural beauty. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for your adventure!

Parking & Access

The main parking lot at Loblolly Woods Nature Park is quite small. If it's full, consider parking at the nearby children's playground and using the crosswalk to access the trails. This ensures a smooth start to your nature exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light through trees
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

hello university of florida !!! 🐊✨ had such a fun solo date and now looking for all the reccs while visiting :) #gainesville #gainesvillefl #solodate #exploring #alonetime
@caiti_mackenzie
15K likes • 99.1K views

👟 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:

#woodworking #wood #burlwoodandresin #art #epoxy #artist #interiordesign #custombartop #epoxy #resin #geode #rocklike #beautifulgrain #Gainesville #ufflorida
@hyfainz
11.2K likes • 64.1K views
With hundreds of miles of creeks and trails, exploring nature in Alachua County is never far away. Take in the sights and sounds of tranquil Hogtown Creek at the Loblolly Woods Nature Park located at 3315 NW 5th Ave. in Gainesville. This 159-acre park provides shaded trails for walking, biking or jogging under some of the largest loblolly pines in the region and with views of wildflowers carpeting...
visitgainesville
248 likes • 4.2K views

🐶 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:

Un día más = un sendero más 🤗 En Loblolly Woods Nature Park hay senderos que conducen a un río pequeño. Y la naturaleza que se extiende por todo el parque es simplemente hermosa y perfecta para que Gio pueda explorar. #gringorianos #us #ec #ecuadorian #mamaprimeriza #florida #momhacks #ideasparamamas #gainesville
gabi.finlay
0 likes • 537 views

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

4.6
(789 reviews)

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

Peaceful creek trails
Shaded nature escape
Family-friendly wading

What People Dislike

Small parking lot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Loblolly Woods Nature Park is located at 3315 NW 5th Ave in Gainesville, Florida.Instagram It's easily accessible by car and is situated right off of 34th Street.Instagram

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.Reddit

Yes, the park offers shaded trails suitable for biking, jogging, and walking.Instagram

Absolutely! It's described as a perfect quiet oasis and a great spot for a solo date or peaceful exploration.TikTokInstagram

The main trail is well-maintained, with several smaller paths branching out towards the creek, offering various exploration options.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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,Instagram 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.Instagram+1 Visitors have spotted curious squirrels Instagram and mention wildlife sightings.

Yes, the park has Hogtown Creek and Possum Creek running through it.Instagram+1 The water is often shallow enough for wading and exploring.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram The bridges over the creek are also popular subjects.Instagram

While known for bird watching, the natural habitat may offer opportunities for photographing other local wildlife, like the curious squirrel spotted.Instagram

Late afternoons can be ideal for capturing the 'golden hour' light as it streams through the loblolly pines, creating a beautiful, ethereal effect.Instagram

University of Florida groups have organized photowalks at Loblolly Woods Nature Park, indicating it's a favored location for photographers.Instagram

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

Loblolly Woods Nature Park is a fantastic spot for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The shallow creek beds are perfect for kids to splash and explore, and some even find shark teeth.Reddit The well-maintained trails are easy to navigate, making it suitable for little legs, and the shaded paths offer a respite from the Florida sun.Instagram

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.TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Loblolly Woods Nature Park is an ideal destination. It's frequently described as a quiet oasis and a perfect spot for a solo date or simply some 'alonetime'.TikTokInstagram The network of trails offers ample opportunity for quiet contemplation and immersion in nature.

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.Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Loblolly Woods Nature Park is a dog-friendly destination, making it a great choice for pet owners looking for a place to walk their furry companions.Reddit The natural trails provide an engaging environment for dogs to explore, and the creek offers a potential spot for them to cool off. Remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Creeks and Trails

Loblolly Woods Nature Park is defined by its network of trails that meander alongside Hogtown Creek and Possum Creek.Instagram These waterways create a dynamic landscape, with shallow beds perfect for wading and exploring.Reddit The main trail is well-maintained, offering a pleasant walking experience, while smaller, branching paths invite further discovery.Reddit Many visitors enjoy the bridges that cross over Hogtown Creek, providing unique vantage points.Instagram The park's natural setting makes it feel like an escape from the city, even though it's right in Gainesville.TikTokReddit

For those who enjoy a more active exploration, the trails are suitable for jogging and biking.Instagram 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.Instagram

Wildlife and Nature Spotting

As a forested nature park, Loblolly Woods is a haven for local flora and fauna. The park's description highlights its popularity for bird watching, suggesting a diverse avian population.Instagram While specific wildlife sightings are varied, visitors have noted seeing curious squirrels Instagram and the general presence of wildlife within the park's natural habitat. The creek beds are also an interesting area for exploration, with some visitors reporting the discovery of shark teeth.Reddit

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.

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