San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
Explore one of Florida's last mature forests, offering diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback ri...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, vibrant flora
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, vibrant flora
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Florida's last mature forests, offering diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
"A true wilderness experience, surrounded by nature and solitude."
Bring Water & Snacks 🧂
Essential for hikes, especially with pets. Some trails can be long and exposed.
Check Trail Status 📍
Storm damage can cause closures. Verify trail conditions before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mesic Hammock Ecosystem
Various locations within the preserve
Wander through damp soils under a canopy of oaks, magnolias, and hickories. A true glimpse into Florida's natural heritage.
Moonshine Creek Trail
Millhopper Road side
A shaded, natural beauty trail with slight elevation changes, often revealing snakes and other wildlife.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the preserve
Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and diverse insect life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wilderness
Trail Etiquette & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Water & Snacks 🧂
Essential for hikes, especially with pets. Some trails can be long and exposed.
Check Trail Status 📍
Storm damage can cause closures. Verify trail conditions before you go.
Leashed Pups Welcome 🐶
Dogs can join your adventure, but always keep them on a leash.
Respect the Ecosystem 🌿
This is a rare mature forest; tread lightly and leave no trace.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Water & Snacks 🧂
Essential for hikes, especially with pets. Some trails can be long and exposed.
Check Trail Status 📍
Storm damage can cause closures. Verify trail conditions before you go.
Leashed Pups Welcome 🐶
Dogs can join your adventure, but always keep them on a leash.
Respect the Ecosystem 🌿
This is a rare mature forest; tread lightly and leave no trace.
Binoculars for Birding 🦉
Great spot for birdwatching; bring binoculars to enhance your experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about San Felasco Hammock Preserve's stunning mature forests and diverse ecosystems, calling it a top-notch hiking and nature destination. While some trails may experience seasonal flooding or storm damage, the well-marked paths and abundant wildlife make for a highly enjoyable outing. Parking can be limited during peak times.
"This is a top-notch hiking location in Gainesville! There are several miles of trails to enjoy with a large variety of ecosystems. The Moonshine Creek and Creek Sink trails are sadly both impeded by storm damage - they are usually loops, but currently you can just go out-and-back. The trails on the other side of the road are all good to go though. Everything was very well-marked. Parking can be limited when it gets busy, so some park on the side of the road. There are a couple porta potties for restrooms."
Anna M
"The hiking trails at San Felasco are top notch. Accessed from either Millhopper Rd. or Highway 441, there are trails for every skill/activity level. A mixture of flat woods and wetlands and abundant wildlife makes for a highly enjoyable outing. You can find Gopher Tortoises, deer, wild turkey, racoons, and much more while traversing the trails. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed. Make sure to bring plenty of water for your pooch and yourself. Bikes are allowed on the 441 side, but not on the Millhoper Rd. side."
Scott Hudson
"I loved my visit here. There are plenty of great trails to hike and they are well maintained and easy to follow. They do experience some seasonal flooding. Some trails get it worse than others. Closed off sections should be expected. Trail heads are located at the parking lot and directly across the street. There is an honor box for visiting fees as well as a picnic pavilion and compost toilets available."
Dylan Woessner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve has trailheads accessible from Millhopper Road and Highway 441. Parking can be limited, so roadside parking is sometimes an option.
Yes, it's located near Gainesville, Florida, and is often mentioned alongside Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, making it a convenient stop.
The preserve is split by a road, with trailheads on both sides. One side is accessed via Millhopper Road, and the other via Highway 441.
Public transportation options to state parks in this area can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive.
Yes, San Felasco Hammock Preserve is located in NW Gainesville, making it a local gem for residents and visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an honor box for visiting fees, so be prepared to pay a small amount upon entry.
While specific hours aren't always listed, state parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current information.
No advance booking is typically required for state parks like San Felasco Hammock. Entry is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.
For general hiking, biking, or horseback riding, no special permits are usually needed beyond the entrance fee.
If the parking lot is full, visitors sometimes park on the side of the road. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The preserve offers a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, ranging from wide doubletrack to fun singletrack. 
Yes, reviewers consistently mention that the trails are very well-marked, making navigation easy.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed. Remember to bring water for your furry friend.
You might encounter gopher tortoises, deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and various insects.
There are a couple of porta-potties available at the trailhead, and some reviews mention compost toilets.
📸 📸 Photography
The mature forest, diverse ecosystems, and potential wildlife sightings offer numerous photo opportunities. The Mesic Hammock area is particularly scenic.
Absolutely! The preserve is a haven for nature photographers, with opportunities to capture unique flora, fauna, and landscapes.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, along with a macro lens for insects, would be ideal. A good zoom lens is also helpful for wildlife.
Early morning and late afternoon light often provide the best conditions for photography, creating beautiful shadows and golden hues.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture images of the various animals that inhabit the preserve. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't extensive playgrounds, the adventure of exploring a mature forest and discovering its inhabitants is often more engaging for kids. The Mesic Hammock areas offer a different visual experience, and the possibility of seeing various insects can also be a hit. Remember that dogs are welcome on leash, so the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy the outing.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Trail Runners
The well-marked paths ensure you can focus on your stride and the surrounding nature without worrying about getting lost.Trail runners often praise the natural beauty and the feeling of solitude, even when close to Gainesville.
The Moonshine Creek Trail is a favorite for its shade and natural ambiance.🚴♂️ Mountain Bikers
These trails offer a mix of doubletrack and singletrack, providing a fun and challenging ride through the natural Florida landscape. While the Millhopper Road side is generally restricted to hiking and horseback riding, the 441 side is a designated area for biking enthusiasts.Reviewers mention the trails are well-maintained and offer a good flow. It's advisable to check for any temporary closures or maintenance notices before your ride. The preserve's natural setting makes for an enjoyable biking experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the environment while getting a good workout.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Ecosystem of San Felasco Hammock
This ancient environment provides a unique glimpse into Florida's past and a vital habitat for present-day wildlife.Visitors can explore these varied landscapes through miles of trails. The Moonshine Creek Trail and Creek Sink Trail offer shaded routes with slight elevation changes, though they may be subject to seasonal flooding or storm damage, sometimes requiring out-and-back routes instead of loops.
The preserve's natural beauty and the feeling of being in a true wilderness, far from the city, are frequently highlighted by visitors.When exploring, remember that this is a delicate ecosystem. Respecting the environment by staying on marked trails and leaving no trace is crucial. The preserve's unique geological features and the sheer age of the forest contribute to its special atmosphere, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Navigating the Trails: Activities and Considerations
Horseback riding is also a popular option, with dedicated trails available.+1It's important to note that trail conditions can vary. Storm damage has impacted some loops, such as the Moonshine Creek and Creek Sink trails, sometimes necessitating an out-and-back approach.
When planning your visit, remember to bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes or if you're bringing a pet, as some areas can be exposed. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, adding to the park's appeal for pet owners.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit