Sweetwater Preserve Hike

Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead, 309 SE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Meet in the in the parking lot.
Do NOT go to Gainesville-Hawthorne terminus at Boulware Springs on SE 15th St.
Also Not to be confused with Sweetwater Wetlands Park(where fee is required), just south of this preserve.
Description: This will be ~4.0-mile loop hike, adding the portion of GHT to Sweetwater overlook onto Paynes Prairie and then return to the trailhead. “The preserve enables hikers to explore eight different habitats along the forested bluffs above Paynes Prairie.” Lovely quiet, green forested trail. Protected 125 acres of watershed along Sweetwater Branch, Sweetwater Preserve is broken into two distinct parts by this waterway flowing out of Gainesville.

Directions: Heading northeast on Williston Rd (CR331)/ SW 13th St.(US 441), go past Sweetwater Wetlands Park and continue on Williston Road to Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead parking entrance on the right,
at the light.
General Information: No Fee. Parks and Open Spaces. Dress to comfort and bring water/snack per preference. Hiking hats/poles advised. Periodic rest stops to admire the flora and fauna. Slight elevation changes, exposed roots, may be wet in parts, sandy grounds in upper elevations, mostly shady, hopefully wildlife and fall blooming wildflowers.

Bug Spray advised.
May grab lunch at Chopsticks afterwards.
Bathrooms: Port a pot at Boulware, GHT trailhead.
Dogs allowed: No*.*
Restricted to 25 current FTA members.
Join online : [membership@floridatrail.org](mailto:membership@floridatrail.org) 352-378-8823
Florida National Scenic Trail, “Florida Trail” is 1 of 11 national scenic trails ”officially recognized in 1983
FTA, Florida Trail Association, Inc. is a volunteer membership organization with primary purpose to develop, maintain, promote and protect the Florida Trail.