The Gainesville Hawthorne Trail State Park was a former hub of activity for several railroads from as far back as the 1880’s, hauling miscellaneous freight including vegetables, fruit, lumber, and passengers. The state acquired the trail property in 1988 and 1989.
This development of this trail was funded through several bodies including the State of Florida, the City of Gainesville, the Alachua County Commission, and the Florida Rails-to-Trails Program.
The Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park stretches 16 miles from the City of Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. The recreational trail is designed for walking, cycling, and horseback riding.
Parking is provided at three trail heads, Boulware Springs Park (3500 SE 15th Street) in Gainesville; near C.R. 2082 west of Hawthorne at 7209 SE 200th Drive; and at 300 SW 2nd Avenue, in Hawthorne. Primitive restrooms are located at mile markers 1.0 and 6.6.
Source: Florida Greenways & Trails
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