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.

Hours of Operation

The starting point for the trail, the Boulware Springs trailhead, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through April and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through October. The Paynes Prairie portion of the trail is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park starts on S.E. 15th Street and extends to Hawthorne near U.S. 301.

To reach the Boulware Springs trailhead from Gainesville, intersection of University Avenue and Main Street: Travel east on University Avenue and take the right fork onto SR 20. Almost immediately, go south onto SE 15th Street. Travel until you find Boulware Springs City Park on the right. If the road makes a 90 degree left turn, you’ve passed the park and need to turn around.

To reach the Hawthorne trailhead from Hawthorne: Follow the signs posted on US 301 or CR 2082.

Park Fees

Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park use is free.

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail Region 2 Administration, 4801 S.E. 17th Street Gainesville, Florida 32641 Phone: 352-466-3397 Park Manager: David W. Jowers