The Gainesville-Hawthorne trail is a paved trail that extends from downtown Gainesville at the future site of Depot Park to Hawthorne about 18 miles away, 16 miles if you start at the Boulware Springs trailhead. From the Florida State Parks website:
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and smell fresh air while cycling, walking, roller blading, or horse back riding through a variety of plant communities full of Florida history. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure from one of our kiosks, or listen to one of our recently added cell phone tour stops.
For more information, please visit Friends of Paynes Prairie or call the Ranger Station at 352-466-3397.
The Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail has now been connected to the Gainesville trail system and can be accessed by bicycle by getting onto any of our off street trails and working your way SE, but can also be accessed from the Boulware Springs trailhead.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail 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.
The Florida State Park website for the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail can be located here.