By Rob Rogers

Any of you who have visited the University of Florida are probably familiar with the trails at Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park. But another collection of trails through a beautiful forest of tall live oaks and longleaf pines can be found not far south of Gainesville, and it’s free and easier to reach from I-75. Barr Hammock Preserve is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a quiet place to hike or bike while visiting Gainesville.

Barr Hammock Preserve sits on 12,000 acres of forested land previously used for cattle grazing south of Payne’s Prairie and just west of Micanopy. Acquired by Alachua County using Alachua County Forever land conservation funds, Barr Hammock is split into two sections with separate trail heads—a more open prairie section to the north with a single 6.8-mile loop, and a more forested southern section with four connected multi-use loop trails ranging in length from 3 to 9 miles. As Alachua County’s largest county-owned wilderness preserve, Barr Hammock provides a key wildlife corridor connecting Payne’s Prairie to the Ocala National Forest.

I recently stopped by Barr Hammock’s southern section and hiked the orange-blazed 8-mile Hammock Loop Trail. With most of its length shared with horseback riders, these trails are ideal for families, as they combine easily navigated signage and blazes with sturdy hiking surfaces that are well-shaded. Although the Preserve contains precious few hiking-only trails, the forest roads on which most trail sections lie are either grassy or reinforced in lower areas with limestone, so you mostly avoid that soft sand that can wear down your legs and ankles.

The trails in the southern section meander through beautiful forests in varying ecosystems with large old growth trees. The sections nearer the trailhead wind primarily through pine forest. Then deeper into the Hammock Loop, the live oaks take over, with many huge old growth live oaks arching over the trail.

A particular treat and a great place to rest for a snack is the scenic overlook of Ledwith Lake about 3 ½ miles from the trailhead and parking area. This huge open space is presided over by a giant live oak and has a covered picnic table near the lakeside. The views here across Ledwith Lake and Prairie are vast and natural.

Sections of the trail in lower lying areas can be flooded during wetter months, when mosquitoes may require insect repellent. I did also find several short sugar sand trail sections that were heavily rooted by hogs and took some huffing to get through. Alligators are also common in the more open prairie portions of Barr Hammock’s northern section. But for a taste of easily navigated old Florida forest, Barr Hammock Preserve is worth checking out if you have a few hours while visiting Gainesville.

Rob Rogers is the award-winning author of Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida. He also writes a blog called the “Central Florida Backpacking Desk Jockey”, and his essays and articles on backpacking have been published on FloridaHikes.com and in the Wilderness House Literary Review, Outdoors Unlimited, and Go World Travel.

By Bill Turman

We had another Great Thanksgiving Campout, this year at Blue Springs State Park. We had a great group for the Thanksgiving Dinner, as well as left-overs on Friday, which included delicious food and fellowship. We had hikes, a kayak trip around Hontoon Island, as well as a Cycle trip on the adjacent bike path. The weather and temperature cooperated for a great weekend.  Thanks to those who led and planned the weekend, including Mary Slater Linn, Diane Dammiller and Sue Carroll.  A GREAT WEEKEND, OUTSTANDING FOOD, AND EXCELLENT COMPANY!

Next year, Manatee Springs State Park.

By Bill Turman

On November 28, 2025, five adventurous paddlers met at the French Avenue Boat Ramp. The temperature was in the low 40’s and a brisk wind when we started, although the day turned out to be a beautiful sunny day.  We then proceeded on a counterclockwise round trip around Hontoon Island. The paddle began traveling north on the St. Johns River to Lake Beresford, by Hontoon Island State Park and the Hontoon Ferry landing.  

We then turned south down the Hontoon Dead River. When we reached the entrance to Snake Creek, we gambled and headed down the creek. In the past it has been totally overgrown with vegetation, but this time we were able to complete its length, with only a quarter mile section of vegetation where we had to claw and fight our way through. After Snake Creek we returned to the St. Johns River, and then arrived at Blue Springs State Park. 

Although we were not able to paddle up the spring run, we did spot a couple manatees.  We then returned to our launch point for a total trip of about 10 miles total.  The day and weather ended up being outstanding, a great day and excellent company!

Upcoming Trail Maintenance

Our Chapter's Trail Maintenance is almost wrapped up for this year! We have a work hike at Seminole Ranch on December 17th, and then Charles Bronson State Forest on January 13th. Stay tuned for details about a bridge build in January as well.

Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve

Explore rolling sandhills peppered with the preserve’s namesake wildflower along a pair of short loop trails with benches and picnic tables. 

🌟 Ready to Lead the Way?

As the trail comes alive with fall wildflowers and cooler breezes, it’s the perfect time to turn your passion for hiking into something even more impactful—becoming a Certified Activity Leader with the Central Florida Chapter.

Our trail community thrives because of the volunteers who step up, lace up, and lead the way. If you’ve ever thought, “I could do that”—you can. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.

🥾 It’s easier than you think:

To become certified, simply co-lead two different activities with two different certified leaders. This shadowing experience is a great way to build confidence and learn the ropes in a low-pressure, supportive environment.

🤝 Team up with current leaders:

Many of our Activity Leaders have upcoming hikes and would love a helping hand. Whether you’re interested in weekend treks, beginner-friendly walks, or rugged backwoods adventures—there’s a space for you.

📞 Let’s get you started:

Reach out to our Activity Leader Coordinator, Bill Turman, at 407-413-2950 or email HokieBill@bellsouth.net. He’ll connect you with upcoming opportunities and answer any questions you may have.

✅ Certified Activity Leaders:

Rachael Augspurg

Ron Aube

Stuart Dropkin

Kristen Gilbert

Kelley Galvin

Erica Johnson

Ned James

Jim Krell

Elda Larche

Mary-Slater Linn

David Magness

Tom Regan

Jerry Rogers

Chelsey Stevens

Chris Stevens

Bill Turman

🌱 Whether you want to give back, grow your leadership skills, or just share your love of the outdoors with others, becoming an Activity Leader is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. Let’s hit the trail—together.