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If I could have only done one trail in Gainesville before leaving, it would have been the Loblolly Woods Trail.

Ever since I had read about this one, probably in 2016 or 17, I had wanted to do it, and we just never did.

Until my parents came to visit the last time, that is! I made sure we did this trail before they left and I’m so glad because I loved it!

There was another car or two at the trailhead but we didn’t see tons of people on the trail itself.

We did see people since it is right in town, but it wasn’t busy by any means. There was also a bathroom at the beginning of the trail.

This trail is technically just an out and back trail but we did the middle part to make a loop. It’s an option but not necessary.

This is a pretty typical woodsy Florida hike but there’s something about it that’s.. better?

It was SO green and they were kind of magical feeling woods? It’s the best word I can think of to describe them.

The trail is narrowish packed dirt and follows Hogtown Creek. It’s one of ten parks that make up the Hogtown Creek Greenway, apparently!

There are quite a few side trails down to the creek if you want to get closer to it.

If you walk along the creek, you’ll find another path up to the main trail sooner than later.

On the first side of the trail (before crossing the street) there is a short side boardwalk on the left.

It just has a slightly higher view of the area (literally a couple feet) but it’s short so it’s worth the very short detour.

Not long after that you’ll have to cross NW 8th Ave. There is another parking area here if you just want to do the second part of the trail.

The trail continues to the right of the parking area. It’s a bit wider and a little sandier in places.

It’s also more open next to the creek, which is beautiful. The trail passes over the creek a couple of times but generally follows it most of the way.

At a T intersection we went to the left which goes to the end of the trail marked by a fence. This last portion was definitely the least exciting.

Turning back here, at the T in the other direction was a long, wide boardwalk which is what we took back, though you can go back through the woods if you prefer.

I’m not sure how long this boardwalk is, but it was quite long and there were SO MANY cool caterpillars and snails all over the railings.

I love seeing bugs so I was very excited about this, and even though I knew snails were in the woods here, I never saw them until this trail.

Once we got back to 8th Ave we crossed and followed the Solar Walk back to the other side of the trail entrance back into the woods. If that makes sense.

From here we just followed the trail we came in on back to the main parking area.

I think this is my favorite hike in Gainesville and I’m so glad I got to do this before I left!

I definitely think it’s worth doing. I would say it’s one of the more (most?) popular trails in Gainesville, but for good reason.

Where is the Loblolly Woods Trail?

The Loblolly Woods Trail is right in Gainesville, about 10-15 minutes from downtown, 30 minutes from High Springs, and an hour from Ocala.

How long is the Loblolly Woods Trail?

AllTrails says it’s 2.5 miles, but we tracked it at 3.26 miles. We did take a boardwalk and the road back for part of it which might have made the difference.

Is the Loblolly Woods Trail hard?

Nope! It’s winding and wooded but flat, as usual.

Is the Loblolly Woods Trail worth it?

Yes! Not only is it a fun name, but it’s a fun and beautiful trail in the heart of Gainesville making it easy to access.

Loblolly Woods photo gallery

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Have you hiked the Loblolly Woods Trail? What did you think of it? What is your favorite trail in Gainesville?