gainesville-hawthorne state trail

The GHT is one of Florida's oldest bike trails, and one of the best. Due to a happy accident, part of the alignment departs from the old railway line (near the point where it crosses the La Chua Trail) and climbs up through some sinkholes and old sand dunes on the North Rim, passing through some lovely woods and old cotton fields, before returning to the railway embankment after about three miles. Then it runs through a fine cypress swamp, and old piney woods where turpentine was a major industry a hundred years ago.A word of warning: This trail is over-used on weekends by people who do not know the rules for riding on bike trails, and some who are just plain rude. This is dangerous, and this trail has more than its share of bike-on-bike crashes, with personal injuries. Best to ride it on weekdays, and leave the weekends to the crazies. There is a dial-in number for learning the rules (and the State Laws) about riding on bike trails in Florida - use it.Also, this trail suffers from poor original engineering and construction, and is falling apart. Nor does it get adequate routine maintenance. Watch out for cracks and root-heaves, both of which can cause falls. Cyclists failing to stop for stop signs have caused major crashes with motor vehicles, including at least one fatality. Ride safely and obey the law, which requires all cyclists to stop for all stop signs.

This trail is very curvy and hilly beyond the Boulware Springs entrance for the first mile or so but nice and challenging. A word of caution however on the curves, visibility is limited and the trail can get tight when passing other bikes coming from the opposite direction, also some riders tend to ride side by side and fast around these curves which is STUPID. Some areas were in dire need of repair with tree root damage and or wash out from under the pavement. This issue may have been resolved by now though. The trail is a nice trail out to Hawthorne and back going over several small creeks. Very relaxing and enjoyable ride (around 25 miles round trip).

This is a paved 15+ mile rail-to-trail that takes you through some wonderful scenery with no car worries! Just a joy to ride!

What a beautiful and peaceful ride! Follows an old railroad line. About 60% of the trail is tree lined and canopied. An abundance of wildlife and tranquility to be enjoyed by anyone including kids. Great family outing.