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Some adventures don’t require a packed itinerary. Sometimes all you need is a bike, a paddle and a place to relax at the end of the day. Alachua County makes it easy to combine outdoor recreation with local flavor. Spend the morning cycling scenic trails, cool off in crystal-clear springs during the afternoon and cap off the day with a locally crafted beer along the Alachua County Ale Trail. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or looking to explore somewhere new, this combination offers a memorable way to experience North Central Florida.
One of Florida’s premier paved rail trails, the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail stretches 16 miles from Boulware Springs Nature Park to the city of Hawthorne. The trail winds through hardwood forests, wetlands and the northern edge of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, offering opportunities to spot bison, wild horses, alligators and countless bird species. Several overlooks and trailheads make it easy to enjoy a short ride or spend the day exploring.
The Archer Braid Trail provides more than 12 miles of paved multiuse trail connecting the City of Archer with southwest Gainesville. The mostly flat route passes through residential communities and natural areas, making it a great option for families, casual cyclists and anyone looking for a relaxing ride.
Mountain bikers will find more than 30 miles of trails weaving through one of Florida’s largest mature hardwood forests. Riders can choose beginner-friendly loops or more technical singletrack featuring rolling terrain, roots and fast descents beneath a dense tree canopy.
Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, Depot Park serves as a central hub for cyclists. Ride across the iconic Helyx Bridge, connect to the Waldo-Depot Connector Trail or continue onto the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. After your ride, enjoy coffee, lunch or a cold drink at Depot Station while taking in the park’s public art and green spaces.
Several roads and connecting trails around Paynes Prairie offer scenic cycling with unforgettable views of Florida’s first state preserve. Stop at overlooks along the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail or park your bike and hike to observation platforms overlooking the expansive prairie. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the year.
Several roads and connecting trails around Paynes Prairie offer scenic cycling with unforgettable views of Florida’s first state preserve. Stop at overlooks along the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail or park your bike and hike to observation platforms overlooking the expansive prairie. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the year.
Need a bike? Pedego Electric Bikes offers hourly, half-day and full-day electric bike rentals complete with helmets, locks and pannier bags. Visitors staying at Sweetwater Branch Inn can also take advantage of the property’s Downtown Gainesville Bike Ride Package, which includes complimentary bike rentals and suggested routes.
Perfect for visitors who want to experience Gainesville’s trails, local food and craft beer scene without venturing far from downtown.
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Depot Station, where you can grab coffee from Goodbike Coffee or enjoy breakfast before heading out. Ride the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail from Boulware Springs Nature Park. Spend the morning cycling through forests and alongside Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park while watching for bison, wild horses and native birds.
Lunch
Head back downtown for lunch at Goldie’s Burgers at Depot Station or explore one of the many locally owned restaurants throughout downtown Gainesville.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Depot Park, then continue to the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention or browse downtown’s local shops, murals and public art.
Evening
Wrap up your day on the Alachua County Ale Trail with stops at either First Magnitude Brewing Company, located just minutes from Depot Park, or Cypress & Grove Brewing Company north of downtown. Both regularly feature food trucks, outdoor seating and live entertainment.
After a morning on the trails, trade your bike for a paddle. From spring-fed rivers and scenic lakes to peaceful waterways surrounded by cypress forests, Alachua County offers paddling adventures for every experience level. Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding, these destinations provide a memorable way to experience North Central Florida’s natural beauty.
The Santa Fe River is one of Florida’s premier paddling destinations, offering miles of scenic waterways fed by dozens of freshwater springs. Paddle beneath towering cypress trees, explore quiet river bends and stop to swim in crystal-clear springs along the way. The designated paddling trail features multiple launch points, making it easy to customize your adventure for a few hours or a full day on the water.
Located along the Santa Fe River, Poe Springs Park is an excellent destination for paddlers looking to combine kayaking or paddleboarding with a refreshing swim. Launch from the river or paddle into the spring run before relaxing in the clear, 72-degree water surrounded by towering live oaks.
Connecting Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe near Waldo, the historic Santa Fe Canal offers a peaceful paddle through one of Alachua County’s most scenic waterways. Calm water and abundant wildlife make this an excellent choice for beginner paddlers, birdwatchers and photographers looking for a relaxing afternoon on the water.
Just east of Gainesville, Newnans Lake provides a completely different paddling experience. Its expansive open water, cypress-lined shoreline and diverse birdlife make it a favorite for kayaking, canoeing and wildlife photography. The public boat ramp offers convenient access for paddlers looking to explore one of Alachua County’s largest lakes.
Located just south of Gainesville, Lake Wauburg offers calm waters that are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely paddle while taking in the surrounding natural scenery, making it a great option for families and first-time paddlers.
Step back in time by paddling through the historic Cross Creek area between Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake. The quiet waterways inspired Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and continue to offer visitors a peaceful escape filled with wildlife, cypress trees and classic Old Florida scenery.
If you’re new to paddling or prefer to explore with a guide, Adventure Outpost in High Springs offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, shuttle services, and guided excursions on the Santa Fe River. It’s an excellent way to discover some of the area’s most beautiful springs without worrying about transportation or logistics.
Discover North Central Florida’s springs, scenic waterways and charming small towns.
Morning
Begin your day with breakfast at The Great Outdoors Restaurant in High Springs before heading to the nearby Santa Fe River. Spend the morning kayaking or paddleboarding with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures, or launch your own kayak to explore the river and nearby springs.
Lunch
After your paddle, enjoy lunch in historic downtown High Springs at one of its locally owned cafés or restaurants before taking a short drive to Poe Springs Park for an afternoon swim or picnic.
Afternoon
If you’re looking to extend your adventure, explore the Santa Fe Canal, connecting Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe, or head south to San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park for an afternoon mountain bike ride beneath towering hardwoods.
Evening
Finish your day with a locally crafted beer at High Springs Brewing Company or make the short drive to Daft Cow Brewery in the city of Alachua. Both breweries regularly host live music, trivia nights, food trucks and seasonal events, providing the perfect ending to a day outdoors.
After a day of cycling scenic trails or paddling spring-fed waterways, there’s no better way to unwind than with a stop along the Alachua County Ale Trail. Stretching from High Springs to Alachua and Gainesville, the trail features locally owned breweries known for handcrafted beers, welcoming taprooms and community events. Whether you’re relaxing in a shaded beer garden, listening to live music, enjoying a food truck, or sampling a seasonal release, each brewery offers its own unique experience. Explore one stop or spend the weekend discovering them all while experiencing the local flavor that has made Alachua County’s craft beer scene a destination for visitors from across Florida.
1001 NW 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Housed in a restored ice plant just north of downtown Gainesville, Cypress & Grove Brewing Company blends local history with innovative brewing. Using water from the property’s original artesian well, the brewery crafts a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, sours and seasonal releases. The spacious courtyard regularly hosts food trucks, live music, markets and community events, making it one of Gainesville’s favorite gathering places.
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Named after Florida’s first-magnitude springs, First Magnitude Brewing Company celebrates the region’s natural resources through thoughtfully crafted beer and a welcoming atmosphere. Its expansive outdoor beer garden is perfect for relaxing with friends, enjoying lawn games or attending one of the brewery’s many community events. It’s also conveniently located near Depot Park and the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, making it a popular stop after a day outdoors.
618 NW 60th St., Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32607
Inspired by traditional European pubs, Blackadder Brewing Company offers an old-world atmosphere with handcrafted beers, guest taps, cider and wine. Known for its welcoming community, the brewery regularly hosts trivia nights, themed events and live entertainment, making every visit a unique experience.
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608
A Gainesville craft beer staple, Swamp Head Brewery is known for its spacious Wetlands taproom, award-winning beers and relaxed outdoor setting. Visitors can enjoy rotating food trucks, live music, seasonal beer releases and a laid-back atmosphere inspired by Florida’s natural landscapes.
619 S. Main St., Unit 1B, Gainesville, FL 32601
One of Gainesville’s newest breweries, Grand Scheme Brewing specializes in creative small-batch beers served in a welcoming neighborhood taproom. Located in the South Main Station district, it’s an easy stop while exploring downtown Gainesville’s restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
13800 Tech City Circle, Suite 100, Alachua, FL 32615
Located in the city of Alachua, Daft Cow Brewery was the community’s first craft brewery and has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The brewery features a rotating lineup of house-brewed beers, along with regular trivia nights, live music, food trucks and community events. It’s an ideal stop while exploring northwestern Alachua County or nearby San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park.
18562 NW 237th St., High Springs, FL 32643
Just minutes from many of North Florida’s famous freshwater springs, High Springs Brewing Company is the perfect place to relax after a day on the river. Family-owned and operated, the brewery features an inviting outdoor beer garden, a rotating selection of locally crafted beers, and frequent live music and community events. Located in the heart of historic High Springs, it’s an ideal stop after exploring nearby springs or spending the day paddling the Santa Fe River.
There’s always another adventure waiting in Alachua County. Explore more cycling trails, paddle another spring-fed waterway, visit a local museum, shop unique boutiques or discover a new favorite brewery. Browse our outdoor adventure guides, events calendar and the Alachua County Ale Trail to plan your next visit.
