Pedal, Paddle, Pub
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Kayaking on the Santa Fe River
Change your surroundings and explore the great outdoors on the trail or on the water before ending your day at a local craft brewery on the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail.
Pedal your way through nature:
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail features scenic views of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The journey measures 16 miles from the trailhead at Boulware Springs Nature Park to the City of Hawthorne.
The Archer Braid Trail spans nearly 10 miles from the City of Archer with connections into Haile Village Center and Celebration Point.
The off-road network at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park offers singletrack mountain bike trails with varying levels of difficulty through dense forests and open meadows.
In downtown Gainesville, urban bike trails connect at Depot Park. The Waldo-Depot connector trail leads to Waldo Road to the east, and Archer Road across the iconic Helyx Bridge to the west. Head south and join the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. Grab bite to eat at the historic Depot Station featuring Parkside Convenience, Goldie’s Burgers and Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden.
If you’re looking to rent an eBike for your excursion, start at Pedego Electric Bikes for hourly, half-day or whole-day rentals of comfortable models including a helmet, lock and pannier bag. Add a downtown Gainesville bike ride to your stay at Sweetwater Branch Inn. Their Downtown Gainesville Bike Ride package includes free bike rental, a helmet, water bottle and map of places to explore.
Explore blueways and paddle your way through Alachua County :
North Florida is home to the largest collection of freshwater springs in the country with millions of gallons of water flowing into the Santa Fe River every day. Explore 8 springs in 8 miles with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures. Launch your own watercraft at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost and boat ramps along the Santa Fe River.
The Santa Fe Canal connects 2 lakes near Waldo. Learn about the history of the waterway and view a map with our Paddle Guide to Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe.
Wind down and end your day at a local brewery
The Sippin’ Seven Alachua Ale Trail features local craft breweries. Relax and grab a brew at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, Blackadder Brewing Companyv, Daft Cow Brewery, First Magnitude Brewing Company, High Springs Brewing Company and Swamp Head Brewery.
