San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

A great wilderness area not at all far out from Gainesville itself to explore, offering a rare insight into how this part of Florida looked before human intervention. The trails stretch through the southern portion and then the vast northern portion and these hiking trails can be accessed from the Millhopper Road trailhead while mountain biking and horseback trails can be accessed from a trailhead further north near Alachua. Note that horses and mountain bikes are not allowed on the trails from the Millhopper Road trailhead, though. Horses must carry proof of a negative Coggins test and otherwise be good horses, of course.
Although archeological studies indicate there were Native American and early Spanish settlements and roads through this area, you don’t really see any evidence of human intervention historical or otherwise here aside from the parking area and the trails (and service roads) as the State Parks have done a great job of keeping this a preserve for animals and as rustic as possible. You are not allowed to camp here, either, so it’s really a matter of humans exploring during the day a haven for wildlife. I have seen deer, wild hogs, snakes, tortoises, many birds, lizards and other animals here and you’re almost certain to see deer or a tortoise if you hike for more than an hour and spread out a little.
Dogs on leashes are allowed on the hiking trails, but please remember to bring some water for your dog. The trails off Millhopper Road on the north side are vast and not well-​shaded in places. Dogs have died from heatstroke out there, according to the Park Service. Also, check for ticks because they are legion in their numbers here.

Pretty fun and open trail system. Not the best marked and this trail will beat you up after a long ride. Super fun when riding with good friends.

Now at 7,000 acres this park offers outdoor adventure to hikers, off-​road bicyclists, horseback riders, and nature lovers. The southern two-​thirds of the park is designated for hiking only. The northern third of the park has horse trails, off-​road cycling, and hiking. The hiking trailhead is located four miles northwest of Gainesville on State Road 232 (Millhopper Road). The horseback and bicycle trailheads are located off U.S. 441 just south of Alachua.
Unmatched for its quality of cross-​country biking in the state of Florida, the park has almost 20 miles of single-​track trails. I found some of the trails to be more advanced than I expected so make sure you have a good bike with suspension and the proper cycling gear such as padded gloves, helmet and some people even wear knee and elbow pads as there is a chance you will fall over and go boom. All in all, it is a blast!