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Nice short trail, mostly on boardwalk. Lots of birds to see and some gators too. We went on a cold day, so not too many gators were out.
We stopped to walk the boardwalk trail during a recent bike ride and it was excellent! The views are beautiful and there were so many alligators and birds to watch. This is a great natural area that appeals to all ages.
I had heard about La Chua Trail for some time and finally checked it out when my sister was visiting. Everything I had heard about this short-walk trail and the ability to almost always see some alligators was true: we saw over a dozen in the water, on the banks, and amongst the reeds. At times they were only about 20 feet away. The obvious rules apply: don't get too close to them and they won't get close to you. It was a thrilling short little hike and for $6 per car admission fee, hard to beat on the price. I would recommend La Chua Trail to Gainesville natives and visitors alike.
We came here in February hoping to see some Bison and wild horses but nothing today. The observation deck was closed because the trail to get to it was too muddy bummer. But we did see lots of ducks that had migrated, and lots of baby alligators and different types of birds. The weather was beautiful and a great day for hiking. The trail is about a 20 minute drive from the entrance of Payne's Prairie, go through a residential area to get to it. There is about 20 parking spots and they have a port-a-john for a bathroom. The hike is not very long. 2 miles total trip. The day we went there was some guys out there photographing the birds with some very sophisticated cameras.!
What an adventure. I should begin by saying that I grew up in the west (California), lived for a while in the Northwest (Idaho), and now live in the Midwest (Wisconsin). Prior to my trip to Gainesville, I had never even seen Spanish moss. I was completely wowed by the wildlife here. The trail begins paved and winds its way through oak trees thickly adorned with Spanish moss. It's stunning. The entire trail is dense with green. Beyond the paved trail is a wooden boardwalk enclosed with railings that extends over swampland. Depending on the water levels, you can reportedly spy an occasional alligator. The day we were there the water was low so while we didn't see any alligators, we did see some pretty amazing birds. Donations are requested for entry. An amazing experience of Florida. Get to it!
Because of this adventurous and wonder trail, I want to move to Gainesville. La Chua Trail is just one gem found along the Hawthorne Trail. Porter pottys available throughout your stroll. Short boardwalk was the best part of the scenery. Spotted a countless number of alligators, a bison, and couple of horses. Varieties of birds may overpass you. Can I move to Gator City already?
Good place to see gators! Also you may see lizards, birds, tree frogs, possibly horses, and maybe bison. Bring a camera... don't bring your pets!
La Chua Trail is just one of the many trails available along the Hawthorne Trail. It is clear to see once you approach the Northern rim of Paynes Prairie, there is signage as well as detailed information about the (3 mile round trip) hiking trail. There is a small donation box (optional) when you enter as well as some portable style restroom facilities. I also read somewhere that animals are not permitted on this trail. The trail is mostly paved and winds through some historical stables. My favorite part of the trail is the long boardwalk that encircles the Alachua Sink and provides some of the best views of the prairie that I have seen so far. There are also shaded areas along the boardwalk for those who are interested in photography or birdwatching. I recommend visiting this comfy area early in the morning to draw or paint the scenery from more of an elevated view. Take SE 15th Street past Boulware Springs Park, and look to the right for parking. But, I prefer to park at Boulware Springs and walk over.
Ever changing, this ecosystem is a phenomenon I insist on viewing on every return to Gainesville. When it's wet, I've seen 40-50 gators, my mom claims 200+. The boardwalk at the beginning of the trail is good for viewing the Sink, and the lake usually teeming with gators. Lots of great bird watching too, I've seen Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Hawks, Buzzards, and during certain times of year, the Sandhill Cranes migrate to Payne's Prairie by the thousands. Personally, I've been just feet from hundreds of them as they dig through the prairie soil for worms and grubs, it is pretty amazing. Also, there are free range bison(check my pictures uploaded), horses, and wild boars. As of right now, the water is very low, so I saw zero gators today, but given time, the water and gators will return. Do yourself a favor and check the history of Payne's Prairie, it is actually a "dry" lake bed. In (the 1920s?) over a 2 day period, the whole lake drained into the Florida Aquifer, stranding boats, and residents running down to try to salvage the fish for food. Pretty amazing ecosystem. Go enjoy it!!!
Wow! What a spectacular place. I was in Gainesville for a week of training and I was pumped up to check out the local trails. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy all week. I really was looking forward to see some gators and the temperature wasn't looking favorable. Our last day in town the clouds cleared and it got up to 79 degrees. I was tipped off to head to Payne's Prairie Preserve, but specifically La Chua Trail. La Chua Trail is one of the many trails that can be explored in this State Park. It's a 3 mile trail that takes you across the marsh on an elevated boardwalk before dropping you down onto the hiking trail that leads to a observation tower I'm told is great for photo opps and wildlife spotting. Only problem was the trail was flooded from the last hurricane and underwater at the end of boardwalk. This preserve has bison, wild horses, water moccasins, birds galore, armadillos and Gators! I loved the Live Oak Trees everywhere. I was kicking myself for not bringing my Canon as there is no way to not take a beautiful picture. No sooner we entered the park we saw an armadillo minding his own business and we walked right up to it and took pictures. Different species of feathered species were everywhere. At the end of the boardwalk we got lucky and were rewarded with getting within 10' from 4 gators that were 8-10' in length and just chilling on land. I could of spent the week, all day, every day exploring this Gainesville Treasure. Parking/entry fee is $2.00 a person and $4.00 per vehicle. I'm looking forward to getting out here during warmer weather and water receded. I highly recommend you check this extraordinary display of what Florida has to offer if you are in the area.
Very nice nature trail . It is partial closed but it is still very nice and relaxing seen several birds , butterfly's and even seen a gator highly recommend.
Walk at your own risk people!! There are gators, and they ain't playin around. When I came to Gainesville I really wanted a dose of nature - and by nature, I mean I wanted to see an alligator in the wild. Little did I know it would be super easy! The local Yelp manager Cheyenne took me on this nature walk, we saw over a dozen alligators and she taught me everything I need to know. Read below for my top 10 observations from this adventure! #1: Run from crocs in a zig zag pattern. As a West Coast girl, I thought at first that Cheyenne was joking. But nope, she had a dead serious Floridian face when she said it. Apparently, alligators are bad at sharp turns, so when running for your life heed this advise. Also, I guess if you can stand bunched together with your pals you look bigger and the alligator will lose interest cause you seem to be too much trouble? Not sure if that's a proven fact, but I'd try it. #2: Be aware of your surroundings. Okay yeah, sounds basic, but with bison and snapping turtles and wild horses on top of the gator population? I really do not suggest looking down at your phone on this trail. You're on the bottom of the food chain around here. #3: Wear your curlers while your stroll (see my photo of my inspiration attached) I applaud you ma'm. Now that's multi-tasking. #4: Do NOT go to this trail early in the morning. That's when they fed and hunt. It's cray. Even the Floridians don't go then. #5: Do NOT go to this trail at night. I don't actually know if that's a rule, but you'd be stupid if you did. Just sayin. #6: Gator breathing sounds like dragons. And if you can hear it, you're probably too close. I learned this from experience. #7: Do NOT bring your dog. Gators think they are delicious. I'm pretty sure they'd eat your two year old too. #8: Birdwatching is a thing here and it's really good even with the naked eye. There are also some towers you could sit with binoculars that would probably be super interesting. #9: Spanish moss is the most beautiful, eerie, creepy and awesome thing on trees ever. #10: Baby Alligators are actually pretty cute. Thanks Gainesville for this experience!!
You have to bring water!! It is a nice little trek over to the grassy part of this natural vista, but the summer Florida sun does not abate itself. There is even a stand with pamphlets and two very nice people manning it, to answer your questions. I imagine there are more alligators to see early in the morning, but I went around 10:30a. A nice long boardwalk with one place to sit and get shade from the great ball of fire in the sky. Beautiful trees, remnants of alligator eggs, and water fowl feeding and foraging. I can imagine that the Alachua sink would be more active, after a big rain. I will def go there a day after a big storm, to see the action of the earth! read more
La Chua Trail is hands down one of the many great spots in Gainesville for wildlife viewing and stunning scenery. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who loves a peaceful walk through nature, this trail delivers. We visited in February for one of the Rim Ramble ranger-led hikes, which started around 10 AM. Our guide, Ranger Wes, was fantastic--full of historical facts and insights about the landscape that truly enriched the experience. He painted a vivid picture of the area's past while pointing out key features of the ecosystem. The trail itself is easy to navigate and offers an incredible mix of open wetlands, boardwalks, and views of Alachua Lake. Wildlife was everywhere--majestic sandhill cranes & alligators basking in the sun. The early morning mist over the prairie gave everything a magical, almost prehistoric feel. If you're visiting between November and March, I highly recommend joining one of the ranger-led hikes (most Saturdays) to get a unique experience. Whether you go solo or with family and friends, La Chua Trail is an unforgettable slice of Florida's wild beauty. Tip: Bring binoculars, wear comfortable shoes & long pants , and bug spray. Come early for the best wildlife sightings! read more
7 months ago
This place is so wild! I have never seen so many alligators in the wild. You must visit! This was today 3/18/26. read more
2 years ago
Nice short trail, mostly on boardwalk. Lots of birds to see and some gators too. We went on a cold day, so not too many gators were out. read more
We stopped to walk the boardwalk trail during a recent bike ride and it was excellent! The views are beautiful and there were so many alligators and birds to watch. This is a great natural area that appeals to all ages. read more
I had heard about La Chua Trail for some time and finally checked it out when my sister was visiting. Everything I had heard about this short-walk trail and the ability to almost always see some alligators was true: we saw over a dozen in the water, on the banks, and amongst the reeds. At times they were only about 20 feet away. The obvious rules apply: don't get too close to them and they won't get close to you. It was a thrilling short little hike and for $6 per car admission fee, hard to beat on the price. I would recommend La Chua Trail to Gainesville natives and visitors alike. read more
We came here in February hoping to see some Bison and wild horses but nothing today. The observation deck was closed because the trail to get to it was too muddy bummer. But we did see lots of ducks that had migrated, and lots of baby alligators and different types of birds. The weather was beautiful and a great day for hiking. The trail is about a 20 minute drive from the entrance of Payne's Prairie, go through a residential area to get to it. There is about 20 parking spots and they have a port-a-john for a bathroom. The hike is not very long. 2 miles total trip. The day we went there was some guys out there photographing the birds with some very sophisticated cameras.! read more
7 years ago
What an adventure. I should begin by saying that I grew up in the west (California), lived for a while in the Northwest (Idaho), and now live in the Midwest (Wisconsin). Prior to my trip to Gainesville, I had never even seen Spanish moss. I was completely wowed by the wildlife here. The trail begins paved and winds its way through oak trees thickly adorned with Spanish moss. It's stunning. The entire trail is dense with green. Beyond the paved trail is a wooden boardwalk enclosed with railings that extends over swampland. Depending on the water levels, you can reportedly spy an occasional alligator. The day we were there the water was low so while we didn't see any alligators, we did see some pretty amazing birds. Donations are requested for entry. An amazing experience of Florida. Get to it! read more
7 years ago
Because of this adventurous and wonder trail, I want to move to Gainesville. La Chua Trail is just one gem found along the Hawthorne Trail. Porter pottys available throughout your stroll. Short boardwalk was the best part of the scenery. Spotted a countless number of alligators, a bison, and couple of horses. Varieties of birds may overpass you. Can I move to Gator City already? read more
5 years ago
Good place to see gators! Also you may see lizards, birds, tree frogs, possibly horses, and maybe bison. Bring a camera... don't bring your pets! read more
La Chua Trail is just one of the many trails available along the Hawthorne Trail. It is clear to see once you approach the Northern rim of Paynes Prairie, there is signage as well as detailed information about the (3 mile round trip) hiking trail. There is a small donation box (optional) when you enter as well as some portable style restroom facilities. I also read somewhere that animals are not permitted on this trail. The trail is mostly paved and winds through some historical stables. My favorite part of the trail is the long boardwalk that encircles the Alachua Sink and provides some of the best views of the prairie that I have seen so far. There are also shaded areas along the boardwalk for those who are interested in photography or birdwatching. I recommend visiting this comfy area early in the morning to draw or paint the scenery from more of an elevated view. Take SE 15th Street past Boulware Springs Park, and look to the right for parking. But, I prefer to park at Boulware Springs and walk over. read more
Ever changing, this ecosystem is a phenomenon I insist on viewing on every return to Gainesville. When it's wet, I've seen 40-50 gators, my mom claims 200+. The boardwalk at the beginning of the trail is good for viewing the Sink, and the lake usually teeming with gators. Lots of great bird watching too, I've seen Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Hawks, Buzzards, and during certain times of year, the Sandhill Cranes migrate to Payne's Prairie by the thousands. Personally, I've been just feet from hundreds of them as they dig through the prairie soil for worms and grubs, it is pretty amazing. Also, there are free range bison(check my pictures uploaded), horses, and wild boars. As of right now, the water is very low, so I saw zero gators today, but given time, the water and gators will return. Do yourself a favor and check the history of Payne's Prairie, it is actually a "dry" lake bed. In (the 1920s?) over a 2 day period, the whole lake drained into the Florida Aquifer, stranding boats, and residents running down to try to salvage the fish for food. Pretty amazing ecosystem. Go enjoy it!!! read more
Wow! What a spectacular place. I was in Gainesville for a week of training and I was pumped up to check out the local trails. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy all week. I really was looking forward to see some gators and the temperature wasn't looking favorable. Our last day in town the clouds cleared and it got up to 79 degrees. I was tipped off to head to Payne's Prairie Preserve, but specifically La Chua Trail. La Chua Trail is one of the many trails that can be explored in this State Park. It's a 3 mile trail that takes you across the marsh on an elevated boardwalk before dropping you down onto the hiking trail that leads to a observation tower I'm told is great for photo opps and wildlife spotting. Only problem was the trail was flooded from the last hurricane and underwater at the end of boardwalk. This preserve has bison, wild horses, water moccasins, birds galore, armadillos and Gators! I loved the Live Oak Trees everywhere. I was kicking myself for not bringing my Canon as there is no way to not take a beautiful picture. No sooner we entered the park we saw an armadillo minding his own business and we walked right up to it and took pictures. Different species of feathered species were everywhere. At the end of the boardwalk we got lucky and were rewarded with getting within 10' from 4 gators that were 8-10' in length and just chilling on land. I could of spent the week, all day, every day exploring this Gainesville Treasure. Parking/entry fee is $2.00 a person and $4.00 per vehicle. I'm looking forward to getting out here during warmer weather and water receded. I highly recommend you check this extraordinary display of what Florida has to offer if you are in the area. read more
6 years ago
Very nice nature trail . It is partial closed but it is still very nice and relaxing seen several birds , butterfly's and even seen a gator highly recommend. read more
7 years ago
Walk at your own risk people!! There are gators, and they ain't playin around. When I came to Gainesville I really wanted a dose of nature - and by nature, I mean I wanted to see an alligator in the wild. Little did I know it would be super easy! The local Yelp manager Cheyenne took me on this nature walk, we saw over a dozen alligators and she taught me everything I need to know. Read below for my top 10 observations from this adventure! #1: Run from crocs in a zig zag pattern. As a West Coast girl, I thought at first that Cheyenne was joking. But nope, she had a dead serious Floridian face when she said it. Apparently, alligators are bad at sharp turns, so when running for your life heed this advise. Also, I guess if you can stand bunched together with your pals you look bigger and the alligator will lose interest cause you seem to be too much trouble? Not sure if that's a proven fact, but I'd try it. #2: Be aware of your surroundings. Okay yeah, sounds basic, but with bison and snapping turtles and wild horses on top of the gator population? I really do not suggest looking down at your phone on this trail. You're on the bottom of the food chain around here. #3: Wear your curlers while your stroll (see my photo of my inspiration attached) I applaud you ma'm. Now that's multi-tasking. #4: Do NOT go to this trail early in the morning. That's when they fed and hunt. It's cray. Even the Floridians don't go then. #5: Do NOT go to this trail at night. I don't actually know if that's a rule, but you'd be stupid if you did. Just sayin. #6: Gator breathing sounds like dragons. And if you can hear it, you're probably too close. I learned this from experience. #7: Do NOT bring your dog. Gators think they are delicious. I'm pretty sure they'd eat your two year old too. #8: Birdwatching is a thing here and it's really good even with the naked eye. There are also some towers you could sit with binoculars that would probably be super interesting. #9: Spanish moss is the most beautiful, eerie, creepy and awesome thing on trees ever. #10: Baby Alligators are actually pretty cute. Thanks Gainesville for this experience!! read more
6 years ago
WOW. This is REAL Florida. We went around 10 AM, started in jackets we eventually shedded. The entrance we went into, had a boardwalk that went around the sinkhole. After leaving the wooden walk you are on a 6 feet wide or so dirt foot path. We spied sunning gators everywhere, both sides of the water. We actually only saw one at the sinkhole who was in the water. The path was closed further along due to high water, we watched the gators in close but safe proximity...and also saw many water birds, a few gulped fish in front of us, an eagle soar down and swoop up a fish, then headed to walk they the prairies. It was pretty sunny then so take lots water. No bison or wild horses for us today but will def check it out again. Cool place and only 5 to get in. Easy parking. A lot of space to spread out while hiking around. read more
4 years ago
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10 years ago
This state park is a little gem. It gets some traffic, but is a nice walk. One of the coolest things about it is the variety of wildlife you'll see while there. Sometimes it's the wild horses hanging around, other times the wild bison are there. A few times I've seen piny rooter hogs. I always see Alligators and beautifully photogenic birds. I've come here many times and it never disappoints. read more
12 years ago
Best place to hike if you want to get "up close and personal" with wildlife ( gators to be more specific). Just remember to keep a respectful distance. There is a wide variety of wildlife on the Prarie including wild cracker horses, bison, birds and reptiles (snakes included). read more
11 years ago
Amazing! This shows the beauty of the real Florida. I would not take young children as there are HUGE Gators right on the trail. I saw.more wildlife in 10 minutes than most people see in a lifetime. read more
6 years ago
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11 years ago
Awesome trail! It's great for beginners with a nice 3 mile hike. Avoid crowds so that you can enjoy the quiet and the animals. Avoid coming when it's really hot out. It's an open prairie so there is no shade. Bring binoculars or a telescopic lens if you want to get great views of the animals in the distance. read more
13 years ago
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12 years ago
More info about La Chua Trail
4801 Camp Ranch Rd
Gainesville, FL 32641
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Hours
Indoor Amenities
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