This is a great birding site recommended by the Orange County and Seminole County Audubon Society…read more It's easy to find, just follow the directions from Map Quest or from the web page. The property has a small parking area. An unpaved road (follow the tire marks) leads through a older mixed forest of pine, oak and palm out to the shore of Lake Jesup. Most of the flats are used as cattle range. Walking gets rough once you near the shoreline, the muck chopped up under the weight of heavy animals. Plan to spend 2 hours or more. The shoreline offers opportunities to spot many birds--our list for today includes white pelican, solitary sandpiper, blacknecked stilt, large numbers of glossy ibis, white ibis, red-tailed hawk, red bellied woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, snowy egret, great egret, great blue heron, blue winged teal, coot, boat-tailed grackle, red-winged blackbird, palm warbler, a few more. No bathroom or picnic facilities on the site. Bring binoculars, bird book, water. Beware of alligators.

Now that I have had a chance to really bike the paths and see the deck on the lake, I can really…read moresay that all I want to do is go back! There are hiking and biking trails, but it is possible to bike the hiking trails, but the tree roots make it very difficult. You might have to dismount to stay safe, in some areas. This is a huge swath of woods to explore! The trail goes in many different directions, so pay close attention! Sometimes it looks like the trail ends, and then you get closer to where you think it will end, and you see the path ahead. This is an explorer's trail not a racer's trail. You can come out here for fitness, but you can't go full speed. Lots and lots of birds to hear, in the morning, and the deck overlooking the lake is quite nice! There are bugs, but they don't bite! Be careful as you go to the overlook deck by the canoe display. There are very small cypress knees that can trip you up or damage your bike, so eyes down as you explore! Pack a lunch, bring lots of fluids and have fun! P.S. There are lots of stinging nettles around...if you see a small, white, cute, 5-pedal flower, DON'T TOUCH IT!!! It makes fire ant's sting seem like a fun picnic!

Off the beaten path but close enough to Gainesville City. The parking lot entrance sneaks up on you…read moreso be sure to stay alert. Also the available parking seems limited but this place doesn't appear to be very popular. I haven't ventured far on the trail but I plan on visiting again soon for more exploration.

I love Single Vision and been a supporter of Carl's endeavor since Bruiser Bear was on his little…read moresurfboard many years ago. Anyone who loves wild animals who have been abused, abandoned, or unable to be released back into their habitat will enjoy seeing that they are special and loved by Carl and the employees and volunteers who care for them. Wish that I lived closer, but feel so fortunate that I was able to visit several times. Single Vision is worthy of your support and donations!

Amazing place! All the animals are rescues or zoo "rejects" that have found a wonderful forever…read morehome! The people who care for them absolutely love what they do and these animals are a top priority to them! The tour was glorious and safety if their priority! They could use the donations so recommend giving more than they ask for as their work is very worthy!

I have been to Gator Skeet and trap 4 times now and have had a great experience every time. I'm not…read morean experienced shooter and the staff is always extremely patient and helpful! They get me set up with the appropriate equipment and do their best to help me. The last time I went, Ed was assigned to my party and he was helpful and fun to work with! Everything is fairly priced and I walk out spending $25 for everything you could need. This is a fun place to go if you are an experienced shooter or just looking for a new different activity. I plan on going back soon!

Convenient and well maintained. Shells cost about the same as at Wal-Mart. How courteous is that?read more

Great February day kayaking with our 35# dog. DJ was spot on knowing that a single kayak would…read morecomfortably fit a person and the dog, We saw lots of bird life along the cypress groves on Lake Sante Fe and enjoyed exploring the canals. Super easy and fun, a great rental.

Today at the Melrose boat launch ramp, I witnessed some truly unacceptable behavior from a local…read morebusiness owner. DJ, from DJ's Kayak and Canoe Rentals, aggressively confronted an elderly couple who were simply trying to load up their boat and leave. DJ had just arrived at the ramp with his trailer of kayaks right as the couple began loading up. It took them less than five minutes, but during that time, DJ loudly berated them, making snide remarks and pressuring them to move their trailer so he could back his in. His tone was hostile, impatient, and completely uncalled for. After the couple drove away, DJ continued to mock them in front of his clients, sarcastically repeating "Welcome to Melrose" and making further rude comments. I can't confirm this part, but I believe I also overheard him say something disrespectful about other kayakers launching nearby, including a comment about someone's service dog. Seeing all this, I felt compelled to leave a review on his business page, because this kind of behavior isn't just unprofessional, it's damaging to the welcoming, respectful atmosphere our community is known for. If someone treats locals this way, I personally don't think they should be supported by the community. Below is the response he gave to my review on Google.

This is another state park around Gainesville, and once you start walking the trail, you understand…read morewhy it is named the way it is. There are roots of sweetgum trees raised up and on the path, so it is not conducive for biking or even running. Walking through the path, (at least the part of the trail I was on) is very constricted. There is lots of foliage and thick vegetation. It is pretty because of the green lichens and moss that is growing on the ground. Tons of sable palms that contribute to keeping the trail isolated and hidden. There are no vistas, save one, that looked like it was swampy when the water levels are normal. There was a tree that fell across the path, so I had to dismount to get my bike across. I went through this part of the trail, but it did not inspire me to go search out other sections....at least not today. A path to take a slow walk with a friend or signif other, but other than being a botanist or just curious, this trail does not inspire a return trip.

Just across the street from the Newnan's Lake Conservation Area, the Gum Root Nature Park is tucked…read morebetween two major roadways and a landing strip. This means there is a lot of traffic noise, but a noisy trip into nature is better than none. The gorgeous tree canopy, meandering creeks and lake view make it totally worth checking out! Round trip was about 2.25 miles including an unmarked access road. There is also an unmarked spur trail heading east that possibly connects to Newnan's trails. The 2-3 benches along the loop make this a great trail for kiddos and those that might need to sit and rest along the way. Parking is only at the south trailhead, do not use the address in Apple Maps, it will take you to the North trailhead. No picnic tables/pavilions, and no water or restrooms.

Beautiful. Clean well maintained beaches with bathroom facilities, and plenty of parking…read more Not a drop of dirt or trash anywhere.

We came here as we're still exploring dog friendly beaches and ensuring that beach only allows…read moreleashed dogs. My dog doesn't like being approached randomly by dogs so being around off leashed dogs is always a risk. We do extensive research when going to beaches for her since she loves digging and swimming. Overall it was a very clean beach and we love how spread out it was for our reactive dog. It is on the the top list of dog beaches for us to visit!

Aka Twin Lakes Park Keystone Youth Soccer Club since it's leased to the Keystone Youth Soccer Club…read moreInc. Nice park of 50+ acres along the Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail that has lots of parking, a flush restroom (near trail), soccer fields, nature trail, tennis courts. It's a nice stop when biking along the state trail! They are currently improving there park (equipment in the background). Large parking lot. Signs up that say "no dogs" but on this visit there were a few dog walkers (photo deleted so they don't get busted).