Outbound Collective logo

La Chua Trail

Gainesville, Florida

4.6/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

2.55 miles

Elevation Gain

98 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brent Goodman

Located on Paynes Prairie State Park, the La Chua Trail leads visitors by the Alachua Sink where the prairie’s marshland waters descend into the Florida aquifer. The trail takes visitors approximately 1.5 miles into the prairie to an observation tower.

Located in Gainesville, FL this easy to moderate trail is approximately 3.1 miles round trip. Approximately a quarter of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that is handicapped accessible. Along the hike, you'll often see alligators, wild turkeys, wild horses, bison, and various migratory birds.

There is limited shade on the trail. Summer time visitors should be prepared with plenty drinking water, sunscreen, and appropriate apparel. This hike is not dog friendly.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Reviews

good for birdwatching and seeing gators in the summertime. the last i went most of the trail was still closed due to flooding. recommend bringing hat for shade. i think it can be biked to from the gainesville-hawthorne trail but bikes can’t go on the la chua trail. wear hiking shoes or else something you don’t care about, can be muddy and watch out for bison poop.

Great place to see gators, birds, turtles, and if you’re lucky, wild horses and buffalo.

I absolutely love this place. It’s so magical and peaceful. Right now the trail is closed though, thanks to flooding from hurricane Irma. The water is the highest I have ever seen it. The tradeoff is that there are many birds and other wildlife that you wouldn’t normally see there. (Limpkins!!!) Also, the park isn’t closed- you can still go out on the boardwalk.

This is a great place to visit for locals or visitors. There are alligators up and down the banks of the creek as you walk along. We have been as close as 2 feet from some of them. There are also wild horses and buffalo near the lookout at the very end.

Nice spot if your a photographer, video maker, or just want to walk around.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Sweetwater Wetlands Park Loop

Snorkel & Dive at Devil's Den

Hike at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Swim at Blue Springs Park

Hike the Bear-N-Oak Trail to Indian Lake

Dive Devil's Spring System: Eye and Ear

Escape to the Sunshine

VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.

Learn More