La Chua Trail
Gainesville, Florida
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.
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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.
4.0
Great place to see gators, birds, turtles, and if you’re lucky, wild horses and buffalo.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
Nice spot if your a photographer, video maker, or just want to walk around.
4.0
Leave No Trace
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