San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
Distance: 7.0 mile round trip
Description:
State Preserve. San Felasco is noted for its diversity of plant and animal life, rolling hills, bluffs, ravines, stream valleys, and sinkholes. The two hiking trails- Spring Grove Trail and old Spanish Way each offer varied hiking experiences.
Spring Grove Trial will take you through shady hammocks, pinelands, and sand hills. Along the way you will see both dry and water filled sinkholes. This trail is named after the town of Spring Grove, which in the early 1800’s was the county seat of Alachua County. the actual site of Spring Grove is no longer known, but it is thought to have been located somewhere in this area.
The Old Spanish Way will take you through shady hammocks, pinelands, and flat woods. You will see many sinkholes and ponds and will pass through an area of pineland that is currently be restored to its natural condition after being devastated by a southern Pine Beetle infestation several years ago. This trail is named for a 17th Century Spanish0-Mission- San Francisco de Potano, the site of which is located in the eastern section of San Felasco Hammock.
December 2003
I couldn’t find a book of hikes for northern Florida and ended up asking at one of the few outdoor stores until I found someone who actually gave me good directions. This was a very nice and easy trail located, in true U.S. fashion, right next to an interstate. One of the signs at the entrance to the park actually warns that you can hear the interstate from any part of the park and if you get lost, simply listen for the interstate and it is on the west side of the park.
Here’s the pics (Click on the picture to see full size):
These are low res pictures. I can send you higher quality pictures if you want them
