Details

Preserve Hours:
​8:00AM - 6:00PM November through April
8:00AM - 8:00PM May through October

Preserve Brochure:
Sweetwater Preserve Brochure March 2020.pdf

Preserve Rules:

• Pack out what you pack in.
• Trails are for pedestrians and cyclists only
• Multi use trails are used by hikers and bikers; bikers must yield to hikers.
• Preserve patrons may not establish new trails without permission from Alachua County.
• Help prevent erosion by staying on the trails
• Leashed dogs are allowed on trails provided owners pick up after them.
• Collecting plants, artifacts, or fossils is prohibited.
• No taking, harassing, or killing of wildlife without written permission from Alachua County.

Advice For The Trails:

• Natural areas and wildlife may be hazardous. Stay alert, stay on the established trails, and stay safe.
• During wet weather, trails may be under water.
• Be prepared for rough or soft trails. Some roadways are used for firebreaks and are periodically harrowed.
• For your comfort and safety wear sunscreen and a hat, use insect repellent, and carry water.

Trails Description:
West Trail - Rating: Easy. This series of loop trails meander 1.75 miles along Sweetwater Branch and through upland mixed and floodplain forests. Much of this area was pasture many years ago and the native species you see have naturally recruited into the area.
Sandy Trail - Rating: Moderate. In a short 1.2 mile walk you will see 8 different natural communities including; sandhill, xeric hammock, sinkhole lake, baygall, seepage stream, upland mixed forest, mesic flatwoods and floodplain forest.

Intersections on the West Trail have been numbered to help orient visitors to the trail.

No picnic or restroom facilities.

Trail maps are available at the Preserve or you can request a brochure by emailing the link on our contact page. Brochures are available in alternate format on request.