Step into nature and explore Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve
A hiking trail meanders through Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve, a property that helps protect water resources in Alachua County.
Discover the beauty of Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve, located in Alachua County. Spanning 2,856 acres, this St. Johns River Water Management District property not only protects vital water resources and supports native plants and wildlife, but also offers the opportunity to explore an extraordinary slice of natural Florida.
An essential part of a larger network of public lands in eastern Alachua County, Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve was jointly purchased by the District and Alachua County to protect both Orange Creek and Ocklawaha River basins. The acquisition also helps preserve environmentally sensitive lands and protect wildlife habitat.
Just six miles southeast of Gainesville, the reserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts and educators alike. “Professors bring their students here to learn about the land,” says Amy Copeland, the District’s west region land manager. “It’s an ideal outdoor classroom and a great example for future land management professionals.”
Visitors can explore five miles of scenic, blazed trails on foot, by bike or horseback, experiencing a range of natural communities including a swath of 100-year-old natural pines. The uplands consist of wet and mesic flatwoods and sandhills, while several small wetlands flow into a larger basin swamp, which eventually drains to the River Styx and Orange Lake. For those looking for an overnight adventure, a reservable primitive tent-only campsite offers a unique way to experience the property.
“You can truly make your own adventure,” says Copeland. “Take a peaceful walk along a quiet trail, and with each season, there’s something fresh to discover—whether it’s new plants in bloom or a bird in a different stage of nesting. You can go at your own pace and simply enjoy the experience.”
Plan a visit to Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve today! Check out the District’s online recreation guide for a property map, driving directions and more at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/longleaf-flatwoods.
