Split Rock Trail is a 1.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Gainesville, Florida that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Split Rock Trail is a loop trail through oak forest and wetlands in Gainesville, Florida. There is no paved parking lot, park in the grass on the side of the road by the trailhead. About 1/3 of the way through the loop going counter-clockwise there is a small trail on the left that leads to a large limestone boulder formation. The formation is split in two, hence the name "Split Rock Trail." Feel free to climb around and explore the formation at your leisure, but keep an eye out for snakes - venomous snakes such as the Eastern Diamondback are common in this environment. There are several small ponds off the trail which are sometimes used as catfishing spots.
Keep an eye out for the side trail leading to the split rock - it is unmarked and looks like an animal trail. If you get to the loop shortcut going CCW, you've gone too far. Carry a stick with you to knock down spider webs, especially on the split rock side trail. Bug spray is a necessity.
Heading west down SW 20th Ave, cross over I-75. The trailhead is on the left. Park in the grass on the side of the road - there's usually a couple cars parked at the trailhead.
January 3, 2021Peaceful. Well-defined other than one small part.
January 3, 2021Nice short hike. A little mushy on the back side. Keep GPS handy, but pretty well worn for 80% of the hike.
September 13, 2020This trail was a bust. The main loop dead ends into a swamp. We turned back and took the bypass, the bypass then dead ends into 6’ tall brush (in the pics attached). In addition there are several fallen trees that haven’t been cleared and more mosquitoes than any other trail I’ve been on in Gainesville.
May 13, 2020March 29, 2020Beautiful hike! Some of the trail is a little overgrown. Still fun though!
February 25, 2020Great trail! I can see where it would be buggy in the summer, but great in February. Saw five deer, some hawks, found a turtle shell. Nice wide trail for kids too.
November 24, 2019Neat trail but dead ended in Marsh. Went around first dead end on edge of Marsh then it dead ended into another one.
October 22, 2019nice Trail but the mosquitoes were horrible. I would not suggest going on that trail unless you have lots of mosquito spray or it is in the winter
October 6, 2019Had a nice walk in the woods, bring a little bug spray. We couldn’t make it all the way around the loop, it was flooded on the left side of the loop, as well as the longer side of the bypass leg too. Would come back.
July 6, 2019
First to ReviewThis is a cute but very buggy trail. When we did it, we both had a few bites and had to rush home after my sister broke out in hives. The trail itself is a nice little hidden treasure, I’ve driven past many times but never knew it was there
November 26, 2020October 11, 2020April 25, 2020March 31, 2020March 29, 2020March 8, 2020March 1, 2020February 29, 2020February 9, 2020January 10, 2020September 6, 2019September 3, 2019April 13, 2019March 1, 2017February 25, 2017
