O'Leno State Park Out-and-Back

Dogs Unknown

Located not too far from Gainesville, O'Leno State Park provides park goers with a great opportunity to get out in nature and experience what the interior of Florida has to offer. With a combination of cool sinkholes, abundant hardwood forests, wildlife, and a fun suspension bridge on tap, this area has plenty to keep you entertained as you hike. And be sure to bring a camera for the inevitable photo opportunities you'll find along the way.

From the starting point, head out along the Dogwood Trail until it ends at the road. From this point follow the road to the right for a short distance before finding the entrance to the River Trail. Take the River Trail as it loops around the forest to eventually reach a junction with the Sweetwater Trail. For those wishing to experience the full hike, head down and back on the Sweetwater Trail, but know it's roughly 6 or 7 miles of trail to tackle. Those wishing to keep their hike to a shorter length can simply skip the Sweetwater Trail and follow the Paraner's Branch Trail back to the junction from earlier. At this point, return to the road and the Dogwood Trail to reach your starting point.