Thanksgiving already has Turkey Trots, but for residents who want a more casual outdoor walk, here are some top pocket, neighborhood and city parks in the Gainesville area.  

Whether between first and second breakfast, first and second lunch, or first and second dinner, it’s a good idea to squeeze in a walk, get outdoors and stay active over the holidays. That’s why we live in Florida, after all.  

Add your own favorites in the comments section. 

Flatwoods Conservation Area 

2010 NE 31st Ave. 

Located opposite Ironwood Golf Course, Flatwoods Conservation Area contains 158 acres of mesic and wet pine flatwoods, along with a basin swamp and a cypress dome.  

The trail is short, but you should hit a mile going out and back. Perfect for a little break during halftime.  

Palm Point Nature Park 

7401 Lakeshore Drive 

Astute Mainstreet readers will remember that Palm Point Nature Park was also on my February list of Hidden Gems: 9 Alachua County parks and preserves worth visiting.  

But I’m not just copying past homework. In the last nine months, the city of Gainesville voted to give Palm Point to Alachua County to manage. Plus, Alachua County voted to designate Lake Shore Drive, the access road to the park, as one of six other scenic roads.  

So, it’s a good time to visit, walk down the scenic road and think about any recommendations to the county for their management. The county is considering expanding the parking lot and potentially adding a canoe/kayak launch.  

It’s also just a pretty area—hence the upcoming scenic road designation.  

Green Acres Park 

643 SW 40th St. 

Tucked into the back of the Sugarfoot neighborhood, Green Acres Park offers short trails, a playground and space for throwing boomerangs (or however others use open areas).  

The park also has access to Sugarfoot Prairie Conservation Area and Clear Lake Nature Park. It’s a nice neighborhood to stroll through and discover connections to other areas.  

Split Rock Conservation Area 

6400 SW 20th Ave. 

If you want the city scene to fade away, consider Split Rock Conservation Area, with 241 acres and around 2 miles of walking or biking paths.  

You’ll quickly be surrounded by trees and boardwalks instead of traffic. However, Split Rock can be tricky to visit if you live outside walking distance. The conservation area doesn’t have a parking lot, so visitors will need to plan the logistics of the visit.  

But the walking/biking-only entrance can be a positive for visitors who want a quiet spot to explore. 

Also, double points to the astute Mainstreet readers who realized Split Rock was also in my February roundup of hidden gems. I’ve no excuses this time.  

Alfred Ring Nature Park 

2424 NW 23rd Blvd. 

With parking available at the Elks Lodge, this park packs over a mile of paths into 21 acres along Hogtown Creek. It’s tucked into the heart of Gainesville and can be easy to pass, but a trek through the park is worth the stop. 

The park features a playground and a pavilion.  

Four Creeks Preserve   

South: 6845 NW 37th St. 

North: 8400 NW 13th St. 

Another county-operated preserve, Four Creeks provides just over 2.5 miles of walking trails. Like Split Rock, there’s no parking available for the preserve—though Alachua County has considered adding one.  

The 715-acre site is home to plenty of wildlife, and you’re likely to see a deer along the way. The county notes that these trails can get muddy, but with little rainfall recently, it may be the perfect time to visit.  

Be sure to add your local favorites below.