Things to Do in Alachua, Newberry and the Northwest
Rolling farmland, a giant sinkhole and some of the county's best trails northwest of Gainesville.
See top-rated activities »About Alachua and Newberry
Northwest of Gainesville, the land rises into gently rolling hills of pasture and hardwood forest that surprise visitors who think of Florida as flat. Two small cities anchor this part of the county. The city of Alachua, which shares the county's name, has a restored Main Street of brick buildings, restaurants and shops, and Newberry, to the southwest, is a farm town best known for its long-running spring watermelon festival.
On Gainesville's northwest edge, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park protects a bowl-shaped sinkhole about 120 feet deep and 500 feet across. A wooden staircase of 132 steps leads down past small waterfalls and ferns that thrive in the cooler air near the bottom, where the temperature can feel noticeably different from the rim. It is a short visit, but a memorable one, and the climb back up is good exercise.
A little farther out, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park covers about 6,500 acres of upland forest, sinkholes and ravines, with dozens of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It is a National Natural Landmark and one of the best examples of mature hardwood forest left in Florida. The trails are quiet on weekdays and can be muddy after heavy rain.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park, west of Gainesville near Newberry, shows how a Florida farm family lived from the 1850s into the twentieth century. Its farmhouse, kitchen, cane mill and outbuildings are original, rangers and volunteers in period dress work the gardens and animals, and the park holds seasonal living-history days such as a fall cane boil. Combined with lunch in Alachua or Newberry, these sites make an easy country day out of Gainesville. Pack water and insect repellent for the trails, and wear shoes with good grip for the Millhopper stairs, which can be slick after rain.
Don’t Miss
A sinkhole about 120 feet deep with a 132-step boardwalk staircase to the bottom, on the city's northwest edge.
About 6,500 acres of hardwood forest and sinkholes with long trail networks for hiking, biking and riding; a National Natural Landmark.
A working farm museum with original 1800s buildings, heritage animals and seasonal events such as the cane boil.
A restored downtown of brick storefronts with restaurants and shops, and a steakhouse that has been a local fixture since 1988.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Alachua and Newberry
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Get free trip quotes »Alachua and Newberry — FAQ
How long does it take to visit Devil's Millhopper?
Plan on 45 minutes to an hour to walk the rim trail and take the staircase to the bottom and back. The park is small, and it closes earlier than some larger state parks, so check the hours.
Can you mountain bike at San Felasco?
Yes. San Felasco Hammock has an extensive network of trails for mountain biking, plus separate hiking and equestrian trails. Some trails close after heavy rain to prevent damage.
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