LEAFS Preserve
Accessibility Information
Parking Lot Description
LEAFS Preserve has two different trailheads. The Lake Alto Trailhead is located at the Lake Alto Park owned by Alachua County. The LEAFS trailhead is south of the parking lot, or to your left if facing the boat ramp. North of the parking lot is a different preserve operated by Alachua County.
The park has paved parking spots, a boat ramp, playground, trash cans, a paved trail to a picnic area on the lake, and accessible restrooms. The LEAFS trailhead contains an informational kiosk with printed maps. The Blueberry and Lake Edge trails are located here.
The other trailhead is located on County Road 1471, just south of Lake Alto. There is a small mowed area for 2 cars to park off of the road. The trailhead contains an informational kiosk with printed maps. There are no restrooms, water, trash cans, or seating. The Longleaf trail is located here.
Blueberry Trail (Blue)
Trail Length: 0.9 miles
Steepest slope: 1%
Total elevation gain: 2 feet
The Blueberry Trail is a loop trail that begins and ends at the kiosk and is marked with Blue blazes. Starting to the right, the trail takes users through a longleaf restoration area that has been managed with prescribed fire for several decades. The trail surface is a combination of mowed grass and soil. There are very few hazards or protrusions. A few hundred feet into the Blue trail, there is a turn, off to the right for the Lake Edge trail marked in Orange. The Blue Trail continues through the pine flatwoods, eventually returning to the kiosk and parking area.
Lake Edge Trail (Orange)
Trail Length: 0.25 miles
Steepest slope: 2%
Total elevation gain: 5 feet
The Lake Edge is a side trail off of the Blueberry Trail. It moves visitors closer to the edge of Lake Alto. The trail is mowed grass and soil, however, it can be wet and muddy at certain times of the year. The trail eventually comes to a fork in the path. Left will take visitors back to the Blueberry Trail. Right will take visitors a few hundred feet to the edge of Lake Alto where a bench offers a lovely shaded view of the lake. Be careful, Alligators may be present!
Longleaf Trail (Green)
Trail Length: 1 miles
Steepest slope: 2%
Total elevation gain: 8 feet
The Longleaf Trail is a loop trail that starts at the County Road 1471 trailhead. It takes visitors through a longleaf pine restoration area that has been managed with frequent prescribed fire. The trail is mowed grass with little to no protruding roots. The trail can be wet and muddy at certain times of the year. A few hundred feet into the trail, the trail splits and becomes a loop. Users can choose left or right, with both directions returning to the same spot.
Contact ACT for more information or comments about our accessibility of our preserves by calling (352)373-1078 or emailing info@alachuaconservationtrust.org
