Saarinen Preserve
Accessibility Information
Parking Lot Description
The trailhead is a mowed grass parking lot with lots of space for equestrian trailers. There are some limestone boulders that protrude in some spots. They are marked with yellow paint. The trailhead contains an informational kiosk with printed maps. There are no restrooms, water, trash cans, or seating.
Yellow Trail
Trail Length: 1.1 miles
Steepest slope: 2%
Total elevation gain: 40 feet
The Yellow trail begins at the trailhead and heads through some old planted slash pines on a trail of dirt and leaves. The pines are being burned by ACT staff every 3 years. The trail then comes to a large opening of grass with a bench and several shade trees. From here trail users can pick 3 directions to go, with options for continuing on the Yellow trail or starting the White trail loop. The trail winds through the property, passing a few small sinkholes and numerous large longleaf pines that ACT is restoring to a natural state with hardwood thinning and prescribed fire. There is an option to take the Blue Trail as a longer loop or continue on the Yellow. The trail is mostly soil and leaves, with a few areas having loose soil and some occasional rock and root protrusions. The Yellow Trail terminates at the White Trail.
White Trail
Trail Length: 0.7 miles
Steepest slope: 2%
Total elevation gain: 29 feet
The White trail begins and ends at the large grassy opening in the middle of the preserve. The trail surface consists of soil and leaves and has some root and rock protrusions in some areas. Trail users will be treated to several large Longleaf pines that are being cleared around.
Blue Trail
Trail Length: 0.5 miles
Steepest slope: 1%
Total elevation gain: 4 feet
The Blue Trail is a side trail that comes off the Yellow. It hugs the Southeast, Southern, and Southwest parts of the property before returning to the Yellow Trail. The trail surface is the same as the Yellow trail.
Red Trail
Trail Length: 0.3 miles
Steepest slope: 1%
Total elevation gain: 8 feet
The Red trail connects the Yellow and White trails, passing through the parking area along the western boundary of the preserve before terminating at the White trail. Most of the trail is mowed grass and changes into soil and leaf litter surface towards the northern last 0.2 mile of trail.
Contact ACT for more information or comments about our accessibility of our preserves by calling (352)373-1078 or emailing info@alachuaconservationtrust.org
