Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a unique park we discovered just outside of Gainesville. On a calm, pleasantly cool morning in January, we spent a couple of hours strolling down boardwalks and gravel trails which meandered through the wetlands that border Paynes Prairie State Park. From the ponds ducks, herons, cranes, egrets, loons, coots, and other waterfowl filled the air with their distinctive calls while alligators sunned themselves on the banks. The park attracts birdwatchers, as well as, plein air painters, and joggers. For those who want a more in depth study of wetlands, tours are offered on Wednesdays and some Saturdays. This is one park we will definitely revisit.

The park has a network of trails which vary from a short boardwalk hike over the wetlands to trail loops of one mile or over one mile, depending on which trail or trails are taken. The outer portion of the loops invites hikers to a view of nearby Paynes Prairie. Overlooks are scattered throughout the park where covered benches provide a shaded spot to rest.

The park is located in Gainesville, Florida off of Williston Road/Highway 121. There are restrooms available.