Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve

Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve

​Preserve Hours:
Oct. - March 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
​ April - Sept. 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Brochures
Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve
Little Lake Santa Fe Informational Video

About Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve:

The 69-acre Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve was purchased in 2021 by the State of Florida through the Florida Forever Program. Alachua County entered into a long term management lease with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection after the purchase of the property.

Located east of Waldo on the shore of Little Lake Santa Fe, this preserve is part of the headwaters of the Santa Fe River. The Santa Fe River System, including all of Lake Santa Fe, is designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway due to its exceptional recreational and ecological significance. Approximately 23 acres of the preserve’s wetlands are included in the Outstanding Florida Waterway area, protecting over 800 feet of lake frontage.

Conserving this land helps to protect local wildlife and water quality in the Santa Fe River watershed, and in the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Natural communities within Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve include basin marsh and basin swamp, both of which play an important role filtering pollutants and excess nutrients before they enter the lake. The uplands are mostly relict loblolly pines and are in the early phases of restoration to an upland pine community.

Visitors to the preserve can enjoy a one-mile hike through the pines and along the wetland edge.

Preserve Rules:

• Trails are open from 7 AM to 6 PM October-March and 7 AM to 8 PM April-September, 365 days a year. Visitors on the preserve outside these hours are trespassing.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• No littering or dumping.
• Trails are for pedestrian, bicyclist, and equestrian use only.
• Cyclists must yield to hikers and equestrians.
• Hikers must yield to equestrians.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
• Preserve visitors may not establish new trails without permission from the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD).
• Help prevent erosion by staying on the trails.
• Visitors and their pets are not allowed to enter wetlands.
• Collecting or disturbing plants, animals, artifacts, or fossils is prohibited.
• No taking, harassing, or killing of wildlife without written permission from Alachua County EPD.
• Leashed dogs are allowed on trails provided owners pick up after them.
• Igniting fires on the preserve is prohibited.
• Camping on the preserve is prohibited.
• Areas of the preserve may be monitored by remote cameras.

Advice For The Trails:

• Certain natural conditions, plants, or animals encountered on County lands may be dangerous. Visitors are responsible for exercising reasonable caution and care in threatening situations or areas.
• Stay alert, stay on the established trails, and stay safe.
• ​During wet weather, trails may be underwater or seasonally flooded.
• Be prepared for rough or soft trails – some trails may be utilized for firebreaks and are periodically harrowed.
• For your comfort and safety, wear sunscreen or a hat, use insect repellent and carry water.

Trail Description:

Hikers, bikers, and local equestrian users can enjoy the Marsh Trail – a one-mile loop blazed orange winding through the pines and along the edge of the wetlands on the preserve.

The Short-cut Trail is 0.1 miles and offers a shorter route, splitting the Marsh Trail in half.

Important Notes:

• Pets are allowed only on Leash.
• ​No access to Lake Santa Fe from the preserve.
• No equestrian trailer parking available at the preserve.
• No drinking water available at the preserve.
• No restrooms or picnic facilities are available at the preserve.
• Trail maps are available at the preserve, or you can request a brochure by email using the link on our contact page. Brochures are available in alternate format on request.