La Chua Trailhead

Beautiful, well maintained trail. Very easy with a stroller as well and not too long or hard of a hike with lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife. There's a good chance of seeing alligators when the weather is cool (in the 60s) and sunny. There's usually a lot that come out of the water to sun themselves. But even on an average day there are birds everywhere, and the landscape is breathtaking, just with the deep blue colored water and bright green plants. Definitely worth a visit.

Was a great place to visit and see beautiful grand old trees and dozens of alligators. There is a safe elevated boardwalk that does go down to open ground level. You can walk right alongside the ponds and alligators if you want. I was not that brave! But plenty of opportunities to take pics and look at the scenery. A couple outhouses if you need them. You don't have to walk very far to be able to see everything, all abilities can check it out easily. There was a table set up with a few people (rangers?) offering educational information about all the wildlife there with some models etc. Parking is close to the boardwalk.

Never a bad day at La Chua! It’s such a quiet and pleasant walk out the boardwalk. Nearing the end of the day, before sunset, you can spot as many as 15 alligators! Highly recommend as a walking, running, or sightseeing destination.

Great trail to see Paynes prairie wildlife, especially alligators. There are a lot of interesting birds around during the daytime in spring.

Very easy and short, can be completed even if you aren't fit. If you find this hard, better go to Depot park or a gym.

500 alligators. Up to 20 feet long. There were so many lining the lake shore I thought they were sediment control black tires at first. We were safe on the elevated walkway. Creepy signs warning us to be outta there by dark (when they eat) and for good reason. I will never forget this place. If I had a toddler with me, they’d be up in my arms the whole time!

This is the place to go to see alligators if you're just a tourist. We found this through Lake City birdwatcher foundation. We had gone on bird watching explore and they highly recommended La Chua!!!!
We absolutely loved it!!

$4-$6 honor payment park fee.
The best trail to go to see alligators! Nice board walk but then goes into un fenced area so be careful ! Bike trail too

Easy to find. Paved and boardwalk part of the ways. Is fairly accessible for those in a wheel chair or scooter. Best time to see a lot of gators is winter. Best time to see active gators is spring. Lots of birds in winter. There are other animals to see if you're lukcy such as Snail Kites, hogs, bison, and wild horses. No pets for good reason. Keep small children close as there is little to protect them from gators once you're past the boardwalk area. DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE!

Easy walking, elevated boardwalk that leads out to well maintained walking area along the river. Lots of alligators and other wildlife. Longer portion of the trail is currently closed due to water conditions.

Boardwalk and trail leading to an alligator filled lake. Weathered buildings and remnants of an old railroad. Up close with alligators and many seldom seen wading birds. If you are lucky, the occasional bison sighting.

The closest I’ve ever been to wild gators and the most I’ve ever seen at one time! The trail is beautiful and easy, we were so glad we made the drive.

Living nearby, we come here probably twice a week. The scenery can change drastically in just a few days, so there's always something new to see. On our list of everyday animals are gators, snail kites, red shouldered hawks, great blue herons, egrets, whistling ducks, and more. Occasionally you will see bison, horses, armadillos, snakes, golden eagles, and bald eagles. Just keep your eyes peeled!

Beautiful park with quite a bit of pavement. There’s a long boardwalk that takes you through the wetlands that eventually lead to some small lakes and prairie ground. You’ll definitely see plenty of wildlife, including alligators.

Me and one of my friends went down this trail together. We had a great time. Got to see a few gators, one up close by the end of the walkway was sitting by the water by the bench at the end of the ramp. Overall a beautiful place with great sights to see. Gotta check this place out when in Gainesville

Easy stroll down a mostly paved (and wooden boardwalk) for about a mile and a half. Then a grassy walk past a couple of wetlands. The last portion was closed due to high water but it was still worth the effort. (11-2-2023)

This was a real eye opener. We went during full sunshine as recommended. Herons by the hundreds. Alligators by the hundreds. Beyond cool. A real education.

Awesome place if you like crowds on your hike. The gators are right there, nothing keeping them from you. They just bask in the sun.

Beautiful trail went alot of wildlife. Seen over 50 alligators today. Very easy hike.

Great experience if you want to get close to gators that are used to people. 20-30 cars in the lot. Room for a lot more.

No better place in Gainesville to find alligators — usually, a lot of them and as close as you want to get. Also some truly magnificent live oaks, particularly one tree next to the old stables. Kids love it here.