Cofrin Nature Park – Gainesville, FL

As you may have noticed, 2 unwelcome visitors arrived at Cofrin Nature Park over the Thanksgiving holiday.  We suspect they travelled north along the Beville Creek watershed from Sugarfoot Prairie and have temporarily set up camp at Cofrin Nature Park.  Feral hogs are not native to Florida and are causing a lot of damage to the natural and recreational areas at Cofrin. Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs staff are attempting to live capture the animals.  Please avoid approaching or feeding these feral hogs.  They can be unpredictable and dangerous if provoked or fed by hand. If you have any questions, please contact Stefanie Nagid at 393-8425. Thank you!

Invasive Plant Control at Cofrin Nature Park
Contractors are currently working to control invasive cat’s claw vines and other non-native plants at Cofrin Nature Park. This work is funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and is part of the City’s commitment to maintaining, protecting, and restoring the natural resources of the park. The park will remain open, but visitors may encounter work crews while the work is underway. For more information, please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs at 352-292-5067.

In the heart of urbanized west Gainesville, Cofrin Nature Park features a half-mile long hiking trail. Once a horse farm, much of this park is returning to forest through natural succession. Large hardwood trees are found in the forest along picturesque Beville Heights Creek, and seepage wetlands on the slopes above the creek support lush growths of ferns and wildflowers.

Park hours
7:00 am—6:00 pm daily
(Nov—Apr)
7:00 am—8:00 pm daily
(May—Oct)
30 acres

Attractions Parks Recreation Things to Do