Alfred A. Ring Park
Written by Sandra Friend
Beat the heat with this shady, scenic hike above Hogtown Creek in Gainesville, where Solomon’s-seal blooms each spring and a wildflower garden hides beneath the forest canopy. I came here in search of a garden, and found a park. Having read that a small wildflower garden was tucked within this 22 acre park in northern Gainesville, I figured it was 
worth visiting for the sake of my botanical research. And the park I found surprised me. For such a small swath of land, it gives the perfect illusion that you’re wrapped in the embrace of a deep, dark upland forest, the kind that once blanketed these hillsides north of Paynes Prairie.
Guidebooks
Exploring Florida's Botanical Wonders
North Florida & the Florida Panhandle: An Explorer's Guide
Locator
Directions & LocationFrom the corner of University Avenue and US 441, drive north on US 441 to Glen Springs Rd (NW 23rd Ave). Follow it to the entrance for Alfred A. Ring Park on the left, entered through the Elks Lodge parking lot.
Overview
OverviewLocation: Gainesville
Length: 1.4 miles
Lat-Long: 29.674283, -82.347019
Type: round-trip and loop
Fees / Permits: none
Good for: botanical wonders, birding, children, wildlife watching
Difficulty: 2 of 5
Bug factor: 3 of 5
Restroom: Yes
There is a restroom, picnic shelter, and playground adjoining the small formal garden.
Map
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Details
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