Storify on Paynes Prairie

Bivens Arm: Hidden Trial of Gainesville

Bivens Arm is a lake and trial that is part of Paynes Prairie in Gainesville.
It is located west of US Route 441 and south of Archer Road. 

Bivens Arm is a unique environment, which supports a wide diversity of plants and animals. Tumblin Creek, drains into Bivens Arm creating this beautiful body of water. Bivens Arm overflows onto Paynes Prairie.

A beautiful trial takes you to and around the lake. It almost doesn't look like you are in Florida because of the thick trees and plants at your feet. I ran on this trail and around the lake. 

It is very marshy and the trees tower above. The length of the trail is 1.5 miles, but you can do it once, twice or even three times if you prefer to go on longer walks or runs. 

It is open 9-5 daily, and the people working at the front will tell you to be careful for alligators! All I say to that is Go Gators!!

Enjoy and explore this hidden treasure of Gainesville!!

Hello all! I am Evyn Moon. I am a college student studying telecommunications at the University of Florida. I have lived in Gainesville, Florida for almost 3 years now, and although it is a fairly small town it has TONS to offer. I have heard many people throughout the years say "Gainesville is nothing outside of the campus of UF." This just isn't true and in the next couple of weeks I can't wait to show you why this isn't true and the awesome hidden treasures that this small town has to offer.

I have always been one to seek adventure. Even when I spent 3 months in Atlanta this past summer, I found all the fun restaurants, hikes and fun spots to hang out as if I was a local. I enjoy finding the hidden spots in a town that tourists would never find. I hope to find the parts of Gainesville that are like this and to share them with you all.