Gum Root Park

Gum Root Park is a 741-acre nature park located in Gainesville, Florida. The park is predominantly composed of floodplain swamp, featuring a canopy of cypress and gum trees. It is situated on the northern shore of Newnans Lake, offering visitors a diverse array of natural communities to explore.

The park's landscape includes several distinct ecosystems such as blackwater stream, floodplain swamp, xeric hammock, baygall, pasture, and pine flatwoods. The upland portions of the park consist of scrubby flatwoods, remnant flatwoods, and a 20-acre pasture. This variety of habitats makes Gum Root Park an excellent location for wildlife viewing and birding.

Gum Root Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, otters, alligators, and numerous bird species. The park's proximity to hundreds of acres of state conservation land further enhances its ecological value and wildlife diversity.

Visitors to Gum Root Park can enjoy hiking along the park's trails, which wind through the different natural communities. These trails offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe the park's flora and fauna up close. The park also provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet natural setting, despite its location near a busy county highway and the local airport.