Outstanding birding opportunities, the area's best off-road biking, stunning scenery and a rich historic past are a few of the preserve's highlights.
The preserve is named for the Mission San Francisco de Potano, the primary town of the Potano-Timucua at the time of Spanish contact as well as the location of the mission that was built in 1606.
The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys and many species of songbirds inhabit the 18 natural communities found in the preserve.
The park offers outdoor adventure to hikers, off-road bicyclists, horseback riders and nature lovers. To ensure solitude and quiet for a true wilderness experience, the southern two-thirds of the park are designated for hiking only.
The northern third of the park offers trails for horseback riding, off-road cycling and hiking. Equestrians must carry proof of a negative Coggins test.
The North Trailhead (horse trails, off-road cycling, hiking) is located off U.S. 441 at 13201 San Felasco Parkway, Alachua, FL, 32615.
The South Trailhead (hiking trails only) is located at 11101 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL, 32653.