Solar Walk

I wonder if traffic reports along NW 8th are described in relation to the planets. "A car is broken down on Northwest 8th in Gainesville, between Neptune and Uranus."

As a local its really cool to see this as a popular focal point in Gainesville and for roadtrippers to pick it up is very cooler. Go and walk the solar system they have them all including PLUTO!!

Truly unique and really unusual, and since it is free....its a real deal!

This is a must see if visiting Gainesville, Florida. It is, be adults or children, both visually appealing, educational, and awe inspiring. It is not a "short" walk, especially in the heat of the Florida late Spring to early Fall weather when temperature can be 90°F or higher from noon until sunset. If viewing during the prevoiusly mentioned time of year, I recommend doing it before noon, and certainly before 2-3pm due to the afternoon thynderstorms (albeit fairly short duration 30 -60 minutes) that can quickly develop, especially during the middle of Summer. A one-way walk is approximately 1 mile and if you take the time to study and appreciate each planetary "obelisk-like" monument's art and information, have younger children, and take photos you could easily spend 1 hour to view the entire display. Even at a more brisk pace it could take 30 minutes. Remember, that is only one-way, you would still need to return back to your car if parked near the "Sun" terminus of the display. Just for a comparison; when I cycle by it at 15 mph it takes about 3-4 minutes one-way from start to finish. So bring some water just in case since the display is not shaded.
My only negative remarks are that the initial placards at the start of the "walk" have protective shields which are weathered and may be difficult for some to read. Also, there are small quotes inscribed/painted on the individual monuments that been a victim to aging and weather. If these two areas were refurbished it would help bring the overall experience up a notch. There also does appear to be missing artistic details (inlaid items) on the monuments that could be attributed to aging, or possibly vandalism; but they, in my opinion, do not detract from the overall experience as I doubt children would notice, nor many adults.

There is also a nice nature trail directly accessible from the Solar Walk called Loblolly Nature park (intersects with the Hogtown greenway) following part of the Hogtown creek with about a 1.5 mile trail one-way with some boardwalk sections. That trail is well shaded with many side spurs to view the natural environment including areas of the creek passing through it. That trail is great for walking, but also accepts bicycles and is best done with hybrid, gravel and/or mountain bikes, but wider tire road bikes can also navigate the trail. In general tires should be about 38mm/1.5" or wider to ride with ease, comfort, and safety (note: I have travelled on it with 25mm road bike tires, but you should have above average cycling skills to do that and it is dependent on the trail's condition at the time of riding).

Not far from this general area (west of the intersection of NW 8th Ave and NW 34th St) is Cofrin Nature Park off of NW 8th Ave with another nature trail (approx. .5 mile loop) that has similar conditions as the Loblolly trail, includes educational placards along its route, and also has some areas for reflective thought including a small labyrinth (great for younger kids) and stone sculpture with many sitting areas.

Overall the entire area provides a good place to take an hour or two (or more) to see a unique informational and artistic display, as well as enjoying some of northcentral Florida's nature. Please note that there is parking in the area, but none directly on the Solar Walk itself which runs along NW 8th Ave. There is a bike lane integrated with the street, as well as a wide concrete walking/cycling path adjacent to and running the entire length of the display. Best parking (about 100 to 200 feet from the Solar Walk) would be across the street (northside of NW 8th Ave) accessible off of NW 34th St at the Westside Recreational center (1.5 miles of walking/hiking trails, kids play area, swimming/waterslide, skate park, tennis, etc.).

Lastly, when walking and cycling in these areas I have never found them to be overcrowded in any way. I sometimes never see anyone, but generally I observe only a half dozen or so people who are always friendly and like-minded.

Other nearby parks in the area within 10 to 15 minutes driving or within 30 minutes cycling (at about 10mph) from the Solar Walk are Possum Creek Park (nature trails and killer skateboard/bike facility), Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park (nature trails, displays, guided sinkhole tours), Hawthorne Trail (paved cycling and walking trails, horseback riding), and
Boulware Springs Park (displays, trails) to name a few if you want to take a day or weekend to explore the areas surrounding Gainesville Florida. As a non-local I love the variety an ability to see a lot without having to travel very far to do it. Also, very low or no cost!

Please be advised that as another reviewer erroneously stated this is not near Florida State Univ. (different city altogether), but is in an area near, but not adjacent to, the northwest part of the University of Florida's campus (albeit separated by about 1 mile), and as mentioned there is parking very close by. I have never seen the display area overgrown as it is adjacent to the street and regularly tended by the city. Even the nature trails are well kept, within reason (it is a nature trail), being free from fallen trees and branches.

It's right along Florida States campus and is kinda over grown, no parking so you can't stop and walk the monuments but we got some good pics

Very nice walk in the middle of the woods.