I'm just as guilty as the next person when it comes to looking for a place to hike: I head to the rural areas, well away from the noise and traffic, to find the best hiking experience. I turned that typical behavior upside down this past Sunday when I explored some of Gainesville's Natural Treasures, as outlined in a brochure from the City of Gainesville. All three of the parks were firmly within city limits, one even being within a stone's throw of one of the busiest intersections in town, and yet ... it was a different Gainesville, a forgotten side where rapids (yup!) burble and Appalachian wildflowers grow on cool ravine slopes. Check it out for yourself! [1]