Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Trails
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a Florida treasure, rich in human and natural history. During his Florida travels, the noted 18th century artist and naturalist, William Bartram, wrote of this area, calling it the "great Alachua Savannah." Long before Bartram visited, the prairie was home to its first known inhabitants, the Paleo-Indians who arrived here around 10,000 B.C. Over the years, many groups have occupied the land from Archaic and Timucuan Indians, to the Spanish and English prior to Florida’s statehood. Within this national natural landmark, twenty distinct biological communities such as wet prairie, pine flatwoods, hammocks, and ponds provide a rich array of habitats for animal life. The prairie is a prime wildlife viewing area. This park offers opportunities for hikers, bikers and equestrians to explore its natural and historical wonders.
Major Activities: walking, hiking, biking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trail Length/Surface: paved park road, 2.6 miles; unpaved trails, nearly 20 miles
Fee: Park Admission
County: Alachua
Nearby Towns: Gainesville, Micanopy
Notes:
The park’s paved entrance road (Savannah Boulevard) provides a nice walk or bike ride under a canopy of trees. Cone’s Dike Trail is suitable for hikers and bikers, while Chacala Trail is suitable for equestrians, hikers and bikers. La Chua Trail (not shown on map) is suitable for hikers and is accessible from the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park
Access/Directions:
From Interstate 75, take Exit 73 (new Exit 374) to CR 234. Head east on CR 234 through Micanopy for 1.4 miles until you reach US 441. Take a left and proceed .6 miles until you reach the park entrance.
From Gainesville, take US 441 south to the main park entrance.
Contact Information:
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy, 32667
(352) 466-3397
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