Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park has been used for at least 12,000 years. Paleo peoples, Cades pond tribes, Potano Indians, Spanish explorers, Seminole Indians and finally by American cattlemen that pushed down from the north. Today, the park is home to wild bison, scrub cattle and Spanish horses, all descendents of the original animals that Indian and European settlers brought with them.

William Bartram, our nation's first naturalist/artist explorer, described this land as the Great Alachua Savannah. These wide open plains were rich in plant life, wild grazing animals and Native peoples when William first passed through this area in 1774.

Since his first visit then to today's time now, many visitors have used this land for farming and hunting. It was bought by the state of Florida from its last residents, the Bolens in 1970. It became Florida's first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated a National Natural Landmark.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is all about the hiking. There are eight different hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties throughout this 21,000 acre preserve. The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a paved trail that skirts the preserve that is perfect for biking and hiking in an easier setting. The Cones Dike Trail is the longest and most difficult at 8.3 miles. Bison and Spanish wild horses can sometimes be seen grazing in the prairie.

The Chacala trail is an equestrian/multi use loop trail system about seven miles long. This trail explores some of the upper reaches of the prairie as well as a few of the ponds and old fields. Wild turkey and bobcats have often been spotted along this section of the trail.

Even if you're not a big hiker and you don't ride horses, you can still explore this amazing Florida savannah prairie. The visitor center house displays on the culture, history and natural features of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Park staff helps to enrich the tale of this area even further.

Once you've explored the area, you may want to spend the night at the campground. Lake Wauberg is a full facility campground with access for RV's, trailers and tents. Lantern posts, picnic tables, fire rings and electricity/water are available at all sites. A hot shower area wraps up the amenities.

For more information on this amazing Florida state park, visit the website here.