Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Micanopy, Florida: The great Savannah seems to stretch as far as the eye can see and provides home to many species of animals as well as a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.  Encompassing over 20,000 acres, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is an outdoor lover's dream, providing plenty of hiking, camping and wildlife watching opportunities.

Located just south of Gainesville in the little town of Micanopy, Paynes Prairie has a rich history.  It has been inhabited for over 12,000 years according to historians.  It's wildlife has helped to sustain many Indian tribes including the Alachua band of the Seminole tribe. The park was named after the band chief's son, Payne.

The rich land of the park is also thought to be a hunting spot for Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto during his march through Florida in summer of 1539. It is believed that De Soto and his men stopped here on the march from Itaraholata to Cholupaha or present day Goethe State Forest and O'Leno State Park. This bit of history landed Paynes Prairie on the Hernando De Soto Trail by the National Park Service.

Before becoming a state park, Paynes Prairie was the state's largest cattle ranch.  Evidence of this can be seen by the park's wild horse and bison population.

Paynes Prairie became a Florida State Park in 1971.  It was the state's first preserve state park.

Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities at the park.  There are eight trails that take visitors into the heart of the wilderness.  The park also has a visitor's center and a 50 foot observation to enhance your adventure.

The park also features a 50 site campground for those who want to extend their stay at the park.

Paynes Prairie is a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail.  It is also a National Natural Landmark.

Because of its vast size, there are several access points to the park.  The main entrance is located on US-441.  The Bolen Bluff Trail access in located along US-441 several miles north of the main park entrance.  The LaChua Trail is accessible from SE 15th St in Gainesville.  There is also an observation boardwalk on both US-441 and I-75.

Admission to Paynes Prairie is $6.00 per vehicle.

Click on the photo above to see my Paynes Prairie Photo Gallery.

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