Paynes Prairie is a state park located just south of Gainesville, near the little town of Micanopy. It is accessible from both Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 441. This 21,000 acre preserve is chock full of flora and fauna, and at times does not seem like the Florida most people think about. Payne’s Prairie is a living and evolving reminder of Florida’s rich cultural and ecological history, and a fine example of conservation at work.
Paynes Prairie is an incredibly diverse landscape that at once leads visitors through oak hammocks, pine stands, marshy grasslands, then vast and lush prairie lands. It is a photographer’s and wildlife lover’s paradise, with copious amounts of incredible native plant life and wildlife roaming the land, with everything from alligators, snakes, numerous birds, fox, bobcats, deer, wild horses, and even a herd of bison to be found and observed in their natural lairs. The herd of bison that lives on Paynes Prairie is not actually native to the Prairie at all, but was brought from Oklahoma in the 1970’s as part of an ecological restoration project, in hopes of restoring the Prairie to its pre-European settler conditions (it was then that bison roamed free on the prairie, and whose numbers were decimated by the Europeans and Seminole Indians living there). Today, the bison are thriving, with several babies having been born through the years.
The history of habitation of Paynes Prairie can be traced back to the 18th century, when a tribe of Seminole Indians took it as their stronghold. Led by Chief Ahaya the Cowkeeper, Paynes Prairie became their home and their livelihood. The Prairie is named for Ahaya’s oldest son Payne. Paynes Prairie became the first state preserve in Florida in 1971. This National Natural Landmark was first brought to the world’s attention when noted naturalist William Bartram wrote about it during a 1774 visit, referring to it as the “Alachua Savannah”.
Visitors to Paynes Prairie have their choice of activities. There are plenty of recreational activities at Lake Wauberg, part of the University of Florida, where visitors can fish, boat, and hike. There is also a wonderful visitor center that acts as an educational center, with exhibits, informational films, an observation platform, and some short walking trails. Other trails around and through Paynes Prairie are great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Some areas offer primitive camping as well.
There is a trail on Paynes Prairie for every fitness and interest level:
- The La Chua Trail – 3 miles along the North Rim of the Prairie. There are plenty of gators to see here, up close and personal! It is also a great hiking trail for avid birders.
- Cone’s Dike Trail – 8.25 miles. Hike or bike this trail. It’s by far the best trail from which to see the wild horses and bison.
- Bolen Bluff Trail – 2.6 miles, round trip. The highlight of the trek is the 50-foot observation tower from which the most amazing views can be seen.
- Lake Trail - .75 miles
- Jackson’s Gap Trail - .75 miles
- Wacahoota Trail - .3 miles
- Chacala Trail – 6.5 miles of loops that are ideal for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. This is a very quiet trail where many of the more elusive animals can be observed, like bobcats and turkeys. Bring your camera and your binoculars!
Paynes Prairie is not your typical Florida. It is a beautiful example of the natural Florida, and an excellent place to observe native flora and fauna!
Sources consulted:
"Paynes Prairie State Preserve State Park". Retrieved from http://www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie/default.cfm 3 April 2007.
"Paynes Prairie". Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paynes_Prairie 3 April 2007.
Robin Fowler - I am a freelance writer and a mom, and enjoy both jobs immensely. I have been obsessed with all things Greek, Roman, and Egyptian since ...
