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Paynes Prairie Preserve
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a Florida State Park located south of Micanopy, Florida, off U.S. 441, and north of Interstate 75. The park is a National Natural Landmark and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, horses, alligators, and over 270 species of birds. The park also features a variety of hiking trails, camping, canoeing, and horseback riding. Visitors can also explore the park's historic sites, including the Micanopy Historic District, the Paynes Prairie Visitor Center, and the La Chua Trail. The park is also home to the Paynes Prairie Natural Area, which is a designated National Natural Landmark.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Nicole B
This is a great park if you want to get some hiking in while keeping an eye out for wildlife! We spent 5-6 hours through out the park at several different entrances/locations. We hiked multiple trails including the la chua (alligators), bolen bluff (bison), observation tower (bison), and half of cone's dike trail. We also stopped at the eco passage observation boardwalk and saw 12+ wild horses using our binoculars. Make sure to take a paid of binoculars as you will want them for a better chance of seeing wildlife if they don't happen to be up close.
Maureen Kennedy
Went to Visitor Center very early Sunday morning. The Ranger was very friendly and helpful. Beautiful Florida natural area, quiet and peaceful in a canopy of wild palms and live oak. We saw a couple of smaller birds by the observation tower, but had better luck with larger birds on the fishing boardwalk. The owl was a bit elusive :-)
Scott G.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a true gem and my absolute favorite state park in Central Florida. This stunning park offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure. From the sweeping views of the prairie at the observation tower to the diverse trails that take you through forests, wetlands, and scenic vistas, there’s something magical around every corner. The wildlife here is unparalleled—you might spot bison, wild horses, alligators, and countless bird species. The campsites are well-spaced, clean, and surrounded by nature, making it a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or just soaking in the serene landscape, Paynes Prairie delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors!
Elizabeth Carnley
We really enjoyed Paynes Prairie. I’ve been four times and each time I get to witness the beauty of wildlife. This past trip on 1/1/2025 I saw two bald eagles near their nests, wild horses and humongous alligators. Walking the Dike trail two miles in is nearly a guarantee you will see amazing sites. It’s worth the hike. Be sure to make it in the cooler months since a good portion of the trail is in full sun.
Janet Stiles
Beautiful state park with lots of hiking and bike trails. We used the main entrance of the park where the information center and shop is located. It is $6 a car load to enter the park. We walked to the observation tower by the information center and enjoyed some beautiful views from the deck. The trail was well maintained. After leaving the visitors center, we drove down to the lake where there is a boat ramp and camping available. After hiking around this area, we decided to drive over to the North Entrance of the park. This area has a beautiful boardwalk and areas to look over the water. We saw lots of birds and a couple of alligators and rabits. We went on a rainy day, so that might be why we didn't get to see a lot of wildlife. It was a beautiful hike.