paynes prairie preserve state park

We have gone in the northern entrance twice. Each time we saw a great many huge alligators, some very close. There were also many birds, including Sandhill cranes. On our last visit, an armadillo almost tripped over us on a heavily used path. Unfortunately, when we went in late February most of the cranes had already begun their northern migration. Our one visit to the southern section was disappointing. We saw very little wildlife on our walk along Cone's Dike Trail, but we did see what appeared to be many bison tracks. Too, the visitor center was very pleasant and informative and was well staffed and had nice, clean rest rooms. Early morning and early evening rides along the park borders on 441 were very productive. We saw many Great egrets, Snowy egrets, White Ibises, and Wood storks, as well as a Bald eagle and various song birds.

Who would have thought that in the middle of Florida there exist a 20,000 plus acre preserve, the Paynes Prairie Preserve, where wild Spanish horses and bison have roamed freely for as long as 500 years. I hiked the 8 mile Cone's Dike Trail on the southern part of the preserve. The trail is on a dike that goes through a variety of wetlands that are not only inhabited by the bison and wild horses, but hundreds of alligators. Since you are hiking on a dike, when you encounter wildlife, you options are rather limited. While there is a sign warning hikers to stay 50 to 100 feet away from alligators, bison and wild horses, they do not tell you what to do if that is not possible. In this one hike I encountered alligators sunning themselves on the dike and not inclined to go anywhere. Also at about the 3.5 mile mark, I came across a herd of 8 wild Spanish horses grazing on the fresh green grass on the dike. As they approached me, I stood off to the side and watched as these incredibly beautiful creatures cautiously came up to me, sniffed around me a bit and then proceeded on down the trail. Later I came around a bend and found a lone bison standing in the middle of the trail. I was not too concerned about just one bison, but within a minute, a whole herd of a dozen bisons came up onto the trail and started starring at me. This standoff lasted about 30 minutes before I felt comfortable to proceed by them moving very slowly. it turned out to be a great adventure, but I think the park would serve the public better by giving better information on what to do when encountering wildlife and turning around is not an option.

In today's somewhat sterile world, its kind of amazing to walk as close as you dare to dozens of these dangerous animals, some that look like they are 10 feet long. The Alachua Sink trail is covered with them. Real Florida nature and its free to boot.

We tent camped for two nights in February 2015. The campsites were quite good with vegetation between sites as a privacy buffer. The bathhouse with showers was exceptionally well thought out and clean. Roads were in very good condition. The key pad at the entrance was convenient to use after a late arrival. And the staff at the visitor's center were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The tower was closed for repair which was disappointing. The Cone Levee Trail is very inaccurately listed as a trail. It is actually a perimeter road that was just a few inches high. in the mile, I walked it the "trail" neither provided access to the interior nor an overview of the prairie.

The view is gorgeous, the sky out there was so blue, and the background was just amazing. My wife was like a little kid looking into the marsh trying to find Gators :)

Wanted so see alligators while visiting our son at UF. He took us to La Chua Trail where I expected to maybe see one alligator. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw dozens and dozens. It happened to be a beautiful day, many were far away, but definitely visible. While walking on the trail we encountered at least 10 sunning themselves. It was very cool, but a little scary thinking they are within striking distance, there are no park rangers for protection. Other than spending time with our son this was the highlight of our weekend in Gainesville. We also saw a white wild horse and many birds.

We visited here with family that live in Gainesville. We went to the the southern end and took a short hike to a view over the massive prairie and than visited the the northern area where we saw lots of alligators sunning themselves. The alligators have right of way, so be sure to keep an eye on your children. It was amazing to be within 25-30 feet of alligators with no barrier between! Be smart and give them their space! When visiting the Gainesville area, this is a must see!

This place was gorgeous! The sun was shining, the sky was super blue and the birds were chirping!! The place was just breathtaking!

An easy stroll through flat grounds to see multiple massive alligators is always worth it. Went on a holiday weekend, so it was jam-packed with families - so don't expect a quiet journey into nature unless you go early in the morning. Went on a sunny day so that the gators would up on the banks sunning - so there were plenty of opportunities to be as close to them as you feel comfortable.

I only spent 2-3 hours inside because of lack of time. But the sceneries were gorgeous! I love the animals inside. I saw alligators and horses!

There are campgrounds, trails and wildlife abounds here. This is a must-see for those nature-lovers and bird watchers.

We went this last weekend and reserved 3 tent sites. We had a great time the facilities were clean, the showers were hot and had great water pressure. The sites were well separated where you felt as if you had privacy. The Jr ranger program was entertaining for the kids. The surroundings were beautiful. We also hiked the aloocha trail in which we saw alligators, birds, armadillos and bison.

Wonderful Park right outside Micanopy:)...loved the convenience of this Park...Still needing A Wal-mart Supercenter!! Its 15 miles to Gainesville OR Ocala! whew!

My first time seeing alligators in the wild (on the La Chua trail, if I remember correctly). Saw some gorgeous birds and wild horses too. It's an amazing place.

I visited the main visitors center and walked very nice trails and found one gator sunning its self. THEN I went to the access in south Gainesville, walked across the wooden paths onto grass paths and came to a large pond with many, many gators. And big ones just off the path. Beautiful.