Paynes Prairie

Paynes Prairie is a lengthy trail tour in Gainesville, Florida. It provides three miles of round trip hiking and walking with some of the most panoramic views of the Alachua Sink area.

The trail tour uses the famed La Chua Trail that runs through the heart of the local prairie wetlands and marsh. Visitors are guaranteed to see a good number of native and migratory cranes and alligators. A large platform at the end of the trail gives a view of the entire sink area.

Though the trail tour runs from 8am until an hour prior to sunset, this nature preserve trail tour is subject to the weather and does not run on holidays. Close to the trailhead, visitors can camp out at the full facility camp ground, which accommodates minimal RV hook ups.

Popular activities that the tour also encourages along the trail include biking and hiking. In fact, the trail is easy enough for even young children and elderly people to enjoy, though it may take them a bit longer to get around.

Paynes Prairie is a unique trail tour and is unusual given that prairie land is rarely seen along the coast. Its three mile hike is very popular, especially in the summer. However, hikers should take plenty of water as the area is very exposed and there are few drinking water outlets.