Reservations for
Florida State
Parks are now
made through
Reserve America,
toll free, at
1-800-326-3521
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PAYNES
PRAIRIE STATE PRESERVE
 This 21,000-acre preserve is among the most significant natural and historic
areas in Florida. In 1774, noted artist and naturalist, William Bartram
wrote a detailed description of this area. He called it the "great
Alachua Savannah."
Within this national landmark,
twenty distinct biological communities such as wet prairie, pine flatwoods,
hammocks, swamp and ponds, provide a rich array of habitats for animal
life.
WILDLIFE
Most of the animal life he described still abounds here today, including
sandhill cranes, eagles, hawks, waterfowl, wading birds, alligators and
otters.
RECREATION
Recreational activities include bicycling, camping, picnicking, fishing,
hiking trails and horseback trails. A boat ramp is available
for canoes, sailboats and boats using electric motors only.
VISITOR CENTER
A visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Several exhibits and
an audio-visual program interpret the natural and cultural history of the
preserve. Ranger-led hikes are offered on
Paynes Prairie State Preserve is located 10 miles south of Gainesville on US 441 at Micanopy.
For more information, contact:
Paynes Prairie State Preserve
100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy, FL 32667
(352) 466-3397
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