Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
About Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER
David Jowers
Thanks for visiting our website. Spring is a great time of the year to explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The Preserve encompasses over 22,000 acres of recreational opportunities to enjoy this time of year, such as cycling, walking, equestrian trails, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and boat ramp access to Lake Wauberg. We have a staffed Visitor Center with displays, video, and a 50 ft. observation tower to experience the beauty of the preserve. We also have cell phone tour stops around the preserve to enhance our visitor's experience. Learn more or download a guide to area tour stops at Dial and Discover.
For more information, please visit Friends of Paynes Prairie or call the Ranger Station at 352-466-3397.
Things are heating up on the prairie. A variety of colors can be seen as the spring flowers are in bloom, bull gators are bellowing along the La Chua Trail, and daytime temperatures are beginning to rise! As the days get warmer, it becomes a great time to explore the hammock and flatwoods found along trails at the southern park entrance off US 441. Or go for a paddle on
We are also looking for volunteers to help with the following projects: Grant Coordinator, Maintenance Mechanic, Visitor Center Host, Ranger Station Host, and Resource Management Volunteer Team.
If you have experience with exhibit fabrication, please contact Amber Roux at Amber.Roux@dep.state.fl.us or 352-466-4966.
DESIGNATIONS
GETTING HERE
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located 10 miles south of Gainesville, in Micanopy, on the east side of US 441.
Coming from the north on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right).
Coming from the south on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn right at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go about 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right).
Coming from the north on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right).
Coming from the south on I-75: Take exit 374, the Micanopy exit, and turn right at the end of the exit ramp. You will then be traveling east on CR 234. Stay on this road 1.4 miles until it intersects with US 441. Turn left onto 441 and go about 0.6 miles to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (on the right).
GET INVOLVED
- Volunteer -
Volunteers and interns are needed at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Positions include visitor center host, trail monitor/roving interpreter, photographer, writer/proofreader, grant writer/coordinator, carpenter (maintenance), public relations coordinator, interpreter/educator/motivator, toll booth collector, fundraiser , special event co-coordinator and other special projects. The park is also assembling a resource management volunteer team. Paynes Prairie Preserve rangers will lead group projects in the field, including, but not limited to exotic plant removal, fence repair and removal, old rail bed restoration, planting projects, maintenance projects and clean-up projects. For more information or for a volunteer application, please email Amber Roux or call 352-466-4966.
- For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
- Friends of Paynes Prairie, Inc.
- 100 Savannah Boulevard
Micanopy, 32667
CONCESSIONAIRES
PET POLICY
- Florida State Parks Pet Policy
Pets are permitted in most areas of the park. Pets are not permitted on playgrounds, in bathing areas or in park buildings. Due to potential conflict with alligators, snakes, and bison, pets are not permitted on the Bolen Bluff Trail, Cone's Dike Trail, and La Chua Trail.
