Hiking in Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park

Lowland hammock. Photo by Kathleen Larsen

In Alachua County is one of Florida’s largest wildlife preserves. Off of US 441 in Micanopy is Payne’s Prairie with over 21,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and hammock habitats. Right off the highway is a boardwalk leading to an outlook that takes you out into the middle of the wetland in the prairie. This area provides a huge expanse of habitat for the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and many other semi-aquatic species such as water snakes and frogs. Along US 441 which runs through the eco-passage, has a high mortality rate for the small animals that live in the prairie. Walking down the highway and identifying the roadkill species is a good indicator of what lives in the park. Payne’s Prairie offers a variety of trails for a hiker with any level of experience. Hiking trails through Payne’s Prairie are for foot traffic only. No motorized bikes or cars are allowed on the trails.
 

Family of wild horses (Equus caballus). Photo by Kathleen Larsen

For a short day hike you can take the Bolen Bluff Trail which is 2.8 miles long which crosses through sandhill habitat. On this trail you may see gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) looking out from their burrows right off the trail. Look in the crook of tree branches for brightly colored eastern corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) resting. Some of the more common animals you may see are the northern green anole (Anolis c. carolinensis), eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis s. sauritus), and the southeastern five-lined skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus). If you are a budding entomologist these trails are great to find spiders such as the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia). A rare treat to come upon while hiking are wild horses (Equus caballus) or bison (Bison bison). If you hear leaves crunching, walk quietly in case it is one of these animals. The horses may let you walk right up to them, but remember that despite how tame they seem, they are still wild animals and might get defensive if they are spooked or feel threatened.
 

Black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia). Photo by Kathleen Larsen

When you are ready for a break, sit down under the shade of palmettos and let the bird songs relax you. Whether you are in the mood for a vigorous hike or a relaxing one, Payne’s Prairie has what you need.