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Natural Features | Cultural Heritage | Preserve Management | Recreation Ranger-guided ActivitiesTake a walk on the "wild side" and accompany a park ranger on a guided activity and gain a better understanding and appreciation of the magnificent beauty and splendor of Paynes Prairie "...the Real Florida." Reservations required: Call the visitor center (352) 466-4100 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily for further information. November to April Activities Prairie Rim Ramble: The prairie rim ramble is a half-day hike of approximately 3.5 miles. The heavily shaded trail rambles around an array of fragile sinks beautifully described by William Bartram 200 years earlier. A panoramic view of the extensive freshwater wetland can be experienced from Persimmon Point.
Overnight Backpacking Trip: Wildlife Walk: The wildlife walk provides a wonderful opportunity to observe many plants and animals that inhabit the marsh and wet prairie ecosystem. The earthen dike trail is 3-miles round-trip from the trailhead to an observation deck overlooking Alachua Lake. Alligators, along with a wide variety of birds, are often seen during this 3-4 hour activity.
SPECIAL Programs: The themes for these Saturday morning hikes, walks, or rides will vary. Topics will include the history of Paynes Prairie, identifying trees, flowers, and plants, birding by sound, canoe/kayak tours of Lake Wauberg, a ride through history on the Gainesville Hawthorne trail, and more! Call the Paynes Prairie Visitor Center for details, 352.466.4100.
Natural Features | Cultural Heritage | Preserve Management | Recreation |
The overnight backpacking trip is a moderately strenuous hike of approximately 6.5 miles over level to slightly rolling terrain. The hike begins midmorning Saturday with a 4.5-mile hike to a primitive campsite on Persimmon Point. Sunday's hike skirts along a 2-mile section of the picturesque north rim of the prairie basin. The trip concludes around noon at the starting point.