Gainesville - Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals.

The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views.



There are over 420 vertebrates identified in the park and more than 270 of them are birds. Paynes Prairie is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. There are many observation platforms and wildlife viewing areas located throughout the park. Some of the animals commonly seen include sandhill cranes, bald eagles, alligators, otters, deer, bobcat and snakes.