Two miles north on Hwy 441, wild horses and bison roam the 21,000-acre Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park . This slightly eerie preserve’s wet prairie, swamp, hammock and pine flatwoods have more than 34 trails, including the 16-mile Gainesville–Hawthorne Rail Trail, slicing through the northern section. The 3-mile La Chua Trail takes in the Alachua Sink and Alachua Lake, offering alligator- and sandhill crane–spotting opportunities.
Just north of the visitor’s center, climb the 50ft observation tower for panoramas. Campsites cost $15, and include water and electricity.
