:  Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Hike

Location: Paynes Prairie SP. 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, FL. 32667 (352-466-3397). Get directions to Visitors Center at the park entrance. $4-6/vehicle or FL State Park Pass.
Time: 9:30 AM Meet at Paynes Prairie Visitor Center parking lot. Circle time and sign in FTA AOR.
Leader: Maria Fiedler
Description: This will be a ~4 miles hike. Visitors Center, Observation Tower, Cones Dike Trail and return to the parking lot. We will stop periodically to appreciate the flora and the fauna of this unique 22,000-acre 1st Florida state preserve, purchased in 1970 by the State of Florida to preserve the original Florida. This is a mostly a shady hike with steps up/down from the Observation Tower and then, Cones Dike Trail, which is sunny, sandy, gravel in parts, and slightly uneven terrain.
For those staying post hike, we will drive 10 mins to the Lake Trail overlooking Lake Wauberg for bring your own picnic lunch option.
Directions: Drive south on SW 13th St/ 441 to Paynes Prairie SP entrance, on your left, before Micanopy.
General Information: Dress to comfort. Bring water/snacks/picnic lunch of your preference. Bug spray advised.
Bathrooms: Yes
Other amenities: Bring your own picnic lunch. Bring binocular. If we are fortunate, we will site wild horses, bison, birds, alligators and seasonal blooms. Visitors Center has exhibits if open, depending on staff coverage.
Dogs allowed: NO
Restricted to: Current 30 FTA members and friends & family.
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