Jackson's Gap at Paynes Prairie Preserve

paynes prairie preserve state park flordia

Park Overview

Designated as Florida’s first preserve in 1971, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is now nearly 23,000 acres of preserved Florida wilderness. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, horseback riding, or learning more about Florida’s wildlife, this “great Alachua savannah” offers activities for everyone.

There are 30 miles of multi-use trails that travel through 25 natural habitats with an abundance of plants and animals. If you’re traveling with your own furry companion, stick to Jackson’s Gap, Chacala, and Lake Trails to avoid alligators. If you’re craving intense adventure, check out Cones Dike Trail, where you can hike or bike alongside bison, deer, alligators, horses, and other prairie pals. The trails range from a 0.3-mile loop to an 8+ mile round trip, traversing mostly flat terrain through pine and scrub flatwoods, swamp marsh, and the prairie basin.

The best place to learn more about the park’s natural habitats, history, and cultural significance is at the award-winning Visitor Center, a beautiful indoor haven of elaborate exhibits.

Archie Jackson paynes prairie state park florida — Archie L. Jackson (on left) circa 1890 (Florida Memory)

Jackson’s Gap

Jackson’s Gap Trail is named after Archie L. Jackson, a local cracker cowman. In the 19th century, Jackson was one of the most predominant cowmen in Florida and son of a confederate veteran. On this land, he led cattle through the gap in the fence where the trail meets Chacala Pond.

Florida has the longest ranching history in the nation, beginning with the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early 1500’s. After the Spanish were forced to leave, horses and cattle became part of the Timucua and Seminole tribes. Later, pioneers who owned or herded cattle were referred to as “cowmen” or “crackers”. Today, the south is full of “cowboys,” and many Spanish stallions have free roam within Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

Jackson’s Gap Trail at paynes prairie preserve state park — Jackson’s Gap Trail

Our Adventure

Starting our journey from the north end of Savannah Blvd., we hike along Jackson’s Gap Trail, a 1.2-mile pet-friendly path through the heart of Paynes Prairie marshes. We follow the red blazes down a wide, sandy path that passes by the brick remnants of Jackson’s honeymoon cottage and narrows along wet pinelands canopied by shady oak trees. Jackson’s Gap connects to Cones Dike Trail (north through the prairie) and Chacala Trail (bordering Chacala Pond).

Lake Trail

The 0.8-mile Lake Trail leads to 300-acre Lake Wauberg, passing through an open field. A gopher tortoise wanders around the exposed scrub flatwoods. Lake Wauberg Recreation Area features a boat ramp, picnic pavilions, an amphitheater, and observation decks.

Observation Tower

The main attraction is the 50-foot Observation Tower, accessed from the Wacahoota Trail behind the Visitor Center. We climb up three wooden zigzag levels of stairs to reach the expansive panoramic views of the prairie from the south rim. Deer, bison, and wild horses graze along the marsh. A bright blue, clear day casts down on fields of green with small smatterings of wetlands at the prairie basin.

Paynes Prairie Preserve Trail System

South End:
Wacahoota Trail – 0.3-mile loop (access Observation Tower)
Lake Trail – 0.8 miles (access Lake Wauberg)
Jackson’s Gap Trail – 1.2 miles
Chacala Trail – 6.5-mile loop
Cones Dike Trail – 8.25-miles round trip (no pets)

North End:
La Chua Trail – 3 miles round trip (no pets)
Bolen Bluff Trail – 2.6 miles round trip (no pets)
*Cycling is permitted along the park drive, Chacala, Bolen Bluff, Jackson's Gap, and Cones Dike Trails.
*Jackson’s Gap and Chacala Trails are also for equestrian use.
Gainesville-to-Hawthorne State Trail (16 miles, multi-use)